Matthew Mole Makes His US Debut

Matthew Mole is a Cape Town-born folk and electronica artist who has become increasingly popular on the South African music scene since the release of his debut album The Home We Built in 2013 (though he had previously released two EPs, You Did Well Kid and Same Parts, Same Heart in 2011 and 2012 respectively).  The album earned him the distinction of being the first South African artist to reach the top of the country’s iTunes chart while his  sophomore album, Run, reinforced his ability has a singer-songwriter among fans and critics alike. 

I was not expecting to come across a Matthew Mole gig in NYC and, while the show was scheduled to take place between 9  and 10:30 p.m. on a Tuesday night (and I don’t typically go out on a school night), I decided I had to push through the post-work fatigue and support SA talent.  Rockwood Music Hall, an intimate music venue on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, provided the perfect setting to showcase Matthew’s talent. 

Matthew started the set, wearing a cheerful pineapple print shirt and matching dimples, with his hugely popular song, Run, and proceeded to perform some of his biggest songs, ending with Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine.  His setlist included a cover of The Chainsmokers’ hit Closer and a reluctant rendition of his favourite karaoke song, New York, New York.  He joked that singing the classic Sinatra song in NYC would be like singing the national anthem and did not think he could live up to the pressure.  He caved at the audience’s insistence and did a great job. 

Indeed, he had a great rapport with the audience which comprised a large number of South Africans.  I have to admit, I was a little emotional when I heard all of the South African accents (though the garrulous Afrikaans meisies next to me tested my geduld and I came close to telling them to STFU so the rest of us could enjoy the music) and saw the South African flag draped from the upper level of the bar. 

Matthew was exceptionally charming and moved seamlessly between the drums, guitar and the piano (an aside: he is quite the overachiever and plays the ukulele, banjo, piano, organ, guitars and drums).  The audience loved every minute while Matthew was beaming from ear-to-ear, clearly thrilled by the audience’s enthusiastic response to his music and the realization of his dream of performing in the Big Apple.