Montreal singer-songwriter Hanorah returns with “Matty,” the lead single from her forthcoming EP Closer Than Hell, set for release on May 9, 2025, via Ensoul Records. The song delves into memories of childhood, evoking a sense of longing for simpler days—a theme that resonates throughout the track.
“Matty” takes inspiration from a moment Hanorah shared with a boy she knew as a young girl, who once slipped her a note in class reading simply, “belle.” In the song, she captures the innocence of childhood connections, untouched by the complications that come with growing up. Hanorah, known for her soulful voice and genre-blending approach, crafts this single as a reflection on the nature of nostalgia and its complicated allure.
Listen below:
The inspiration for “Matty” came at a time of introspection, as Hanorah explains: “This memory resurfaced when I was going through a period of reflection, approaching 30 and watching people I went to school with buy houses, get married, and start families on Facebook.” She adds, “I looked around at my life and thought, ‘God, what have I done?’ I have to be careful with nostalgia because it’s like a drug sometimes. The kid I sat next to in elementary school was not my soulmate. And I love my life now. But in this song, I found a home for the longing I felt for simpler times before it all fell apart.”
Opening with the crackling sound of a home video and children’s voices, “Matty” sets a scene that’s intimate and familiar. Hanorah’s vocals, layered over a laid-back beat and soft guitar riffs, bring a warm, contemplative energy to the song. A hint of whimsy peeks through with a VHS tape rewind sound, giving “Matty” an atmospheric touch that captures the fading memories she channels.
Photo credit: Monse Muro
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