With a voice that cuts straight to the nerve, Los Angeles-based independent breakthrough artist Matt Hansen is redefining what emotionally transparent pop can sound like. With the release of his debut album Orchid, a 17-track project that lays it all out on the table, Hansen continues to reframe vulnerability not as weakness, but as a powerful jumping-off point for strength and connection.
Diving into his world, Hansen reflects on how his upbringing in Berkeley, California, and his current life in Los Angeles have shaped his artistry. “Growing up in Berkeley shaped the way I think about honesty in music,” he shares. “It’s a place where people really value expression and individuality, so I never felt like I had to hide what I was feeling. Being in LA now has pushed me to refine that, but at the core, I still approach songwriting the same way. I just try to tell the truth as simply as I can.”
“Growing up in Berkeley shaped the way I think about honesty in music. It’s a place where people really value expression and individuality, so I never felt like I had to hide what I was feeling or try to fit into something specific. That mindset stuck with me. Being in LA now has pushed me to refine that and take it more seriously, but at the core, I still approach songwriting the same way I did back then. I just try to tell the truth as simply as I can and let the feeling lead everything.”
Hansen’s vocal delivery is palpably expressive, demanding attention with every belt. When asked if his style evolved through training, he notes that much of it was instinctive. “I didn’t really know what I was doing technically; I just sang in a way that felt honest,” he explains. “Over time, I’ve learned how to control it more, but I try not to lose that rawness. The voice is the core of everything I do, so we try not to overcomplicate what’s around it.”
The Creative Foundation of ‘Orchid’
Hansen cites influences like Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, and early Coldplay, noting that he is drawn to the emotional honesty in their records rather than a specific sound. This philosophy serves as the bedrock for Orchid. “To me, an orchid is something really beautiful but also really fragile,” he says. “It needs the right environment to survive and grow. That felt like a perfect way to describe the kind of love and growth I was writing about.”
The album represents a shift toward intentionality. “I went into it wanting it to feel like a full story instead of just a group of songs,” Hansen adds. “I pushed myself to be more specific in the lyrics and not hide behind anything. Melodically, I leaned more into space and restraint, letting things breathe.”
Across the record, Hansen confronts the complexities of healing and the strain of holding onto fading relationships. “I think the core of it is accepting that love can change you even if it doesn’t last forever,” he reflects. “There’s this idea that something can break you and still be one of the most important things that ever happened to you.”
Looking Ahead
When asked what environment Orchid would inhabit, Hansen describes a quiet, empty space filled with natural light—a place for introspection. As he looks back on his journey, he acknowledges a newfound trust in his own process. “Early on, I was second-guessing everything,” he admits. “Now I realize that the more honest and stripped back something is, the more it connects.”
Ultimately, Hansen hopes the album serves as a companion for his listeners. “I hope it makes them feel understood,” he says. “If someone can sit with the record and feel a little less alone, that’s all I really want.”