Matty Marz continues her ascension to pop notoriety with “Lacazette” – a slinky pop gem serving as the latest gateway to her upcoming debut album, m.w.u, due out later this year.
Meanwhile, the gloriously camp music video for “Lacazette” births Marz as a serious main pop girl contender by bringing high-energy choreography served by Marz and her posse of dancers in looks she calls “angel street chic” – we’re totally obsessed, of course!
The vibrant, bright synths and club-friendly production on “Lacazette” artistically offsets with the dark and sensual broodiness of Marz’s previous offering, “EPILL,” to showcase the breadth of her sonic range and versatility as a multi-faceted new pop force.
As she continues to fire up New York’s underground pop scene one bop at a time, “Lacazette” proves Matty Marz has everything it takes to organically claim her place within the upper echelons of the pop world.
We caught up with Marz about creating her new bop “Lacazette”, living her truth as a proud trans woman and her forthcoming debut album – read on for more.
SheBOPS: Hey Matty and welcome to SheBOPS! “Lacazette” is a definite bop and we are so happy it’s out in the world. How are you feeling now that the track has been released?
Matty Marz: I’m feeling so grateful! This song has been in my imagination for so long. The fact that it’s out in the world now is so incredible and humbling. I’m ready to watch it grow, and I can’t wait to see who embraces it.
The name appears to be a reference to the football player, Alexandre Lacazette. What can you share with us about this decision?
It is! So when I was in the studio putting the puzzle together, I coincidentally was making a lot of soccer references to shooting, sprinting, and going for gold. My producer, Hideouthill, mentioned something about Lacazette to which I then responded “who?” – and then I QUICKLY found out how incredible he is. His name flowed with the lyrics and it just became the obvious title!
You have mentioned that the song is ‘a self-empowerment bop cloaked in lush instrumentation’ – what role does self-belief play in your journey towards personal growth, and how does music enhance that?
Self-belief is such an important player in my journey. Throughout my life, I have always been the person to have blind optimism about what I’m doing and who I am. I truly believe it is one of my gifts I’m meant to share with the world. Many people don’t have unwavering faith in themselves and I hope I can inspire those who feel that they aren’t enough or they’re not worthy, because they are! Music is the driving force behind my confidence and outlook; to be able to translate my pain into something beautiful or healing is the ultimate salvation.
We are loving your fashion choices in the music video! How would you describe your fashion style and what can you share with us about your journey to finding this style?
Hmmmmm, I’d describe my style as ‘Angel Street Chic.’ Fashion has always been wildly important to me and a lot of my taste comes from my formative years in the NYC nightclub scene. I even got the privilege to work for iconic stylist Patricia Fields back when her Bowery store was open! Mixing and matching outrageous avant-garde pieces with denim or a band tee is my usual go-to. I look forward to one day rocking red carpets in couture gowns and one of a kind designs!
The single is lifted from your upcoming debut album, m.w.u. What can you share with us about “Lacazette”’s place within the album and the decision to release it as the album’s second single?
The album was inspired by moments or feelings that come about in heighted moments. “Lacazette” is the most joyous song on the project by far and falls somewhere in the middle of the project. It felt like a good third single to put out since both “m.w.u” and “EPILL,” which I previously put out, are far more melancholy and dark in the scope of the project.
You have mentioned that artists such as Ethel Cain, Charli XCX, Bjork, & Infected Mushroom influence you. What is it about these artists that connects with you?
I think it’s the element of blending soundscapes that heighten or elate while having incredible pop sensibilities. I have a song on the project titled “sing me to sleep” which to me encapsulates the meaning of the project – it takes influence from Infected Mushroom’s trance sound and Ethel Cain’s euphoric vocals. The song is intimate, personal and incredibly complex. “m.w.u” is the other song that defines the project; obviously it’s the same name as the record, but it was also the first time that I felt I had made something incredibly interesting and authentic.
In what ways do you feel your identity impacts your relationship with music?
The two are pretty synonymous. I’ve always chosen to live authentically and with my creativity at the forefront. It wasn’t until recently where I realized how my creativity teaches my authenticity. As a blossoming trans woman, it (my creativity) has been the biggest grounding force amidst a LOT of change. I’m learning more and more about this girl and who/what she has to say, which is exciting.
It’s so interesting that you have a technical background in classical music. Do you feel this background influences your current, more electronic-leaning take on music in any way?
Certainly. I think its biggest influence is the fact that it helped me realize all music is music. No genre is too daring or different – it’s evened the playing field where I feel I can adapt to anything I desire.
Generally speaking, what are your thoughts on the representation of women in music in 2024?
I mean let’s be honest, women RUN THE WORLD! Pop music is in such a ferociously cool period where there are so many incredible female artists. I hope to one day be esteemed like so many of my incredible role models and peers.
As an artist shaping a new generation of young trans women in music, how do you feel that the music industry can better support trans women in music?
Trans women really have so much insight and perspective to give in the landscape of music. My biggest goal is that people realize the human condition is universal and we feel all the same. It’s so inspiring to see so many beautiful trans voices being heard and I know we are the next wave of major pop iconography. I think it’s our job to uplift and give flowers to the women who are breaking those molds.
Branching from that, how do you think music can become a safer and fairer place for women in music, especially our trans sisters?
I think calling out injustices when witnessed is the first step. There are many layers we must repair in the broken infrastructure, but accountability and honesty seems to be huge when shedding light on big problems in the industry. It must be a group effort, but I believe we will get there.
Lastly, what does it mean to you to live authentically and how do you embody authenticity in your music?
I think living authentically is simply taking up space. Living a healthy, happy life as a trans girl is winning. My confidence is a little bit otherworldly and I always want my music to reflect that bravery. I know I’ll be able to inspire people from all walks of life with it. Let’s dance through life, babes!
“Lacazette” by Matty Marz is out now.