Matt DeAngelis’ “I’m Just The Keyboard Player” strips back the stage lights to tell the story of a musician stepping out from the shadows. The single is self-reflective and liberating; it captures the shift from supporting role to self-actualized artist. With its roots in Gradwell House Studios, a space that has hosted the likes of The Wonder Years, the track carries the weight of experience and the spark of newfound independence. Using confessional lyricism with a steady undercurrent of resolve, DeAngelis transforms the quiet humility of being “just” the keyboard player into a declaration of purpose.
For those who might not know you yet, how would you introduce yourself?
My name is Matt DeAngelis. I am a musician, singer-songwriter, and storm chaser. I have been a professional musician for several years now and record frequently in the studio and play live shows quite often.
If you had to bottle up your sound into just three words, which ones would you choose?
If I had to choose just three words, I would say my sound is best described as pop progressive rock.
Which artists (not only music-related) or moments have left the biggest mark on your music?
Growing up, my biggest musical influences included David Bowie, the Beatles, Yes, Genesis, U2, Billy Joel and Elton John. I even had the pleasure of recording several of my original songs with acclaimed musicians Liberty DeVitto and Richie Cannata, drummer and multi-instrumentalist from Billy Joel’s original band in Cove City Sound Studios on Long Island. This was an especially inspiring experience for me and one that has helped to propel my career forward.
When you hit play on your songs, what kind of feeling takes over?
When I listen to my songs I have previously recorded, I often am both reflective and somewhat critical, finding ways to improve my songwriting. However, I also appreciate my work and like to enjoy what I have created.
Can you walk us through the story or emotion behind this track?
“I’m Just The Keyboard Player” is a song that was written to convey the sometimes solitary life of a travelling musician, and in this case, the keyboard player. They are often hidden in the back of the band, not acknowledged nearly as much as the main members of the group, such as the guitar player or lead singer. I wrote this song at a time when I first began working within a band setting, having feelings about my place within the band. When I developed my vocal skills and moved into a frontman role, it was a breakthrough moment, a “seeing the light” moment. It was then that I realised the importance of both roles. It’s reaching a level of spiritual contentment, being comfortable with yourself and your place in the world. In the meantime, by continuing to do it right with a positive attitude, whether or not that revelation occurs, you can still begin to make change happen in your life, be it physical or mental. Universally, I realised that it’s about people who sometimes feel insignificant, in the background. Whether developing into a role that is more upfront or remaining in more of a background role, they can have that “seeing the light” moment where they realise that greatness and success are a sum of all the parts. Essentially, all things work together for the good of others, or the greater cause, whether it’s holding down the keys in a band or simply being on the assembly line of a manufacturer. For many, it’s difficult to truly recognise how their role–big or small–fits into the big picture. If we truly realise and embrace our role, a level of happiness and fulfilment can be reached that will take us to another level of consciousness.
If you could team up with anyone in the world—no limits—who would be that dream collaborator?
This is definitely a difficult question, but I would have loved to collaborate with my biggest inspiration from my childhood, David Bowie. I think he is one of the best songwriters the world has ever seen, and I can only imagine what we may have created together.
Outside of music, what brings you joy or keeps you grounded?
Outside of music, one of my main interests and hobbies is storm chasing. I have been storm chasing more seriously for the past several years and have travelled frequently to the Great Plains and Midwest states in the United States. I was even featured on the Weather Channel’s well-known television show “Deadline to Disaster” for documenting one of New Jersey’s largest tornadoes in recent history in Mullica Hill. This brought me some notoriety throughout the storm chasing community, and I have most recently captured several more tornadoes this past Spring season in Oklahoma. I have built up a collection of weather photography as well and have worked to compile more photos as I continue my storm chasing career.
