MATD is the professional name of international Pop songwriting and production duo, Marcos Kuusjärvi and Veli Eronen. Since early 2020 MATD has released a series of collaborations with singers around the world. Their first two singles were based on the story of “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. The songs; “Who the Fuck is Alice” and “Bitch Alice is Back” fetured American singers, Hana Muftic and Mida, respectively.
“A Man Who Cries” is the latest single and video from MATD, released worldwide on February 19, 2021. The song is a lush and cinematic classical Pop composition featuring a full orchestral arrangement by German producer Gaugolon. The tune, sung beautifully by Finnish singer Erja Siljamo, tells the tale of a sailor who leaves home after an argument with his wife. The song wrestles with the question, is it alright for a man to cry?
Watch the video for “A Man Who Cries” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Songwriters playlist. We recently had the chance to chat (virtually) with Marcos of MATD. Read his answers to our 8 questions. Read about the band’s process, history and their plans for the future. And don’t forget to follow the links at the end of this article to connect with this talented pair of musicians and songwriters.
8 Questions with Marcos of MATD
The Static Dive: Where are you from?
Marcos: I´m originally from Brazil, but lived in Finland most of my life. Now I am living in Torremolinos, Spain. Veli is originally from Finland and lives there now.
SD: How long have you been making music?
Marcos: We have made music together since 2009. We formed a band called Max and the Ducks. We had 9 top 30 official hits in Finland from 2012-2017. One reached #1; “Who The Fuck is Alice” based on Alice in Wonderland book. We dedicated it to Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.
Our songs on Finnish download chart history: https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/max+and+the+ducks/
SD: Who are the musicians involved in your project?
Marcos: This project was done in Germany. Orchestration is made by Gaugolon. Originally this song was a rock song, but we believed it would sound better with classical elements and therefore we produced it with German help.
SD: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Marcos: Our great influences come from 70´s Glam Rock. Bands like; Sweet, ELO, Suzi Quatro, Glitter Band. But also Kate Bush, David Bowie, Blondie…
SD: What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Marcos: Sports. I was once a Taekwondo sportsman. I represented Finland several times at the World Championships and European Championships. And I was the national coach of Finland for 10 years. Veli has been working with music all his life. Sound engineer. Mixing bands and so on.
SD: What inspired you to create this project?
Marcos: This was originally written many years ago. There is a TV series telling a woman whose husband is a sailor and was lost at the sea while a big storm “Myrskyluodon Maija” it is called. Sad story but beautiful. It has one of the most beautiful themes ever.
SD: What are your plans for the future (musically)?
Marcos: We continue to make our stories of life. Next will be with a singer from Los Angeles. Called Dreamin´Of Thee.
SD: Is there anything else you would like to say?
Marcos: Stay safe and live before you die.
Connect:
MATD on the Deep Indie playlists
