photography by Andrew Segreti
collages by Matt Leibowitz
“I started writing Charcoal – and the rest of the EP coming out later this spring – in late 2021 as an extension of my art practice making collages,” Matt Leibowitz, the artist behind Solo Project Cowboy Clean, reveals about his debut single, “Charcoal.” Well-versed in collaborations with artists like Valley Latini, Caverns, Drager, Prison, and Donald Cumming (The Virgins), Leibowitz is now ready to release his own creation.
The inception of “Charcoal” and its companion EP, ‘Blue Sky, Red River,’ stems from an interesting blend of Leibowitz’s musical style and his foray into visual arts, specifically collage-making. “At the time, the only therapist that had an opening and was covered by my insurance happened to be an art therapist, so I went with it,” he explains. The single, like his collages, is an exploration of ‘amor fati’, an acceptance and ordering of life’s inherent chaos, reflecting his own personal growth and artistic evolution.
As we step into the New Year, “Charcoal” emerges as a timely piece for change and musing. The track summarizes the magic of the season – a period that inspires a desire for doing things a bit differently, a bit better, and a bit more aligned with our inner needs. The single resonates with a calming, hopeful sound, reminiscent of a cozy, rippling stream, offering a serene auditory experience that speaks to the soul. The upcoming EP promises to delve deeper into these themes, establishing Cowboy Clean as a fresh voice in the music and art landscape.
