B-Side Guys

In his latest single, “Home Is,” Barcelona-based singer-songwriter Marc Mata takes us on a deeply introspective journey through the murky waters of the psyche. Inspired by a vivid dream of a great white shark breaking free, the song serves as a powerful metaphor for the process of self-discovery and the search for one’s true home within.

From the opening lines, “Wake up every night, the sun on my bedside / Here comes the rain, I hope you realise,” Mata sets the stage for a haunting and atmospheric exploration of the inner self. His vocals, at once ethereal and grounded, are reminiscent of artists like Ben Howard and José González, while the subtle electronic flourishes and folksy guitar arpeggios call to mind the likes of James Blake and Bon Iver.

As the song unfolds, Mata delves deeper into the symbolism of the shark, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of a creature trapped by lies and expectations, yearning to break free and find its way back to its true nature. Lines like “Fake fins everyday, swollen by the lies / Here knocks the rain, I hope you realise” and “Four meters long, jaws that fantasize / Here comes the Don, in hope you packed your bags” are both haunting and hopeful, hinting at the possibility of escape and self-actualization.

The refrain, “Home, home is where your heart is / Home, home is what your heart missed,” serves as a poignant reminder that true belonging comes from within, and that the journey to self-discovery is often a painful but necessary one. Mata’s voice, layered and echoing, creates a sense of longing and introspection that perfectly captures the song’s central theme.

Musically, “Home Is” is a masterclass in restrained yet emotive songcraft. The sparse instrumentation, with its delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios and subtle electronic textures, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws the listener into Mata’s inner world. The production, handled by Canadian producer Mathieu LeGuerrier, is both lush and minimalist, allowing Mata’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage.

As the first single from Mata’s debut album, “Black Bile,” “Home Is” sets the stage for a deeply personal and introspective body of work. The album, which explores themes of depression, introspection, desolation, and hope, promises to be a raw and honest exploration of the human experience, with Mata’s unique blend of folktronica and alt-folk serving as the perfect vehicle for his emotionally charged songwriting.

In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, Marc Mata’s “Home Is” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-discovery and the search for true belonging. With its haunting melodies, poignant lyrics, and atmospheric production, the song is a testament to Mata’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to create music that resonates on a deeply emotional level. As he continues to explore the depths of the human psyche through his music, it’s clear that Marc Mata is an artist to watch, and “Home Is” is just the beginning of a powerful and transformative musical journey.