Calon “Matryoshka”
“Matryoshka” means “heart” in Welsh. Thinking of someone, still can’t seem to leave them behind, even the joy and heartbreak have faded in time—with gentle and reverberant acoustic guitar, Calon steps into his heart space. As memory gradually flooded back, feelings entangled, “Matryoshka” takes listeners to a warm, tender place where one’s passion and loss are preserved. “We had our fireworks but cling to the debris; I fell too hard for someone who wanted more than I could be.”
Calon’s poignant lyrics written from an autobiographical standpoint are a masterpiece themselves. Only through poetry can one articulate the intricacy and drastic. The ethereal, soft and illuminating soundscapes give it an even more sensible touch, finishing off with a beautifully well-crafted and immersive acoustic world. There seem to be wind bells chiming in the background, though they aren’t physically in the track. Calon creates such a dreamful atmosphere while his voice explores all the raw and tender feelings. “Matryoshka,” the wonderful song written from the heart feels too special to end.
The first half of the song gives you a kind of fragility and innocence, but passing the chorus into the second verse, the lingering feelings deepen so as the story unravels even more—a mixture of nostalgia and loss, heartbreak and acceptance.
Calon’s music always has a versatile and almost minimalistic quality to them. There are hints every now and there that remind you of commercially successful songs. There’s always the possibility for his music to adapt another form, like combining it with delicious electronics or sensuous synth or making it more modern, but Calon remains true to this intimate, genuine form, with a soul-baring voice and a guitar, a man and his story are enough. In the end, there’s no other form better than the one we’re already listening.
Read our interview with Calon and learn more about the story behind his single “Matryoshka.”
Punk Head: I love the vulnerability and intimate storytelling of "Matryoshka." Is there any challenge or obstacle that you faced while making the single?
Calon: I guess the writing process was pretty challenging in all honesty, this track (and the upcoming EP) is about the same person. I had written songs from an autobiographical point of view, but never with such honesty. I felt that with "Matryoshka", I didn't hold back, so as a result the emotions are quite raw.
PH: What do you like the best about this track?
Calon: I would say the melody of the chorus, also some lines really stick out to me, especially the first verse. It sets the tone for listeners, and I'm sure there are people that are able to relate to it. Overall I like that I was honest during the writing process.
PH: What is your creative vision as an artist?
Calon: I'd say I write from a place of vulnerability, a lot of my songs come from a place of honesty and also have a sense of desire behind them. I want to write songs that don't hold back. "Calon" actually means "Heart" in Welsh (I'm from Wales originally), and I feel that's exactly where my songs come from.
PH: Who are your biggest inspirations?
Calon: Great question! I'm a huge Jeff Buckley fan, he has some really great chord choices and that has influenced me a lot. Other than that, I'd definitely say there's a bit of Elliot Smith, Nick Drake and Radiohead in there. For some of the more summery songs I write, I definitely add a bit of Jamiroquai in there.
PH: What is the one thing that you’d like your fans to know about you?
Calon: That I'm recording my debut EP! It'll hopefully be out around late-2023. It will feature 5-6 songs, and the concept is based on aspects of a past relationship. Other than that, you can stay in touch with my journey through my social media, where I will post information for upcoming gigs and other music news!
