An artist named Mat Hook, who dwell in real emotions and complicated tunes about life opens up on his new song called “Alone you go.” This is a song that comes out of his personal turbulent time, the feelings that come with separation, becoming a daddy, while being jobless—yet “Alone you go” serves as a motivational song during life’s painful moments.
The song does not go for depressing narrative as it serves a different purpose, it also poses as an inspirational song, the song is accompanied by a music video featuring the legendary presence of ex-football star Chris Waddle and the current World champion boxer Kell Brook in his video.
Mat reflects of his musical upbringing where for him music was a way out – Ghostbuster’s obsession, with football, and for a short time he took piano lessons. His musical odyssey was the result of an accident as, having come from a non-musical family, he was urged to join a band.
This was disclosed in a recent interview with Mister Styx of Musicarenagh where he delved deeper into his personal life.
When asked about his plans for the coming months, this is what Mat Hook had to say ;
“To enjoy my sold out gig in a couple of weeks and then enjoy Xmas and being with my family and friends.. and maybe forgetting about music for a little while. Not too long though”
Join me as we get to know more about Mat Hook and his personal life.
Watch Alone You Go below
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What is your stage name
Mat Hook, my given name
Is there a story behind your stage name?
As I was born I was sprinkled with cosmic dust by a spotty man, just like SuperTed. In that moment I became THE Mat Hook!
Where do you find inspiration?
In the suffering that is life. My own feelings and thoughts, nothing more, nothing less.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Nothing overly major, I loved music but probably no more than the next kid. I was obsessed with GhostBusters when I was young, like properly! I loved the theme song too! GhostBusters, Ninja Turtles, Lions, Football and WWE! That was me! I guess I just remember music as more of an escape, which I’d dip into. I also had some piano lessons as a kid which I hated and soon quit. I’d love to be able to play it now.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
That’s a BIG no! Although me ma reckons she used to be in the school choir! My brother had a bit of a go at the piano too. But no it wasn’t like we ever burst into song round the dinner table or anything. I was always drawing as kid but I don’t remember trying to write any songs apart from a few jokey ones maybe. I did write and perform a few comedy raps in school which my mates at least thought were great! Haha
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
It was more a chance kinda thing. I’d always daydreamed about the idea of being in a band. Of course I envisioned it as touring the world, rather than singing to three disinterested granddads in a grotty pub, but a couple of lads had heard I could sing a bit and approached me. I thought long and hard about it because at that stage in life (I was 23) I wasn’t sure it was a road I really wanted to go down. I also knew if I said “no” then, I’d never do it.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I always felt I could sing a bit. Singing along to the stereo etc, but you never really know until you hear yourself back for the first time. As far as learning to play I was 18 and me and a schoolmate decided to buy guitars, he lost interest after 3 months, but I kept on.
I wrote my first proper song called ‘Wider Eyes’ probably a year or so later. It was eventually recorded acoustically for ‘Kartica’ as a b side.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I think probably pretty predictably it was Oasis and if I’m right I was 18 and it was Nottingham Arena, and our seats, we literally had our backs to the wall in the upper tier, as far back as you could get. I never went to concerts growing up.
I don’t remember me mum and dad ever taking us to any or my mates suggesting them etc, not that I’d’ve been bothered, I don’t recall ever being too fussed about wanting to.
How could you describe your music?
Genuine. Something that resonates positively on a human level and maybe can take you out of the mundanity of life for a few minutes. It’s not about trying to be cool or provocative or avant-garde or whatever else. It’s just meant to sound good.
Describe your creative process.
Just me and an acoustic guitar, that’s it! Bang a few chords, release the melody in your head from its shackles and watch it go and take on a life of its own. It’s similar with words, I’ll just mumble some stuff as a melody and before you know it words and then a theme start to take shape, almost automatically in a way. It’s usually a pretty stress-free process and I always feel like I could write a song in a matter of minutes if need be.
What musician do you admire most and why?
Some of the lads who I have play with me in the band, cos their skill levels and mastery of instruments and knowledge of the why’s and what’s of music is off the scale.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Not particularly. It’s probably a bit less brash and in your face now. But I’ve never veered too much away because essentially how I feel and what I like and how I express myself hasn’t changed since forever. It’s all coming from the same place and probably always will.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Nobody. There’s literally millions of people across the world making music and in the grand scheme, it ain’t gonna matter one jot whether Bob from across the street is more popular than me or not. It’s the complete antithesis of the reason of making music. You don’t make it ti ‘win’. You make it cos it documents your life or you simply wanna connect with people. You’ll never see me dead in a ‘battle of the bands’ competition for similar reasons.
What are your interests outside of music?
Football, pubs, talking to people. Unlike a substantial proportion of people it seems.. Definitely not arguing with strangers on the internet. Anything that ca get oeole laughing. My attitude is we’re not here for long. Let’s enjoy what we have got, rather than worry about what we haven’t.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I think calling it a career is a bit of a stretch, this is a hobby with some legs. I’d definitely be tempted ti become a photographer though, I’m obsessed with images, I think striking images can last with you all your life.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
There’s loads.. oversaturation, apathy, egos, nepotism, dismissiveness, disorganisation, dishonesty, insincerity.. You name it. Every road block you can think of in day to day life is prevalent in the process of making, distributing, promoting and ultimately performing, music.. Often tenfold.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
The Island Boys. Ha! In reality it’d probably be the influence money has over everything as far as being heard. Same with ‘industry types’
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
It just sums up some many aspects of life. It has differing meanings. My dad dieing.. Alone he went. Me leaving my band.. relationships.,. Ultimately everyone’s alone in this life when it boils down to it. When I wrote it, the circumstances I was in, I really felt that also. I really had a sense of being on my own and in my own existence.
What are your plans for the coming months?
To enjoy my sold out gig in a couple of weeks and then enjoy Xmas and being with my family and friends.. and maybe forgetting about music for a little while. Not too long though.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
Yeah, with my mate’s Smit and Addy of ‘Son’s Of The City’ (formerly Section 60) and also my Matt who has a tune lined up for me, that’s a bit of a different vibe by all accounts.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
The rainy days they ain’t so bad when you’re The King.
