Released yesterday, Gian Varela collaborates with Damon Sharpe for an unforgettable groovy house-pop anthem, titled “Faces”, which features Matluck. The release of this new single follows up Gian Varela’s remix of R3HAB & Laidback Luke’s “Weekend on a Tuesday” and his collaborative single titled “Party Sexo Alcohol” with Leslie Shaw, Damon Sharpe’s single “Naughty Girl” which featured Tima Dee, and also follows up Matluck’s collaboration with Mike Williams on the single “Closing Time”.
Gian Varela is a DJ, producer, and songwriter with an international reputation, originating from Panama and honing his craft in the United States. His innovative approach to blending sounds and genres sets him apart in the music world. He has collaborated with Latin music legends like Sech, Feid, & El Chombo and released music with major dance music labels such as Spinnin’ Records, Armada Music, Mixmash Records, and Revealed Recordings, earning the support of renowned artists like Armin van Buuren, Gianluca Vacchi, and Fedde Le Grand. His remix of Armin van Buuren’s “Turn It Up” has become his most-streamed song on Spotify with over 6.1 million streams, whilst his collaboration with Ecko and Frig, titled “Besame”, is just behind at 5.9 million streams. With experience performing in festivals across the Americas, Gian Varela is known for his energetic and thrilling shows, captivating audiences in South America, Ibiza, and Ecuador with his “guerilla” style. As a versatile producer who effortlessly transitions between genres, Gian Varela is poised to showcase the diversity of Latin dance music, from Spanish house to Latin urban pop, in 2023 and beyond.
As for Damon Sharpe, he is a talented producer, songwriter, DJ, and recording artist who has made a significant impact in the music industry. With a list of awards and accolades that includes a Grammy and an ASCAP award, he has been a key player in the production of albums that have sold over 45 million copies. Having worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Alesso, Kelly Rowland, Kylie Minogue, and Flo Rida, Damon Sharpe has shown himself to be a sought-after collaborator by many of the biggest names in the music industry. He has also worked with prominent DJs like Morgan Page, Zonderling, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Loud Luxury, BIJOU, Thomas Gold, DVBBS, Gattuso, and Elephante. In addition to his work with established artists, Damon Sharpe has also produced for social media influencers like Jacob Sartorious, Jordyn Jones, and the Martínez Twins. He has also established himself as a popular artist in his own right, with over 87 million streams on Spotify, and his collaborative single “When In Rome”, with GATTÜSO, has become his most-streamed single with the Mark Sixma remix having over 26.3 million streams with the original just behind at 18.1 million. He continues to prove to be an unstoppable force in the music industry and 2023 is set to be a bright year for Damon Sharpe.
Featuring on the track is Matluck, real name Max Elliot Matluck, who is a Miami-born, bilingual, Emmy and BMA award-winning, and Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter whose music transcends genres. He began playing the piano as a child, but it wasn’t until high school that he discovered his passion for songwriting. With inspiration from his upbringing and personal experiences, Matluck started writing and playing the guitar. At the age of 16, he was already being recognised for his talent and got his first sync placement in films. After completing his business studies at the University of Florida, Matluck moved to Los Angeles to fully pursue his music career. He has worked with renowned DJs like Armin van Buuren, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, and many others. Matluck’s music has earned him tens of millions of streams and has been featured on numerous playlists. He has also written for international artists such as Mau Y Ricky, Karol G, and CNCO. With his upcoming EP and continued success, it’s evident that Matluck’s career as both an artist and songwriter is just beginning.
Stream “Faces” by Gian Varela & Damon Sharpe featuring Matluck on Spotify here:
Talking about the track, Gian Varela said: “‘Faces,’ is one of the deepest records I’ve ever made. It’s a metaphor for how artists and people nowadays can get caught up in being people they’re not without even realizing it. But there’s a beauty and a solemn feeling of catching this moment where you evolve, and this is what ‘Faces’ for us is! Then instrumentally speaking, Damon & I merged our styles together with that LA/USA feeling and certain Brazilian bass/Latin percussions to make a unique groove to the instrumental side of the track.”
Written by Damon Sharpe, Gian Varela, Matthew Sharpe, and Max Elliot, with Gian Varela and Damon Sharpe producing the track, “Faces” is a progressive house track that launches into the dance genre with flavours of Latin, pop, and soul. Damon Sharpe’s incredible production gives the track an air of polish while Gian Varela easily impresses with deep groovy baselines and cinematic melodies mixed around urban roots which easily makes this track stand out for all the right reasons. On top of that, Matluck comes in with his emotional vocals filled with deep soul and a clear connection, sending chills to the listener. The dance drop of the track is groovy and full of rhythmic beats which contrast beautifully with the upbeat electric chorus that is personified by Matluck’s impressive falsetto. This is one track that belongs on dance playlists and DJ sets as well as on the radio.
“Faces”, by Gian Varela & Damon Sharpe featuring Matluck, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Mixmash Records.