Mat.Joe

Mat.Joe

Mat.Joe is a German house duo made up of John Drastic and Matthias Neitzke. The act is based in Berlin and has roots in Hannover, before moving to Berlin for new artistic challenges. Their music grows out of a shared background in hip hop and house, and their connection begins in 2006, when the two meet through shared interests in rap, breakdancing and skateboarding.

Background

Before forming Mat.Joe, the pair work together under the name Twomanics from 2008, focusing on hip hop productions for independent artists. Their Berlin setup is in Neukölln, where studio equipment and DJ decks sit alongside a stripped-back domestic environment. They keep ideas close to hand, using smartphones to store new material as it comes to them.

Style and work

Mat.Joe’s sound combines house with rhythmic soul and hip hop elements, and they are associated with deep house, tech-house, electro and techno. Their music is described as warm, rough and built for the dancefloor. The duo’s approach draws on everyday surroundings and routines, including subway rides, late-night showers and favourite bars.

Formation and development

The project develops from a long-standing friendship and a strong shared interest in music. Their creative process centres on a drive to keep improving, with music taking priority from early evening through to late at night. Their background in hip hop and their move from Hannover to Berlin are both key parts of the act’s identity.