Joie Giordano

Whether peering inside himself or at our society, New Yorker Danny Matos has a sharp and unique perspective that ultimately aims to help the greater-good. That much is evident on “Stay Together (Anima),” a searing takedown of the expectations placed on men, and relationships. Known for his brimming pen game, Matos uses his gift to tackle troubled relationships torn apart by outside forces including the intensity of one’s career goals, and the desire to seek out others. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, and guest vocalist Joie Giordano (she’s also on lead single “Fought The Devil”) drives that point home throughout the track. In addition to slaying the hook, she closes the song with a heartfelt message: “If only we made an effort/ To make an effort/ To stay together.” You can hear the pain and anguish in Giordano and Matos’ vocals here, providing even more weight to an already-heavy subject. That being said, their songwriting is strong enough that nothing feels plodding or overwrought, only honest. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they have the skillful musicianship of Rusty Mack and The Red Walrus providing the foundation on “Stay Together,” the second single from Matos’ upcoming album, The Tarmac. “Stay Together (Anima)” is available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for ‘The Tarmac,’ as the project’s second instant-grat track. ‘The Tarmac’ hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets on August 26.

With his new single “Fought The Devil,” New York rapper Danny Matos is providing a voice for anyone who’s ever struggled with depression, anxiety, or any mental illness that tries to convince you that you’re just not good enough. In this case, the devil that Matos, and so many young people in our country are fighting, is the one that lies within. It’s that voice in your head that constantly tries to pull you down and cause inner turmoil, even when nothing’s wrong. Plenty of us have been there, and it’s important to remember that there’s always a way out of it. Matos’ words serve as a reminder of that notion, because he makes it clear to his listeners that they’re not alone—and that they can get through it. And he’s doing so with one of his most powerful and beautifully written songs to date, which stems from his forthcoming full-length album, The Tarmac. “Fought The Devil” is a tense and lush listening experience—from the hook, down to the production. On the chorus, the poet-turned-rapper is joined by vocalist Joie Giordano, while go-to collaborators Rusty Mack (of Harry Fraud’s Surf School) and The Red Walrus flesh out the instrumental. “Fought The Devil” is now available for stream, and can be downloaded off the iTunes pre-order link for ‘The Tarmac,’ as the project’s debut instant-grat track. ‘The Tarmac’ hits digital retailers and major streaming outlets on August 26.