filous is an Austrian multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer who is taking the world by storm.
Born as Matthias Oldofredi, filous is one of electronic music’s fastest rising stars. Naturally gifted when it comes to music, filous has mastered over 18 different instruments which allow him to put a unique spin on his music and remixes. Last year he was named in Spotify’s ‘Spotlight on Artists 2016’ and has since amassed over two million monthly listeners on the digital platform.
His latest single is ‘Goodbye’, which features singer-songwriter Mat Kearney. The track is a fusion of dance, folk, and pop, which is completely captivating. There is no doubt that filous is going to continue his climb to the top, and we’re excited to see what he does next.
We recently caught up with filous to talk about ‘Goodbye’, playing countless instruments, advice he’d give to upcoming musicians and much more.
Mat hit me up on Twitter, asking if I was interested in collaborating on a song with him and sent me the first demo version of ‘Goodbye’ that he wrote. I fell in love with it, and flew to Nashville to work on it in his studio – making this song with him was a very inspiring and fruitful learning experience!
‘Goodbye’ is such a great song. What was the inspiration behind the track?
I was heavily inspired by the vibe in Nashville, which was something I wanted to reflect in the song production. Also, as the lyrical content of the song is so intimate it was important to me to try to preserve that closeness.
You’re only 20 however, you’ve already achieved a great deal musically. What inspired you to carve a career in music, and is it something you’ve always wanted to do?
It’s actually something that sort of just happened. I enjoyed making music and sharing it on the internet, and people seemed to really pick up on it. I’m still not entirely sure how it all happened so quickly!
We’re in awe that you’ve taught yourself to play 18 instruments! What’s your current favourite instrument, and is there any instruments left in the world that you’d like to learn how to play?
I think actually knowing how to play at least one instrument is very important to be able to make music in a natural and authentic way. It gives you a lot more possibilities to express yourself musically. My favourite instrument to play at the moment is the mandolin.
We imagine that every song you create has a different beginning, but typically how would you describe your songwriting/creative process?
Song ideas are usually born out of the moment, like when I’m jamming on the guitar or on any other instrument. Sometimes I come up with something I really like and start by recording the first instrumental idea, slowly building around it and adding layers step by step.
You’ve garnered over 550 million plays across your tracks on YouTube, Spotify and Soundcloud. How does it feel to know that people across the globe are appreciating your music?
It’s an insane feeling to know that people all over the world are listening to your music – it’s something I still can’t fully comprehend, but it’s a really nice thought.
Who inspires you musically?
There are so many artists that inspire me, the list is endless. But some of the artists I listen to regularly are Bobby McFerrin, Soko and Jacob Collier.
You originate from Austria – how has your home country influenced you musically over the years?
I think it’s less the location as it is the people I meet here. We have a lot of very talented artists in Austria and it’s really nice to get to know people that share the same journey.
If you had to listen to just five songs for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Bobby McFerrin – Simple Pleasures
Mac Demarco – Blue Boy
Sufjan Stevens – All of Me Wants All of You
Bill Withers – Use Me
Astrud Gilberto – Corcovado
What advice would you give to anybody trying to make their mark in the music industry?
My only advice is to not rely on other people’s advice too much, and to try to explore what feels right and trust your gut. There aren’t really any rules when it comes to making music and it’s important to keep in mind that everything is subjective. I think one very important aspect is to expand your horizon and to surround yourself with people who inspire you.
What can we expect from filous during the rest of 2017? Live shows? More new music?
Yes, definitely!
Thank you to filous for his time! ‘Goodbye’ is available now.
Keep up to date with him on his socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud