Artist Of The Month
Singer/songwriter Matisse is no stranger to the spotlight. She began appearing on TV at six months of age on “One Life To Live” and by the age of 15 she was a popular spokes-model for the successful hair care brand John Frieda and signed to The Ford Agency. But now at 23 years old it’s always been about music.
From an early age Matisse gravitated toward music, finding inspiration in the songs of Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Whether singing along to Motown with family, putting on impromptu concerts with friends or taking the stage with her Dad and his band, she always had a tendency to steal the show. “My family is very musical and I grew up listening to everything from rock and roll, to pop, soul, the blues you name it. I definitely inherited my parent’s love of music, and was influenced by their diverse tastes.” Evidently music is an innate family trait. Matisse and her twin sister Alex honed their craft from an early age which led to a stint as a duo with Universal Music. Now, after years of writing, recording and fine-tuning her sound, Matisse is ready for her close-up.
Like the famous painter with whom she shares her name, Matisse refuses to follow convention and instead sings to the beat of her own drum. “Over the years people have tried to make me into something I’m not,” Matisse says, “but I’m not interested in being the next ‘so and so’ or compromising myself to be a one hit wonder. I want to make music that I like and that I can be proud of.”
Matisse has been working with some of the biggest names in music such as Dallas Austin, Tricky Stewart, The Dream, Ne-Yo, Stargate and Kevin Rudolf. As a result, she has compiled a collection of songs that define her as bold, colorful, strong and determined; someone ready to be heard. “I’ve been writing, recording and performing for years now. I’m definitely ready for this.”
Her background and experience make Matisse a unique – and sometimes surprising – personality. “My family likes to tease me because I’m fiercely independent and freedom loving, yet I don’t have my driver’s license. They think it’s funny that I can be equally enthralled with “The Star” magazine as I am with “Anna Karenina.”
As Tricky Stewart says, Matisse “brings the entire package to the table: great songwriting, strong vocals and explosive live performance”.
Meet Matisse.
(Press Play Button on bottom left to hear music)
