Katmaz

Why do we like this?

Sometimes a song comes along that's beautiful enough to put me into a stupor. Katmaz's "Nautical Things" seems to be one such example.

The track actually reminds me a lot of Radiohead's slower tunes, which I might add comes as a compliment of the highest order. Heck, it even has influences of Radiohead in the 90s.

Look, I know Radiohead's new album is dropping later tonight, but in the meanwhile, I hope this serves as a great appetizer. - Jason Grishkoff

I like good new music a lot, so I really like this playlist. - Jason Grishkoff

Based out of Brooklyn, songwriter Matthew Kaz recently launched his latest project, Katmaz. The six-track debut EP, Nautical Things, finds Kaz sculpting bold sonic landscapes rooted in approaching each from a visually evocative perspective first.

Nautical Things‘ title track reveals itself in a slow burn fashion as Kaz layers over initial ukulele strums, building out in a slightly grander fashion than Radiohead’s “Giving Up The Ghost.” It’s a riveting single and only a small portion of what makes Nautical Things such a promising first statement from Katmaz.

We sent Katmaz the SIMGE Survey to give you a little more to chew on while streaming “Nautical Things” and as an added bonus, watch the video for another single, “For Now,” below. - Mike Mehalick

A hypnotic “you’re alright, you’re alright, for now” vocal hook is enhanced by glowing synths that fade in and out of focus, fluttering fully during a gorgeous bridge around 02:20. This is an upbeat, summery pop sound with an entrancing touch of psych-pop hypnotics. - Mike Mineo

Katmaz aka Matthew Kaz has released his latest single Nautical Things, a majestic track full of atmosphere and grace.

Kaz is currently based in Brooklyn, New York, and creates his music first and foremost from a visual standpoint and allows everything else to evolve around it.

Nautical Things is a wonderful piece of music – Katmaz is a true talent and a brilliant find. - Wee Claire

What do you do when the people you love make bad decisions and you can’t do anything to stop them? After watching his best friend stay with an unfaithful lover, that’s the situation New York singer Katmaz found himself in prior to writing his new single, “Don’t Change.” Heartbroken by his friend’s fear of change, Katmaz’s single captures the human penchant for staying in unideal situations just for the sake of comfortability. “Change can bring happiness,” he describes in a statement, “No one should have to put up with any type of abuse in their lives.” The result is a soulful piece of folk orchestration that could fill a stadium packed with awestruck fans. The chorus tugs at your heart like an unnoticed cry for help and, eventually, fades away into complicity. - Wild Honey Pie