Matt Wilier began improvising on piano at the age of 5, with no knowledge of music other than his own feelings and sensations. After practicing for a few years, it was at the music conservatory that he discovered technique and then classical music. From the age of 12, he would fall asleep listening to Keith Jarrett’s solo piano albums, including ‘The Köln Concert’ and ‘La Scala’. During the same period, after having studied the Romantics (and Chopin’s rubato), he was captivated by impressionist music and became fascinated by the French movement ‘Les Six’. But ultimately, he considers ‘Gaspard de la Nuit’ by Maurice Ravel to be one of the most beautiful piano works. While retaining his initial desire for improvisation, he threw himself into minimalist and repetitive music, freeing himself from judgment and taking an interest in sonic resonances, frequencies and vibrations of the piano as proof of the passage of time.
In 2019, he released his first EP ‘Jours’, a collection of older improvised recordings, and chose to regularly release tracks resulting from his process of creation with the French label, Bruit Blanc. ‘Variations’, his new 11-track album, released in June 2024. The recording of this album was no exception, with Matt once again focusing on resonances.
‘Variations’ is built in the same way, with changing melodies, harmonies and rhythms.
However, this time the piano is not alone, with strings, strings layers, ensemble, and analog bass frequencies as accompaniment. This album is built like an original movie soundtrack. Images flash by as you close your eyes and listen to it.
Same year in September, Matt recorded a few piano-solo tracks after a series of improvisational recordings, which he released in short bursts: ‘Burning Through the Ground’ and ‘A suspended Moment’ (two tracks: ‘A Suspended Moment’ – ‘He hand lovingly caressed her face, she awoke softly and fixed her gaze upon mine’).
1. When and how did you realize that your whole life would be linked to music?
Finally quite early. If I started playing the piano around the age of 5, it was especially around the age of 17 that I became aware of the importance of music in my life. I did not yet know in what form, as a musician or in the music industry (in a label or with a publisher). I rather favored my work as a music publisher and partly in musical supervision for feature films. But I never gave up composition which has taken on more importance in my life in recent years and proves how essential it is for me.
2. Which composer has most influenced your musical imagination?
Impossible to name just one! I would say Maurice Ravel, Keith Jarrett and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
3. What is your main creative motto?
I hold dear and which may seem opposite. In any case, they are both attached to the notion of time: the moment: for emotion and improvisation and taking time to experience, to create and develop, and to move forward.
4. What would you like to express during your performance at the festival? What will your program consist of and why this choice?
I wonder what I will perceive from the audience on the day of the concert. I would like the audience to take the time to listen to the resonances of the piano starting from some of my compositions, but there will necessarily be an improvised part that will depend on the moment and I do not yet master this aspect…
5. What goals do you set for yourself, what projects do you have on the horizon?
I like to regularly release recordings made on specific themes inspired by the moment. And then there is the desire to interpret in the neo-classical/minimalist genre on the piano several songs by well-known artists of new wave, alternative rock… I feel more comfortable today facing the immensity of these groups to approach this exercise.
6. How do you see the future of piano music?
I feel that it has developed incredibly and that the neoclassical movement and minimalist music are extremely appreciated. There are an impressive number of composers, composers and piano performers who demonstrate the interest in this instrument. I see an eternal future.
7. What does Paris represent for you, do you have a special relationship with this city and why did you accept the invitation to participate in the festival?
Paris is my birthplace. I have a total connection with this city, almost inexplicable, which made it even more obvious that I accept the honor, that the festival has given me, of inviting me. And for this reason, this concert will be for me the place of the creation of new compositions for the occasion.
Discover Piano Revenge Festival (buy Tickets here) and Matt’s Music