There's something comfortable about working on your own
because you get to make all the decisions.
But you have to work with others, too,
because that's how projects get anywhere.
I'm Matou.
I'm a composer and DJ.
My parents immersed me in music very early on.
I started out playing the cello.
I was very young, just three.
As I was only three, I don't remember much
before the cello, so I only have memories of music.
I took music at school.
I then did musicology at university.
I even started a master's but never finished.
I decided to pursue my own projects instead.
It took a while before they took off,
and that's when I left.
Classical was really my go-to,
but I'd listen to a lot of stuff,
especially hip-hop and rap.
Not to play armchair psychologist, but maybe it was...
a way of defying my dad, because he was a rocker.
I carved my own identity that way. That music resonated with me.
I think it's very generational, too.
I actually started making music
in my room with my computer, keyboard and tiny speakers.
Whenever I wrote something,
I felt like it wasn't
a stand-alone piece,
but it needed a voice.
So I thought it was about time I launched a project
in my name but inviting loads of artists to join
and getting them to collaborate
or just with me.
That's how Élixir came about.
I signed with a label, Universal.
That helped give me a lot more exposure.
I usually contact people I know directly or indirectly.
That sets the stage
for a good collaboration.
Personally, all my collaborations
have always gone pretty well.
It's because, among other things, I knew
who I was working with before starting.
I like working on my own.
I've also written in the studio with other artists,
but I like writing on my own most of the time.
I then do listening sessions with the artists
and we rework the music
if they want to make any changes.
Sometimes I get an idea
and I think, "That'll be perfect,"
and then the artist goes,
"Actually, let's change that," so flexibility is key,
or it won't work.
It's all about being open and being won over
or winning the other over.
I don't want to call it a power struggle, with a winner and loser but...
it's about being open and reaching the end goal:
maybe you don't agree at first,
but everyone is happy with the final product.
I've been surprised before.
I've said, "That's funny,
I didn't expect that instrumental to sound like that."
But it's amazing to be surprised by your own music.
At times, you lack inspiration.
I don't mind saying,
"I'm just not in it right now."
It's okay and it'll pass. You can't force creativity.
You just have to accept that.
You'll find it again eventually.
I'm currently touring with Chilla and PLK.
I'm DJing with them before I go on tour
with an artist called Kikesa.
I don't just DJ with some artists.
I also play cello on stage
and I play the SPD, which is an electronic drum kit.
Depending on where I come in
and how "important" I am in the show,
then I'll contribute in different ways.
At the same time,
it's still a collaboration,
so nothing changes really, it's the same as any other collab.
Time for some French!
Firstly, you all look great.
I think there's always a little...
acting in a way.
We all take on...
a persona to an extent.
We definitely play on a specific personality trait
to showcase it on stage.
I have the luxury of living off my passion.
I know it's a luxury, so it definitely makes me happy.
In the future, needless to say, I'm going to keep producing, writing,
collaborating and touring.
The goal is building on everything I've done over the years
and just to keep doing what I love.