Following on from his much-loved 2023 EP 'Dark Patterns', Bristol-based artist Macatier is back on the grind once again to deliver his pulsing new single 'Fade Away'.
Bringing back more of that bold and riveting post-punk-inspired aesthetic he is known for, 'Fade Away' makes for an incredibly rich and welcoming return for him. With its smooth and brooding textures, lofty atmosphere, and his own impactful vocals at the helm, he returns to us with one of his more compelling efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The drums when I was 13. There was something about the sound and feel of it - it just clicked.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of American pop-punk bands like Blink-182. That was my gateway into other punk rock groups like Rancid, Operation Ivy, and NOFX. Their energy and sound had a huge influence on my taste in music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
“Conspiracy of One” by The Offspring.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Anything off Radiohead’s “OK Computer”. That album is a masterpiece - musically and lyrically.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really - my songwriting process is pretty fluid, and creativity tends to come in waves. There are times when I’ll go months without writing or making new music. But then something will spark inspiration, often unexpectedly, and I’ll dive back in for months at a time. There’s no set routine or ritual; the only consistent thing is the inconsistency.
That said, I’ve learned that writer’s block never lasts forever. The inspiration always returns.
Who are your favourite artists you’ve been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to a lot of IDLES. They’re from Bristol, where I live, and their energy is like nothing I’ve heard in years. It’s amazing that their first gig was at my local pub, and now they’re making huge waves across the music world. I’ve also been getting into Turnstile - they have a similar intensity.
On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve been revisiting Ben Howard, especially his darker, moodier albums. There’s a very atmospheric feel to his music that I keep going back to.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Modest Mouse
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Seeing the music go out into the world, and knowing that something you created can resonate with others, even in a small way. It makes all the effort and uncertainty worthwhile.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The social media game. It feels like there’s a constant pressure to always be online promoting yourself, rather than making music. It can be draining.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
No matter what, if the music is good, people will eventually find it.
-
Macatier's new single 'Fade Away' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.