MATTN shares her secret to selecting vibey house tracks

Anouk Matton, better known under her stage name MATTN, once described her own style of DJ’ing as “a celebration of life,” and indeed, it’s always sunny when MATTN is at the controls. With that in mind, this premier selector of feel-good sounds shared her secrets with us ahead of the festival.

Read on to learn all about how she selects her vibey house tracks, EDM bangers, and pop reworks before heading over to the booth – and don’t miss the latest on her new releases and the DJ lifestyle.

Your latest banger ‘Wannabe’ contains elements of a Spice Girls song. How did the idea for the tune come about and how did the process of creation unfold?

“The idea for ‘Wannabe’ came from my love for the Spice Girls growing up in the ‘90s. Their music was a huge part of my childhood and I wanted to create something that pays homage to that iconic era while adding my own modern twist. I started by sampling a recognizable hook from the original song, then built around it with fresh beats and electronic elements to give it a contemporary dance vibe.

The process of creation was a blend of nostalgia and innovation. I spent hours experimenting with different sounds and rhythms, making sure to retain the energetic spirit of the original track. Collaborating with some talented producers such as Rush Avenue and Chiptune also added new dimensions to the track. It was a fun and creative journey and I'm excited to share a piece of my musical past with today's audience.”

What are your favourite things about the DJ/artist lifestyle and which parts of it are tougher to deal with?

“One of my favorite things is the incredible energy and connection I feel with the crowd during a performance. There’s nothing quite like seeing people dance and lose themselves in the music you’re creating.

Traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures is also amazing. It inspires my music and gives me a broader perspective. However, there are elements that are challenging. Being away from my family, especially my kids, is tough.

Balancing the demands of touring with being a mom requires a lot of planning and support. The constant travel can also be exhausting, and it’s sometimes hard to find a routine or take care of myself properly on the road.

But at the end of the day, the joy and fulfillment I get from my music make it all worth it.”

How do you prepare for a set at Tomorrowland – is there a certain balance between the tracks you play? Does it need to contain a certain amount of your own productions?

“Preparing for a set at Tomorrowland is a thrilling process. I start by researching the latest trends and tracks that are resonating with audiences globally, as well as revisiting some timeless hits. It’s crucial to strike a balance between crowd-pleasers and my own productions.

I typically aim to include a mix of about 70% popular tracks that I know will get the crowd moving, with the remaining 30% being my own productions and remixes. This balance allows me to maintain the energy while showcasing my unique sound and creativity.

Additionally, I spend a lot of time on track selection and transitions to ensure a seamless flow throughout my set. I also prepare some special edits or mashups exclusively for Tomorrowland to make my performance unique and memorable.

The goal is always to create an unforgettable experience that keeps the crowd engaged from start to finish.”

What has been a recent project you’ve been excited about and what have you got in store for us in the near future?

“A recent project I've been incredibly excited about is an upcoming track that will be released at the end of the year: ‘Fade Out’. It’s a significant step for me as I not only produced it but also sang on it and wrote the lyrics. This track is deeply personal, and I’m thrilled to share a more intimate side of my music with my fans.”

Does playing in front of huge crowds, like the ones here at Tomorrowland, ever bring back memories of when you first started going to clubs and festivals yourself? Can you tell us something about these memories?

“Absolutely! Playing in front of huge crowds at Tomorrowland brings back plenty of memories of my own days in the crowd. I vividly remember the excitement I felt as a fan, waiting for my favorite DJs to take the stage and experiencing the electrifying energy of the people around me.

One of my fondest memories is the first time I went to Tomorrowland. I was in awe of the entire setup – the massive stages, the lights, and the feeling of unity among the festivalgoers. It was at that moment that I realized I wanted to be up there, creating those magical moments for others.”