Meet Mathias Neyrand | Singer-Songwriter and Loop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mathias Neyrand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mathias, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
In terms of creative output, composing, playing music and recording it, this question has never been really acute.
Because music and artistic expression are such a big part of oneself, it is unthinkable to give up on them, unless they naturally recede.
However, in terms of career and the conditions in which this creative output materializes, the question is much more prevalent. Faced with the absurdity of today’s music industry, the very notion of long-term development, career and viable future perspectives are questioned on a daily basis. In the end, it always comes back to the music and the creative substance. Because only a deeply entrenched belief in the musical content can justify putting oneself through the gruelling process of production, promotion and presentation of new tracks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was born in France, raised in Germany and have worked as a musician in England and the USA.
I’ve blended all these different influences to try and create a universal kind of artistic expression, addressing socially relevant issues such as migration policy, basic democratic understanding and collective action.

My personal history and the musical expression I’m pursuing are not tied to a specific location, demographic or time. This “uprootedness” is both an advantage as it is is also challenge in a hyper-specialized music industry in which finding a well-delineated audience is paramount.

Despite this, my solo debut album, released in October 2022, was a critical success. It was described by Rolling Stone Magazine Germany as a „Songwriting debut that is already close to flawless“, received an enthusiastic media response (Magazines, Radios, Blogs) and was nominated for the German Critics Record Award (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik) in the Category Singer-Songwriter.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a music enthousiast, I would invite my friend along to one of the many high-quality Open Mics, Jam Sessions or acoustic concerts happening every night of the week all around the city (Kindlstuben Open Mic, Tune Up Jam Sessions, Space Meduza Acoustic concerts, Support Local Music Nights at Prachtwerk etc.).
These venues offer not only very good entertainment and showcase the many hidden talents of the bustling Singer-Songwriter scene Berlin has to offer, they are also great places to hang out, have drinks or get some food.
The many parks and landmarks (Mauerpark, East Side Gallery, Klunkerkranich) offer not only historically relevant insights (the Berliner Mauer, Graffity Art etc.) but are also places where street musicians offer top notch musical entertainment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being based in Berlin, Germany, I have been supported by a network of music professionals and artists, the Berlin Music Commission. Beside their great work to establish new outlets and opportunities through “political” efforts, they have also established the “Listen to Berlin compilation” and awards, a yearly compilation featuring the best of unsigned, up-and-coming artists from the local scene. I was featured twice in this compilation in 2021 and 2024 and it has brought considerable momentum to my musical effort. I’ve also played several high-profile concerts (Most Wanted: Music Showcase 2021, Music Summer Open Air 2022, ITB 2024, Karneval der Kulturen 2024) set up by that very same organization.
All the employees are true music lovers and relentlessly push for more recognition of independent local artists.

Website: https://phileasmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phileasmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phileasmusical

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Phileasmusic

Other: https://linktr.ee/phileasmusic

Image Credits
Main Photo: Poppy Moukoukenoff
Photo 1: Anton Tal
Photo 2: Nadine Müller
Photo 3: Christoph Mangler
Photo 4: Marie Gunst