Matti Klein Talks New Album, Single And More

’Soul Trio Bouncin’ In Bubbleverse’, the new album by the Berlin-based keyboard virtuoso Matti Klein is released on Friday 26th September 2025. Driven by a tight rhythm section, warm vintage keys and a deep laid-back groove, the track blends soul-jazz and has a playful retro-futurist vibe. He very kindly spoke to us about the new album, single and more:

What is your earliest musical memory?

My grandmother playing the piano in her house in Berlin.

When did you begin songwriting?

I started to play by ear and composed little blues piano songs right from the beginning. So I guess my playing was always connected to composing somehow.

You have your new album ‘Soul Trio Bouncin’ In Bubbleverse’ released on 26th September 2025.  How did you want to approach the making of the album?

The album is a collection of stories and touring impressions, literally bouncing through musical bubbles like soul jazz, yacht rock, prog, fusion, funk and Latin grooves. One of the key concepts is that every song is followed by its own echo. 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded the album in my own “Shuffe Shack Studio” and it is self-produced. But I was closely working together with Jochen Ströh, my recording and mixing engineer.

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

I was borrowing some very expansive microphones and when my friend brought them over to the studio I welcomed him with announcing that I prepared the session by covering the floor with plastic so we could just let it flow and wet ourselves with joy when listening back to the sound of the recordings.

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

The key feature of the band sound is probably the warm tone of my Wurlitzer Electric Piano and the bass foundation delivered by my Rhodes Piano Bass. Other than that I think that separately recording the spring reverb from my 1974 Fender Vibrolux Reverb – even on the saxophones – played a huge part in getting the mixes done the way I imagined.

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

A) New Frontiers

B) Capetown (Echo)

C) End Of Sight

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

I’m working with my Soul Trio bandmates Lars Dieterich on saxophones and bass clarinet and my long-time partner on drums: André Seidel.

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

The title tries to sum up our experiences when traveling through all kinds of clubs and festival around the globe. It’s all about this unique moment when the band, audience and staff is united in this beautiful concert-bubble. So we’re using the word „bubble“ with a positive connotation here.

Was it a difficult album to write? 

Since the Soul Trio is on the road now for more than 8 years I basically wrote the album with the sound of Lars and André in my mind. That made it so much easier for me!

Who designed the album artwork?

I have worked with Sandra Fink who is also a talented singer and composer from Berlin. The key visual element is obviously based on a a challenging photoshoot where we crawled into that bubble and pumped it up while trying to survive the heat in there.

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

My hometown in Berlin, Germany -> Most.Creative.International.Music.Hub.

How do you look after your voice?

Actually not so much since I’m not a singer. But occasionally I pull out my radio-voice for the interviews.

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

The album release tour has 80 shows all over Europe booked so far, including a UK-leg: Oct 23rd @ Matt & Phreds (Manchester), Oct 24th @ Peggy’s Skylight (Nottingham), Oct 26th @ The Garibaldi (noon) & The Lab (evening; both Northampton) and Oct 27th @ Pizza Express (Soho, London).

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

Since I care about strong instrumental melodies I take it as a compliment if nobody is missing a singer in the band. When the audience is walking out smiling, whistling a melody or tapping a groove on top of that I’m at peace with our performance. 

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

Actually the most important element of my stage sound is my vintage 1974 Fender Vibrolux Reverb Amp.

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?

That would be a novel by Wolfgang Herrndorf with the English title “Why We Took The Car”. It just such an uplifting story that celebrates the freedom of the youth and that feels inspiring to me and the soundscapes in my mind.

 

You have also released the single ‘End Of Sight’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

The song was written on a remote island at the Azores and is telling a story about the ever-changing horizon when you look at the sea and that reflects back to life.

 

Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?

We are working on merging a studio-video with recordings of several dancers around the world, freely performing on that song.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I think a strong influence to me is the South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim. His album “Capetown Flowers” is a absolutely worth a listen!

 

What makes Matti Klein happy and what makes you unhappy?

I’m happy when my music travels the world through playlists, blogs and magazines, reaching and moving folks that probably have a completely different background than myself.

Most of days I’m ok with it, but sometimes I’m unhappy about the fact that even after releasing the third album with my Soul Trio I still can’t fully compensate the production and promotion expenses with record sales and streaming royalties because the money our audience is spending on the consumption of recorded music is flowing in the wrong directions too often.

 

 

Feature Image Photo Credit: JM Jorissen

Matti Klein’s new album ‘Soul Trio Bouncin’ In Bubbleverse’ is released on Friday 26th September 2025 on Vinyl LP, CD and Digital on (Shuffle Shack Records/Membran. 

Pre-Save/Add Here: https://orcd.co/soultriobouncininbubbleverse

Stream the single ‘End Of Sight’ Here: https://orcd.co/endofsight

In addition, Matti Klein will embark on an October 2025 UK Tour which will visit the following venues: 

23.10.25  MANCHESTER Matt & Phreds Jazz Club
24.10.25  NOTTINGHAM Peggy’s Skylight
26.10.25  NORTHAMPTON The Garibaldi (afternoon)
26.10.25  NORTHAMPTON The Lab (evening)
27.10.25  LONDON Pizza Express Soho

Official Website: https://matti-klein.de/