Our fascination with MatAre seems to grow with every listen. We featured him at the end of last year as he tapped into his authentic nature with dark wave escapism at the forefront of his single, Into the Sea, so naturally, we were curious to hear his first release of 2026, When Alone.
When Alone opens with a glistening guitar and padded drums, as MatAre shares a reflective message about existing between two places. He delves into notions of the quiet disorientation that comes from never fully belonging in situ.
We learn that the song was written from MatAre’s experience of traveling for work, and in essence, living a split life. When Alone holds a cinematic allure, relatable in many ways, and perfect for a sync placement that reflects his lived experience and the narrative that unfolds. He confesses, “I travel for work and have done so for 15 years. So, that means I actually live in two places. Ispend more time in my remote home. When Alone is about the confusion between these two places.”
The song explores elements of emotional confusion as MatAre questions the concept of home on a philosophical level. Instead of offering resolution, the song lingers and serves as introspective catharsis for the artist, accepting his reality, but also acknowledging it.
Sonically, MatAre shows us how When Alone is designed to prioritize atmosphere. He draws from a lineage of artists such as The Cure, New Order and The Smiths for this era, which is also a nod to his origins as an artist, introduced with his record, Veinte.
Originating from Atlanta, MatAre is the solo project of artist Matthew Rousseau, who wrote, recorded and produced When Alone himself. This most certainly showcases his authenticity and skillset, but also an intentional decision to ensure that the emotional core of the original demo remained intact.
When Alone not only signals a return to MatAre‘s roots, but also sets the tone for his upcoming four-song EP, Brevity. We have added When Alone to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s exquisite growing discography, and anticipate future releases from the star.