Zurich-based artist MATONDO returns with her latest single ‘DOPAMINE’, a sleek, noughties-infused electro-pop cut that signals the beginning of a new chapter. Blending atmospheric synths with punchy percussion and a measured, captivating vocal delivery, the track captures her ability to merge nostalgia with a distinctly modern edge.
Leaning into early-2000s influences while sitting comfortably in today’s alt-pop landscape, ‘DOPAMINE’ explores the addictive pull of digital culture, specifically the fleeting highs and emotional turbulence driven by social media. As the track builds toward its percussive climax, it maintains a cinematic feel, balancing restraint with intensity in a way that feels signature to MATONDO’s evolving sound.
With ‘DOPAMINE’ offering the first glimpse of her forthcoming EP, MATONDO continues to position herself as an artist unbound by limitation. We caught up with her to talk about the inspiration behind the single, her genre-fluid approach, and what lies ahead in this next phase of her artistry.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
I don’t come from a musician’s household, but I started singing as a very young child and originally wanted to become an opera singer. There was always music playing at home, ranging from flamenco and reggae to pop. Later, I attended a music-focused high school and went on to study law. After that, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in jazz vocals at the Zurich University of the Arts. As a result, my musical background includes classical music, jazz, as well as pop and soul.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
Some of my biggest influences are definitely Sophie Hunger and Lianne La Havas— regarding my singing they had a strong impact on me during my teenage years. Later on, I also discovered more electronic music for myself. In general, I listen to a wide range of artists, including Kaytranada, Timbaland, Duckwrth, Rosalía, Yebba, FKA twigs, Sevdaliza, Mysie, Ella Fitzgerald, Miss C-Line, Moses Yoofee Trio. There are so many incredible artists who have influenced me in different ways.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
I don’t have a specific band in mind. I do think that studying Jazz and playing with each other shaped my approach to performing live a lot.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
There have been moments in the studio, when a first demo is born – the joy I get from that is indescribable. On stage I had some very beautiful moments I can recall, when the whole audience sang in choir together with the band. Gigs, where the whole band just had fun together are memorable to me too.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
Often my songwriting is driven by anger. It is a good catalyst for me. Of course the whole spectrum of emotions give a good playground for songwriting. As most artists having a „product“ out of an experience that was not necessarily beautiful is freeing to me.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Music production is a very male dominated field, in which I have to emphasize the fact that I produce my own music a lot. When I studied Jazz, the amount of women was overseeable as well. The role of a woman in Jazz seemed very cliché. Nobody expected you to be an instrumentalist and when singing – you were here for entertaining purposes (That’s how it felt to me at times). I don’t know if I have overcome them – a system is changed by all of its participants. I can just do my best by doing what I want musically and continue having ownership over my music.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
As said –I often drive on anger and concern – lyrics wise. The expectations and double standards around being a woman, a black woman, todays right wing climate (f.e. hijab bans in an upcoming single ) the loss of ownership regarding social media. All topics that I process in my music.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
Usually I collect Ideas on my phone, or write Ideas down if I’m feeling inspired. After some time I go to the mountains, where I rent a little cabin and with my basic equipment start recording demos. When arriving back home, the process of adding and retracting step by step over time starts. My songs usually take quite some time until they’re done.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope we feel inspired by each other. I hope I make songs that find my people. I hope that those people want to turn the music up and want to bathe in it maybe dance to it, sing, lay on the floor or in bed or whatever and attach their own stories to it too. Maybe right now I am just imagining myself when I am obsessively listening to music.
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Watch the new video for MATONDO’s ‘DOPAMINE’ below.