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Mathis Akengin is a piano prodigy, training in conservatories before most of us could do our times tables. After collaborating with a variety of bands, like Dead Chic and Neptune Quartet, Akengin decided it was time to launch a solo career, no less with the piano-slapping ‘First Floor’. I had the pleasure of interviewing Akengin, asking him ten questions to see what inspirations stoke the flames of his talent.

How do you decide which language to write a song in?

It feels quite natural when the melody and the mood come. I don’t really think of it, it appears
in a language or another.

What is your biggest non-music influence?

I’m very inspired by cooking. To me, to cook is very similar to making music: millions of ways
of doing it, with multiple ingredients, inspiration, and also, it has something deeply meditative
too. Also, my mum was a cook, so I’ve been into it very young.

Which track from your upcoming LP are you most proud of?

I think it would be ‘Passage des Fleurs’. It’s a very personal song, I like the way it evolves,
and above all, the Turkish language has found its playground in it!

Music has been important to you from a very young age. What was the first song you
can remember loving?

Nina Simone all the way! My mum used to put some Simone songs on when she did her makeup.

Why do you dislike dentists? (As per this interview)

I’m cursed with cavities.

Between the frozen sea of ‘Mer d’hiver’ and the acrobatic grace of ‘Voltige’, how does
movement inform your songwriting?

I think in terms of physical sensation before melody. ‘Mer d’hiver’ is about suspended
stillness, while ‘Voltige’ comes from balance and release. The piano follows the body more
than the idea.

Are there any instruments you want to learn that you haven’t got around to yet?

I used to play the cello. I think I’ll go back to it one day.

I noticed a watercolour painting on your Instagram captioned ‘L’illusionniste’ – do you
paint often, and if so, how do the pieces you draw interact with the music you write?

That’s fun that you found it! I never draw, that’s my very only painting I ever made!

You mention Patrick Watson as an influence often. What about Watson resonates
with you so much?

I struggled to find my way for a while. I wanted to do very different things, and I didn’t know
where to begin. Patrick Watson made me realize that every thing, every inspiration could fit
in one project, as long as we’re sincere about it.

Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind ‘First Floor’?

‘First Floor’ talks about this place we lived in with my family when we arrived in France. It
was a (very) tiny flat, above my parent’s restaurant. This song is about how big child dreams
can fit into a very small place, and the urgent need to listen to one’s inner child.

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