Swiss artist, Ajay Mathur, encourages listeners to discover who they are outside of social media with his latest single “Real.” The grammy nominated artist has found the sweet spot between existentialism and sun-soaked melodies. “Real” offers listeners an opportunity to bask in its delicious melody while sparking ones thoughts about their authenticity offline. “Real” is being released alongside Mathur’s fifth studio album Talking Loud. Mathur is known for never fitting into a box, his carefree artistry and proclivity for exploration imbues “Real” with an original sound that doesn’t fit into any genre. With an essence of surf-rock, a relaxed vocal performance, and a balmy melody “Real” draws you in immediately.
Right away its evident that Mathur is as charismatic as singers come. His vocals flow effortlessly in out of the melody, highlighting his confidence. Its in this confidence that an ease forms, allowing “Real’s” message to wash over listeners rather than bombard them. It sounds like Mathur is merely talking out loud about his observations of people he see’s online and how reality can be just as idyllic, if not more. “Real” opens with lyrics that set the scene, “Hey, seems like I have known you so long/Telling stories now, sharing memories how we’ve been dealing with our lives.” He follows this with the thematic through line of “Real,” “And I want to tell you something/There is something you got to know/I am real, I am real.” Mathur keeps his vocals positive never falling into melodrama or anthemic belts, he keeps it light which keeps the questions raised in “Real” accessible.
The production of “Real” is as crisp and balanced as they come. The excited melody offsets the lyrics nicely, making “Real” a song that you could listen to endlessly. What I like about “Real” is that its lyrics are discreet enough that you could enjoy the balmy nature of this track before you are aware of its impactful lyrics. They are apparent and subconsciously felt but its easy to get lost in the warmth of “Real.” Some albums or song have this quality to them that makes you want to curl-up in them, this inviting nature is a rare attribute in music but “Real” has it. To me its the lyrics “I am real, I am real/You can feel my hands are warm, you can talk to me” that create the inviting atmosphere. As Mathur reminds us of the feeling and experiences you can’t get online you instantly snap back into reality. Reality is visceral and delightful, real. Mathur knows where and what his priorities are and wonders aloud if you know your own priorities. Reminding those who’ve forgotten, between vibrants guitar riffs and languid lyrics, the joys of living.
In typical Mathur fashion, I find myself unable to place “Real” into a musical genre. It sounds unmistakably classic but its still hard to place it as Rock, Pop, or Americana. I suppose it is a blend of all three, as one of Mathur’s specialities is fusing classic music styles with modern ones. “Real” is an incredibly well crafted song that makes you want to groove down the street while making you question if you live authentically. Mathur’s ability to make a question that so many people avoid into a positive experience is part of his innate artistic gift. Its not like he’s making the subject of self-discovery go down easy, he’s simply asking if you’ve thought about it. A question that doesn’t have one overarching answer but millions of personal ones.
“Real” is the exciting single from Talking Loud that celebrates the loveliness of daily life. I’m so excited to see what direction the album is taken, since Mathur has proven that he doesn’t adhere to any genre. He really could take the album anywhere and be comfortable there which is an openness you don’t often see. “Real” will make you wonder about your life and all of the people in it, while soothing and heating the fans of your soul. A combo I didn’t know I was in need of until I listened to “Real,” don’t miss it!
Chadwick Easton
The music of Ajay Mathur has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division. Learn more https://musikandfilm.com