Mateo is a Manchester-based artist, his sound blends the heartfelt intimacy of Lewis
Capaldi with the atmospheric depth of SYML — personal, up-close verses that rise into
powerful, anthemic choruses.
Over the past two years, he has built momentum through performances across Manchester, including a highlight show at Band on the Wall, multiple releases surpassing 200,000 streams, and an engaged online community.
His latest single will be available from the 31st of October, have a listen below.
Listen here on Spotify
📸 Instagram: @mateo_musiccc
🎵 TikTok: @mateo_musiccc
We interviewed Mateo about his inspiration behind the track here’s what he had to say…
Musik: What made you want to write about such a topic as the highs and lows of connection & solitude? Is this a topic that is close to your personal experiences?
Mateo: I chose to write about the highs and lows of connection and solitude because we often talk about mental health in isolation, without acknowledging how the people around us help us cope.As a university student, I’ve noticed that many people seem fine when they’re out with friends, but once they’re alone, their worries and fears come rushing back. Sometimes we seek out social activities—or even unhealthy distractions like alcohol or drugs—just to avoid being alone with our thoughts. Personally, I’ve found that I face my problems most when I’m alone, and being with others can be a way to escape that. This topic feels close to me because it reflects something I’ve been experiencing for a while.
Musik: Do you feel comfortable sharing what you did to get through those experiences too?
Mateo: In the song, I use friendship as a major theme—something that still matters to me today. Back then, it was a way to escape and avoid being alone with my thoughts. Now, I see it more as a way to relax and enjoy life. I believe humans need social connection; it’s part of who we are. Finding people you genuinely get along with, who share your interests, is incredibly important. Another thing that helped me was going to the gym. It boosted my confidence, improved my health, and shifted my mindset in a positive way. Getting through tough times isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and you’ll get there.
Musik: Why do you think it’s important that music explores such narratives e.g. loneliness, friendship & themes like not feeling good enough or feeling unloved ?
Mateo: I’ve learned that everyone’s going through something. We just cope in different ways—some talk, some shut down, some stay busy to avoid the silence. But no matter how we deal with it, we shouldn’t have to do it alone. I used to think opening up to friends made me a burden. Now I know it’s brave. Talking helps. You just have to take that first step. Most of the time, people will show up for you if you let them. Music that touches on mental health and connection means a lot to me. It reminds me I’m not alone. When I hear lyrics about friendship, healing, and growth, it hits different—because that’s what got me through.
Musik: Do you have any advice or things that you would like the listener to take away / explore after listening?
Mateo: I know now that everyone’s going through something. We all carry things—stress, sadness, confusion—and we all cope differently. Some of us talk, some of us stay quiet, some of us distract ourselves. But no matter how we deal with it, we shouldn’t have to do it alone. I used to think opening up to someone made me a burden, but I’ve learned that talking is brave. You just have to take that step. Find someone you trust—a best friend, a teacher, a parent, a mentor—and tell them what’s going on. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just speak. Because even if they don’t respond the way you hoped, that’s okay. They don’t owe you the perfect answer. What matters is that you tried. You took the bullet. And that’s something to be proud of. No matter how big the problem is, you can talk about it. And in the long run, it’s healthier. You’ll realise you’re stronger than you thought. You’ll realise you can be happy again. Everyone deserves love and happiness but first you just have to believe you deserve to be heard.