By Will Hagle
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Not Today” by Mattiel, off their 2017 self-titled debut LP on Burger Records.
Mattiel – Not Today (MP3)
Mattiel Brown is a woman of many talents. She has described herself as an “ad designer, illustrator, and set builder," but listen to any song from her debut album, and it’s clear that her true calling is to be a vocalist. The frontwoman for the Atlanta, Georgia group has a rich, warm, powerful voice, the kind that can immediately draw in any listener no matter what else is going on in the background.
On “Not Today,” the latest single from Mattiel’s self-titled LP, her vocals are sandwiched between driving guitar riffs and energetic drums with sharp cymbal hits. The entire song is blanketed in the type of lo-fi sound that characterizes so many Burger Records releases, but it’s Mattiel’s voice that cuts to the front of the mix and carries the tune. The way she sings “Everything’s okay, but maybe not today” sounds both familiar and unique, nostalgic and timeless. “Not Today” is one of the best songs on a strong debut album, and it will be exciting to watch Mattiel continue to grow in Atlanta and beyond.
Aside from a hometown show on January 19, Mattiel doesn’t have any tour dates coming up. You can follow the band on Facebook for more information. Below, check out the video for the album's opening track, “Whites Of Their Eyes.”
