Matador Breaks Down Creative Ruts and the Making of Easy Up

Matador and Kyozo just dropped their new Easy Up EP on RUKUS, and it arrives at an interesting moment for both of them. Matador has been refining his approach to melody and structure for years, and the new release shows how much intention he brings into every detail. Kyozo has been pushing forward with his own run of strong collaborations, which creates a natural point of connection between the two producers.

The Easy Up title track leans into subtle tension, patient movement, and tightly shaped percussion. Another Level brings a sharper edge and a direct pulse. The release feels like two sides of the same mindset, built with different energy levels but shaped by the same focus on clarity. Both cuts come from long hours in the studio, and both reflect two artists who pay close attention to environment, workflow, and personal momentum.

To give producers a closer look at the mindset behind his creative process, we asked Matador about the moments when output starts to feel repetitive and the ways he resets his ear. His answers give a direct view into how he approaches longevity, curiosity, and recovery inside a career that never slows down.

Have you ever hit a stretch where nothing felt fresh anymore?

Yes of course, you can usually see the signs, using similar sounds, completing tracks in record time without really feeling that emotionally attached to them, inspiration dwindling….. All the signs of an overused formula.

So at this point I would usually take some time away from the studio, watch lots of old synth films, plenty of time outdoors listening to nothing, sleeping plenty, then when I feel ready for the studio again, I’ll set up some different synths, drum machines, outboard, and develop somewhat of a new formula.

This has kept me steady for nearly 20 years now.

What usually helps you get your ear back when producing starts to feel forced?

Sometimes, a new piece of equipment can be the most powerful tool to get you back in the game. This has often pushed me to go in new directions and a surge in productivity usually comes with that. Collaboration has also been a big part of my work over the past 2 years.

I’ve worked with some incredible singer/songwriters and have learned lots of new things outside of my usual purview.

Do you take time away from music in those moments, or do you just write in a different direction?

Like I mentioned earlier, it’s essential to take time away from the studio/music space, get perspective and come back with fresh ears and hopefully some fresh ideas.

Is there anything outside of music that helps you reset your curiosity?

Lots of things, one thing I find a lot of inspiration in is older movies from the late 70’s through to the mid-nineties, great stories, amazing soundtracks, and real explosions!! 🙂

Sometimes I listen to old mixes and dj sets, and live recordings from bands and artists I love. These are all excellent sources of inspiration.

Do you think burnout from music discovery happens more often now with how much is out there?

Yea it’s busy atm…let’s be honest, all the dsps, the way music has been presented in the past 5 years has really let the real creators down, however……. I feel a lot of people are recognising what’s what and what’s not, so maybe through that a more credible eco system will come to fruit and bring some sort of balance to the whole thing.

What’s something random or unexpected that’s helped you get out of a writing slump?

Mushrooms…..magic fucking mushrooms. Was going through a rocky patch in the studio, brick walls etc….Went up to the golf course in deer park, this was a few years back, the mushrooms that grow in these sacred places/castles are renowned for being proper flying carpets.

Ate waaaaayyyy to many, and had an awful trip where I needed my hand held for 6 hours in a make shift fort built out of sofa cushions……What happened the weeks after was nuts, I was writing daily, endless ideas, endless energy, the brick wall was well and truly smashed.

I wouldn’t recommend this for everyone, but it did help me.

How do you take breaks without feeling like you’re losing momentum?

Get ahead, get as much work done on the lead up to your break, whether that’s to cover your arse whilst you’re offline, or to make it easier when you get back.

It’s like any job really. In reality, if you manage your time correctly, you don’t need any breaks, get the life/work balance right, eat well, sleep lots, and look after yourself.