Mathame

Matteo and Amedeo Giovanelli, the Italian brothers behind the DJ and production duo Mathame, are renowned for their unique blend of cinematic techno. Their journey into the world of electronic music began against the backdrop of Sicily’s volcanic landscape. Raised in a home immersed in music, with their parents running a pirate radio station, the brothers were influenced by a rich tapestry of sounds from an early age. Despite a 12-year age gap, their shared passion for music and creativity has forged a powerful partnership.

Matteo, the elder sibling, initially cut his teeth as a local hip-hop DJ in the late ’90s and early 2000s. His academic pursuits in film, including studying and directing artful movies, added a cinematic dimension to his artistic expression. Amedeo, on the other hand, focused on electronic music production, drawing from his classical training in violin and his interest in theatrical soundtracks. This combination of influences would later define Mathame’s distinctive sound.

The duo’s artistic collaboration began in earnest when they retreated from urban life to run a bed and breakfast on the slopes of Mount Etna. This period of isolation, surrounded by the raw power of the active volcano, proved to be a fertile ground for their music. The haunting beauty and solitude of the Sicilian winter deeply impacted their sound, giving rise to emotive and cinematic soundscapes. It was during this time that Mathame started crafting the tracks that would eventually gain them recognition.

Mathame’s sound, described as a fusion of electronic music, dub techno, and melodic house, is heavily influenced by science fiction, classical movie soundtracks, and new technology. Their live performances, renowned for their immersive Audio Visual (AV) experiences, incorporate AI-generated visuals, adding another layer to their artistic expression. The brothers’ commitment to crafting emotionally resonant music is evident in their meticulous approach to each release.

Their breakthrough came with a series of standout singles, including “Skywalking” and “Nothing Around Us,” which quickly garnered support from notable figures like Tale of Us and the Afterlife Records family. Their ability to create tracks that resonate on both emotional and technical levels set them apart in the electronic music scene. Mathame’s popularity surged, with their music spreading from Ibiza to Miami and beyond.

In June 2023, Mathame released their debut album, Memo, through Astralwerks. The album, a reflection of the trio’s experiences over a three-year period, is a testament to their growth and creative journey. It features thirteen tracks that explore themes of darkness, light, love, and synthesis, structured around the Hero’s Journey concept by Joseph Campbell. The album’s artwork, like the music, incorporates AI, though some visuals were restricted by Universal Music Group’s guidelines.

Mathame’s dedication to their craft and refusal to conform to industry norms have earned them a reputation for authenticity and innovation. They have continued to tour globally, performing at prestigious festivals such as Coachella, Ultra Miami, Tomorrowland, and Sonus Festival. Their collaborations and remixes with prominent artists like Diplo, Adriatique, and ZHU further highlight their influence in the electronic music world.

From their humble beginnings in Sicily to their current status as leading figures in melodic techno, Mathame’s journey reflects their deep connection to their art and their environment. Their music, characterized by its cinematic quality and emotional depth, continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.