Tom Stræte Lagergren, better known by his stage name Matoma, has become a premier name in the tropical house genre over the past year. The 24-year-old Norwegian’s unique sound blends old school hip-hop with new school electronic beach vibes. And don’t be surprised to hear a killer saxophone solo in one of his tracks either. Earlier this month, Matoma traveled to Pamona, California to perform at HARD Summer Festival. After putting on an amazing set, which perfectly matched the day’s sunny weather, Matoma sat down with F4L to chat about his inspiration, what’s up next for him, the story behind his name, and more.
F4L: For those who haven’t heard of Matoma, how would you describe your music?
Matoma: First of all I always try to have a positive and good vibe. I try to make music that people can be happy with. At the same time, I try to influence young kids with old school hip-hop, like Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop. So many kids today from 12-16 years old don’t know about these guys because it was from a totally different era.
F4L: Speaking of old school hip-hop, when you released “Old Thing Back,” featuring Biggie and Ja Rule, did you realize how big it would get?
Matoma: No. Seriously I just made that remix in honor of Biggie, since Biggie has been my biggest inspiration since I was a kid. I found this acapella called “Old Thing Back.” It’s actually from an album called “Born Again” put out after his death. Puff Daddy put that together with some producers. It was more of a spiritual way to honor Biggie. I thought ‘this is some really nice shit,’ so I tried to make my own song off it.
F4L: Is Biggie your favorite hip-hop artist?
Matoma: He is my favorite. He took rough hip-hop, and turned it into something new. He brought soul, funk, and pop into hip-hop. All the respect to Tupac, and I love him from the bottom of my heart, but the west coast artists had a similar sound, and Biggie had his own style.
F4L: I noticed that you have two songs featuring Will Smith. I think he’s best known these days for his acting, but I’ve always considered him a very underrated rapper. What are your thoughts?
Matoma: Yeah me too! Will Smith’s flow, and his happiness, and his party vibe– you can’t find anyone else with that sick flow.
F4L: What inspired the name Matoma?
Matoma: Before I was named Matoma, I was actually at an a party with my brother after a Calvin Harris show. My brother turned to me and said, ‘Tom, your name sucks.’
F4L: What were you called at that point?
Matoma: [laughs] I don’t want to say. It was really bad. It was like a cartoon name.
F4L: Ok, back to the name story.
Matoma: After my brother said that to me, we started arguing, because I had my pride. Our friend pulled us apart saying ‘Guys, you have to behave yourselves. Can’t you just take life easy– Hakuna Matata?’ My brother was repeating that phrase, Hakuna Matata, but he was too drunk. So he said ‘Hakona Matoma.’ And that’s where the name is from.
F4L: Now that you’re touring a lot, what are your favorite venues you’ve played at?
Matoma: Electric Forrest, Bonnaroo, a festival in Norway, and Hard Festival has been great too.
F4L: Before performing, do you have any pre-show rituals?
Matoma: Gather all my people around, and just say, ‘let’s do this. It’s going to be dope. Spread the love.’
F4L: If you could collaborate with any artist today, who would it be?
Matoma: Wiz Khalifa, Drake, or Big Sean.
F4L: Lastly, what can we expect next from Matoma?
Matoma: Original tracks. Wait and see. It’s a surprise.
