Award-winning pop singer-songwriter Matt Thompson returns with his electrifying new single 'Echo', a high-energy release that channels the glossy nostalgia of early-2000s pop while exploring the emotional complexities of modern relationships. Known for pairing infectious hooks with candid, emotionally driven songwriting, Thompson continues to carve out a distinctive space in the pop landscape, building on the success of his debut album 'No Shame' and the momentum of his sophomore project 'Accelerate'.
Originally written at the piano before evolving in the studio with producer Ryan Binhammer, 'Echo' transforms from a stripped-back idea into a shimmering, synth-laced anthem. Beneath its polished production lies a relatable emotional core, capturing the quiet anxiety of feeling like a partner’s past is still present. It’s a track that turns insecurity into something cinematic and expansive, blending nostalgic sonics with a distinctly contemporary narrative.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano. I took my first lesson when I was 6. The first song I learned to play was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My first core music memory was the Y2K pop that Christina, Britney, Backstreet and NSYNC were doing. And making “Echo” felt like a full circle moment in channeling that energy and connecting with that era.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Oops…I Did It Again! And I still listen to it 26 years later.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Hotel California
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Honestly, no. I know that makes for a boring answer but I started out just as a songwriter long before I became an artist. It kinda got drilled into me to sit at a piano or write to track, and go with a brief description, and just start mapping out ideas. It might be a little militant sounding.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Ariana Grande. Maybe it’s partially because we’re similar ages, but I find a lot of parallels in our POV. She made Eternal Sunshine around the same time I made my 2nd album “Accelerate” and I know she considers Eternal Sunshine her Saturn Return album, and I feel like Accelerate is mine. And both of our music explores the long tail of trauma and the flux of emotions that on paper, couldn’t coexist, but in fact do.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Ariana! Hands down. No question. Ariana, call me!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is knowing your POV is resonating with someone out in the world and making them feel less alone.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is there are so many “companies” out there that take advantage of independent artists and use shady business tactics. It’s hard trying to filter the good marketing companies from the bad ones.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Read the fine print!
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Matt Thompson's new single 'Echo' is out now. Check it out in the player below.