Changes aren’t always easy — but sometimes, they turn into something remarkable. For MATRAKK, Coming Back feels like one of those moments. The title couldn’t be more fitting. For him, music is about energy — it has to move you, stir something inside. “Coming Back marks a new era for me: more groove, more melody, more emotion but still a lot of energy.”
Since his breakthrough in 2020 with the underground anthem My Drums Hard, the French producer has carved out a space for himself by blending intensity with melody, often walking the line between rave ferocity and trance euphoria. But after years in the harder scene, he felt the pull toward something different — a sound that still carried the energy he’s known for, but with more room for groove, vocals, and emotion.
The new single Coming Back signals that shift. It’s also the first release on his newly founded label, Saint-Germain — a space he describes as “a major house to share this love of music all together through various releases, events and more.” With Saint-Germain, MATRAKK is stepping into full creative ownership, shaping a vision that’s as much about community as it is about sound. “What matters most to me isn’t the genre, it’s the emotion, the energy. If a track moves me, I don’t overthink it.”
In this conversation, we talk about the turning points that led to Coming Back, the vision behind Saint-Germain, the kind of community he wants to build, and why connection — both on and off the dance floor — matters more than ever.
photography by press
Congratulations on your new single Coming Back! Do you celebrate your release days in some way, or do you usually just move forward like it’s any other day?
Thank you so much! I’m usually pretty focused on my work, so I tend to move on quickly after a release. But this one is different: Coming Back feels like a real turning point in my career. For the past few months, I’ve been working in a new direction. I’ve always defended trance in my sets and productions, but I used to keep that rave and hard touch. Now I feel the need to let go of that and fully embrace what I truly love.
You’ve called this a “new chapter” — is that also true beyond music? Like shifts in your life, your relationships?
Absolutely. I recently made a big move and changed booking and management agencies.
That change gave me the space to pause, look inward, and really question where I wanted to go artistically.
With my team, we took time to rethink everything the sounds, the message, the visual identity to come back with something more mature, and that truly reflects my values.
I felt a strong urge to get even closer to the music I deeply love: with groove, vocals, melodies, and powerful emotions.
“Coming Back marks a new era for me: more groove, more melody, more emotion but still a lot of energy.”
After years in the harder underground scene, this new track feels more melodic. Is genre something that matters to you or is it more about mood, energy, and instinct?
I actually started my career in a pretty hard underground scene. At that time, I was really into that intensity the speed and the rawness.
But I’ve always added a melodic, more emotional layer to it, especially through vocals. That wasn’t always well accepted in the underground, but I’ve always stood by my love for trance.
Now I feel lucky, because trance is finally having its moment. It gives me the freedom to explore my style without compromise.
Coming Back marks a new era for me: more groove, more melody, more emotion but still a lot of energy.
You’ve launched your own label. Do you remember the exact moment Saint-Germain became real, like, this is it, I’m doing this, not just an idea but a decision?
There were two steps to this. Four years ago, I created my first label OBSESSION with a friend who’s also an artist.
At the time, no one really wanted my hybrid sound, somewhere between trance and techno, so I decided to release it myself and build my own community.
Recently, I chose to close that chapter and start something solo.
The idea for Saint-Germain came naturally, during a conversation with my team.
I wanted a space that was fully mine, to shape my vision, grow a community, and eventually launch my own events.
I’ve worked in event production and I love scenography, so I’m super excited to create immersive experiences. I’ve got so many fresh ideas for our scene.
The name Saint-Germain evokes both something historic and a bit mystical. Is there a story behind it?
I wanted something French. I’m proud to represent French electronic music.
We have iconic names like Daft Punk, Justice, Laurent Garnier, and labels like Ed Banger.
Saint-Germain felt right: it refers to the famous Paris Saint-Germain football club, but also the historic Saint-Germain neighborhood.
It reflects both elegance and legacy. I’m aiming for a refined, hybrid artistic direction.
In France, we have a tradition of blending genres and I think that’s what gives us our strength.
This name really captures the spirit I want to express with the label.
“I believe people come to parties to escape and feel free… I always aim to create moments of joy and euphoria…”
You’ve said that “the aim behind this label is to create a major house to share this love of music all together through various releases, events and more.” What kind of artists or sounds are you hoping to welcome into the Saint-Germain family and what connects them, beyond genre?
The goal is to build a strong, supportive community, one that shares music and creates unforgettable memories.
I’ll start by focusing on my own vision to give the label a solid identity. Then, I want to welcome emerging artists who feel too hybrid or experimental for the mainstream scene. I know how hard it is to break in when your sound doesn’t fit into a box. So I want to offer what I wish I had: a place to share your music, with real support, both in distribution and in live opportunities.
Musically, the label will live somewhere between trance, hard house, and hard dance, but I’ll keep the door open.
What matters most to me isn’t the genre, it’s the emotion, the energy.
If a track moves me, I don’t overthink it. I follow my instinct, I always have.
On instagram you often share videos of yourself behind the decks, and the energy is infectious, you can really feel the love for the moment. Is that something that never gets old for you, no matter how many times you play?
Definitely. I became a DJ when I was 17, and from day one, I was hooked.
That connection with the crowd, the adrenaline… I live for that. I count the days until the weekend.
Since the beginning, my sets have always been festive and energetic. Why?
Because I believe people come to parties to escape and feel free.
Sadly, a lot of people feel the need to take substances to enjoy themselves — and that’s something I want to challenge.
I believe you can have fun in a healthy way, and music can help with that.
I always aim to create moments of joy and euphoria — maybe it’s a small contribution, but it’s my way of helping.
“I’d spent months isolated in the studio, really focused. So taking 72 hours off, no phone, no music talk, no socials — it was a breath of fresh air.”
Outside of music, what’s something recently that made you feel truly present, a place, a conversation, a meal, a walk? Something small that stayed with you. (smiles)
Honestly, a weekend with friends.
I’d spent months isolated in the studio, really focused. So taking 72 hours off, no phone, no music talk, no socials — it was a breath of fresh air.
It reminded me how good it feels to be present, minute by minute, with the people you love.
The most important thing in life is?
Family. Friends. And making memories that last a lifetime. Aha.
Listen to Coming Back here:
bfan.link/coming-back-4
Follow MATRAKK for more:
www.instagram.com/matrakk___
www.facebook.com/Matrakk69
