Matreya Talks New Single, His Voice And More

Birmingham-born singer-songwriter Matreya, releases a powerful second single, ‘I Saw The Light’ that lays bare his journey through darkness and healing. As the track is released on Friday 11th July 2025 we felt that now was the perfect time to talk to the man himself:

When did you begin singing/songwriting?

 

I was around 6/7 when I wrote my first song. I remember it being about escaping reality as my parents had just broken up at the time.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

 

Watching Freddie Mercury at Live Aid. My dad had a VHS of the show and he was someone who shined for me. I’ve loved Queen from an early age.

 

You have your new single ‘I Saw The Light’ released on 11th July 2025. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

It’s about being in the depths of depression, when the walls have well and truly closed in on you and when it feels as if the world has forsaken you, a gap appears in the clouds. The sun shines through and you realise what was once all-consuming is now opening up. And it’s because you have reached a point where you no longer fight with yourself; you allow what needs to fall away, and the internal critique finally loses to the stillness you’ve created.

 

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

Christian Emmanuel directed the video and came up with the concept of me being dragged into darkness by shadow entities—projections of my own mind. The spotlight in the video symbolizes the protection that being in the light offers, ultimately overcoming the darkness. It can feel as if all the voices in our head are very real sometimes, pulling the strings to our actions. But when you finally can witness your habits very closely, a clarity appears. It was fun to depict this on screen.

 

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I produced and recorded the demo in my humble home studio. After that, I brought it to Iwan VanHetten and Reece Hayden for additional production and sound design, before it was finally mixed and mastered.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

We always have deep and profound chats in the studio; it’s one of my favourite things about that environment. I have been so lucky to have them join me on this journey, and we have fostered beautiful friendships out of it.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I work a lot in the digital space, using Logic and Pro Tools, and then we use some analogue gear for the flesh of the record. It’s a hybrid approach that gives it warmth and punch.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I think ‘I Saw The Light’ has moments of all three. It starts in despair and morphs into reflection and finally elation.

 

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025?

Yes, more releases this year! There is a big story to tell through the continuation of the music to come.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That the crowd feel energised, not depleted. That they leave with a new love for life and for humanity.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Just my voice. It’s the first thing that helps me sound out all the rhythms and melodies.

 

How do you look after your voice?

I’m a lover of the steam room, and cannot forget the herbal teas with lemon, ginger and honey—a good organic honey though! A singer’s go-to really for vocal health.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Although not a novel, rather a sacred text, I’d say The Bhagavad Gita. It’s a story ultimately of good prevailing over evil—not just the obvious evil in the external world, but also the subtler forces within ourselves: the attachments, fears, and conditioning shaped by family, friends, and society.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Well, I’m from Handsworth in Birmingham. So that’s an interesting task. It’s a raw, gritty crucible that’s both beautiful and destitute in places.

 

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

I’m planning a London performance to kick off the live shows. Stay tuned on my socials!

 

What makes Matreya happy and what makes you unhappy?

Love makes me happy, in all its forms. What makes me unhappy is when I have fallen into a place where I cannot see that love.

 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR 

Matreya’s new single ‘I Saw The Light’ is released on Friday 11th July 2025. 

You can pre-save the single here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4YHH0FUx1aN93owiJxfCft