Norwegian DJ and producer Matoma returns with an empowering new single, ‘Never Surrender’ feat. Steve Garrigan the charismatic Irish rock band front man, Kodaline, on October 15th.
Written over lockdown, this is Matoma’s second release in 2021 following ‘Summer Feeling’ and ‘Good Vibes’ with Hrvy. Demonstrating why collaborations bring us such unique releases here we have the perfect hybrid of Matoma’s uplifting production vibes and Steve Garrigan’s melancholy and yearning vocal style. With the diverse influences coming together to deliver a perfectly produced pop dance track providing the space for Garrigan’s heart felt words to take center-stage before introducing classic piano house keys, twisted trumpets, and ‘80s synth stabs.
There is also a unique theme running through the release, shining a light around the issue of bullying, with the lyrics tackling the subject encouraging us to believe in ourselves and never give up.
This is a song about bullying and anxiety, believing in yourself and never giving up on who you are – Steve Garrigan
Having been inspired by some of his own life experiences Steve Garrigan put pen to paper to share his story. Having also recently published his memoirs, his band has a unique ability to capture intense emotions in arena-scaled songs, putting some of that feeling into ‘Never Surrender’. Kodaline are already well established with a huge global fan base, three number one albums in Ireland and two top ten hits in the UK.
Matoma was also driven by life experience and shared his inspiration on the release:
After graduating high school and dreaming of who and what I would become, it was always to follow my love for music and make a living from it in some way. I ended up choosing something safer than music and joining the military, because frankly I was too scared to embrace my dream. But dreams have a way of not letting go, and I ended up dedicating my life that path that has now led me here. ‘Never Surrender’ is my interpretation of this journey – to never give up on something you strongly want no matter what others – or your own fears – say you can or can’t do – Matoma.
In the first chapter of Matoma’s (aka Tom Lagergren) career, he rose from a bedroom producer to becoming one of dance music’s biggest and brightest new stars. Between his solo tracks, two albums, and collabs with everyone from Becky Hill and The Vamps to Dua Lipa and Snoop Dogg, the Norwegian artist has amassed over 2 billion streams. This new career phase marked by the release of ‘Never Surrender’ can confidently be called Matoma 2.0.
‘Never Surrender’ has all the necessary ingredients to become a standout song of 2021, with both these exceptional artists coming together, this sure to be a feature in your favorite streaming playlist as well as on heavy rotation on national radio. Look out for forthcoming features which will set the standard for Matoma’s releases for this year and beyond.
