If pop music had an energy drink, it would taste like Matty Marz’s latest single, “Lacazette.”

With thudding 808s and vibrant percussion, Matty's new release is not just a song; it’s a self-empowerment anthem set to the beat of your heart. As we sat down with Matty for The C Word Mag, it was clear she’s not just on the cusp of pop superstardom—she’s here to take over. From her classical music roots to her trailblazing journey as a trans woman, Matty’s authenticity shines through in every note and every word.

CWM: Amazing. So I've said a bit about me. If you could describe yourself in maybe one or two sentences, that would be amazing.

Matty Marz: Hi, my name is Matty Marz. I'm a musical artist, producer, dancer, and performer. I would say my authenticity shines through. Definitely. I am trailblazing in the pop music landscape, and I'm here to take over the world.

CWM: Amazing. I love how you've got a little icon behind you, like Marilyn Monroe on the wall.

Matty Marz: Oh yeah, she's always guarding me. I also have this mannequin that I found, that I spray-painted, and she just sits there with a wig on. I love the energy, like feminine energy, in the room.

CWM: So I was listening to "Lacazette" this morning. Very cool. I love the music video. I love a bit of fish-eye. Anything with a pre-60s camera look is sick to me.

Matty Marz: Oh my god, thank you.

CWM: You describe it as a self-empowerment anthem. So could you share maybe your personal experience when writing the song? Where did you draw inspiration from?

Matty Marz: Well, the song came about in an interesting way. Originally, it was not intended for me; it was supposed to be for another artist. So, when we started going over it, my friend Will, who co-produced it with me, played the beat. I thought it was so cool. We started throwing out melodies, and by the first session, we had most of it written. By the second session, the structure was there. I love this song so much, and many of my songs have themes of self-empowerment. This genre was something I didn’t think I could do, but because I was writing it for someone else, it allowed me to explore it without pressure. Then I realised I wanted to keep it for myself because it was important to me.

CWM: That’s very interesting. So what about this genre felt intimidating or disconnected initially, and how did you overcome that?

Matty Marz: I grew up singing classical music, jazz, and other varieties. I'm trained as a vocalist and love R&B. I’ve always felt a bit intimidated to sing R&B because I wasn’t sure if my voice was good enough or if I was cool enough. The genre, like pop-trap-R&B fusion, which has risen in the last six years in pop music, felt out of reach. But writing for someone else made me realise I could do it, and it allowed me to explore something creatively different from my old stuff. This song highlights that shift.

CWM: I find it really interesting that you have a background in classical music, yet some of your other singles are more electro-pop. You mentioned Charli XCX as an inspiration. What drew you to approach that side of music with your classical training?

Matty Marz: It’s about a love for music. Music has always been a vessel for healing and an important part of my life. I consume a lot of music and have strong opinions because I’m knowledgeable about it. Artists like Charli XCX, whom I’ve listened to since she first came out, blend different genres. I love that. My inspirations are diverse, and it’s natural for me to explore various sounds. It keeps me creative and authentic.

CWM: The music video for "Lacazette" has a strong visual element. How do you feel these visuals complement the theme of the song, especially with the football and sports references?

Matty Marz: The story ties into the name of the song. While writing, I was throwing out soccer references. My producer asked if I was saying "Lacazette," a famous footballer, and I thought it was the perfect title. For the video, I worked with a dance studio in LA. The owners believed in me and helped create this vision. We choreographed everything from the ground up, combining football and pop star elements. It was a makeshift project with my talented friends, and it turned out amazing. The visuals capture the song’s energy and message perfectly.

CWM: The choreography was a real standout. How long have you been dancing, and how did your relationship with dance evolve?

Matty Marz: I've been dancing since I was a kid, though not as trained as many professional dancers. I did musical theatre, which transitioned into dance. Dance is a way for me to

translate emotions physically. While I’m still getting my bearings in the craft, working hard and improving over time is key. The dancers in the video, my friends, made me look better with their incredible talent and personalities.

CWM: As a trans woman, how do you feel about incorporating sports themes in your music and visuals? Many LGBTQ+ individuals have complicated relationships with sports.

Matty Marz: Sports culture can feel male-dominated and hetero-normative, often excluding LGBTQ+ people. But I like claiming space that wasn’t made for me and changing people’s perceptions. It’s empowering to show that I can be in these spaces too. It’s important for all people, not just LGBTQ+ folks, to live authentically and take up space without fear. The football themes in "Lacazette'' are a fun way to challenge norms and show that everyone belongs.

CWM: Do you usually talk about your identity in your music? How central is your queer identity to your work?

Matty Marz: My queer identity has always been part of my music, but now my trans identity is blossoming. Themes of self-empowerment resonate deeply with me. Artists like Ethel Cain have helped me understand my own narrative of pain and authenticity. My music will likely delve more into these themes as I continue to grow. My song "Sing Me to Sleep" on the upcoming album is my most emotional and represents my identity well. It’s like a butterfly coming out of its chrysalis.

CWM: Your debut album, MWU, what does that stand for, and what does it mean to you?

Matty Marz: It stands for A Moment With You, which is also the title of a single I released. The album captures living in the moment and experiencing emotions fully. It’s about dedicating life to being present, healing from the past, and enjoying the now. The songs share a common energy of specific feelings and sensations, making the album euphoric and deeply personal.

CWM: What genres can we expect on the album? How do they relate to your themes of empowerment and transformation?

Matty Marz: It's primarily a dance record with up-tempo songs. Lacazette blends trap-pop and drum-and-bass, E-Pill has a deep house and grungy electronic feel, and Sing Me to Sleep transitions from post-punk to euphoric trance. There’s also strict pop and hyperpop elements. The fusion of genres represents the complexity of emotions and experiences, making it a dance project that’s diverse yet cohesive.

CWM: The response to Lacazette has been great. What feedback from fans has resonated with you the most?

Matty Marz: One comment said, "This is what the music industry is missing," which hit home. As an artist, impacting culture is crucial. It’s not about streaming numbers but about resonating with people. The positive response shows that my work is starting to make an impact. The video, shot six months ago, feels like a stamp of a specific time in my life, a pre-love letter to my old self. I'm excited to see where I go next and how my fans will resonate with my continued growth.

CWM: I love that. It truly captures your journey, both mentally and physically. How do you feel about sharing this transformation publicly?

Matty Marz: It’s been weird seeing the old me in the video, but it represents a specific time in my LA experience and the work I put in to get where I am. It’s like the end of a chapter.

CWM: Why did you move from LA to New York?

Matty Marz: I’m from New York, so it’s always a natural progression to return. I needed to come back to my roots and the energy of the city. New York’s vibrant music scene has been refreshing and inspiring, fueling this next chapter of my journey.

CWM: Lastly, Matty, what message would you like to leave your fans with as we wrap up this interview?

Matty Marz: Thank you so much for listening. Thank you so much for the support. And, you know, the most important thing is to be yourself and let your true colours shine. Everyone's pushed on TikTok. So I really just want to find people who really explore their creativity and are not so focused on numbers.

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Jenny O’Connor is a journalist and Creative Director of G.URL Magazine, who blends her expertise in fashion, culture, and queer identity to create compelling narratives. With a first-class honours degree from the University for the Creative Arts, she has collaborated with notable brands such as SEGA, Picsart, and Koi Footwear, and contributed to GameRant, SonnyDickson and Echo Magazine. Jenny's work champions the intersection of digital culture and fashion, advocating for inclusivity and the amplification of feminine voices in gaming and broader culture.

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