THE TAKE 5 SERIES
Gardenstate
The numbers are in, and Gardenstate’s debut album Inspirations is an apparent hit! But, of course, that’s not much of a surprise. Although the double-act are a relatively recent collaboration, both artists have a fair amount of experience in making music for a living. Markus Schossow is a Swedish artist experimenting with new sounds for fifteen years, while Matthew Felner is a New Jersey-born music-lover who’s made a name for himself both by promoting artists and performing his work.
What makes Gardenstate so unique, though? Well, after years working separately, these two have decided to team up, combining their skills, passion for electronic dance music, and, perhaps most importantly, their friendship to create a mesmerizing sound that’s like nothing you’ve heard before.
They first met in February 2008 when Felner, who was, at the time, working for an events company, was so impressed by Schossow’s hit ‘Mr White’ that he booked his future collaborator for his first North American tour. From there, they got to know each other and became friends, but it took until 2019, over a decade later, before the two finally decided to work together.
In the short time since then, Gardenstate has managed to amass over 300,000 monthly listeners based on their debut album alone. It’s anyone’s guess where they’ll go from here, but right now, they’re seeing some well-deserved success.
If you’re curious to learn more about Gardenstate, what their plans are, why they love EDM, as well as a whole host of other questions, then stick around as we Take5!
Q: Before we dig in, what's next for you?
We’re starting 2022 with touring in the USA and Canada. On the music side, we have album remixes coming soon!
Q: Why did you choose to make electronic music?
Because it feels good in my brain, it makes me feel something. The energy of it can take you somewhere else in your head.
Q: How important are lyrics to you as an artist?
As I don’t write the lyrics myself, I find it essential it means something to the person who wrote; it is often their story I’m trying to portray.
Q: What do you think of Robots making music?
If the robots can teach us something, I’m all for it; I don’t care what music comes from. But are you going to pay $50 to see a pre-programmed robot on stage?
Q: What's something everyone should experience at least once in their life?
I was getting lost in Tokyo. It’s a magical feeling.
Hey, you might want to check this out
Q: Do you ever sing while taking a shower or having a bath? Why is this popular? Do you sing in tune yourself?
Yes, I do it all the time, but I’m happy no one ever gets to hear it except for my girlfriend and my cat. I think people do it because you’re stripped down naked and forced to be comfortable with yourself in the shower. With that confidence comes the feeling of giving zero fucks.
Q: What was the weirdest habit you had as a child?
I was holding my left ear to keep balance.
Q: What invention would advance humanity the most if you could go back in time and inspire someone to make a present-day invention?
A pill for critical thinking.
Q: Can You Dream Of Having A Dream?
It happened to me a couple of times.
Q: What double standard is ridiculous and needs to be ended?
People praising untalented artists on stage and then complaining online that there are no new names on festival line-ups.
