Matter

Matter is an Italian post-industrial and techno project formed by Fabrizio Matrone, who also uses the name Heidseck, with Fk Drone. It is active from 2001 onwards and is based in Italy. Matrone begins his work in the late 1990s after playing guitar in several bands during the 1990s. When his instruments are stolen from a rehearsal garage, he starts experimenting with sound using the limited equipment that remains.

Early recordings and style

Matter develops through connections with Retina.it, whose studio provides access to synthesizers, multi-effects and DIY instruments. The first recordings appear at the end of the 1990s and focus on instrumental improvisations built from long drones, guitar and bass feedback, field recordings and isolationist ambient textures. These early works are recorded on a borrowed four-track recorder.

Releases and labels

Among the first Matter releases are Alphaville, issued by the self-run label Nectanebo as a tribute to Jean-Luc Godard; Last land Sonology, made with FKdrone and Fmchloroform under the name Fmchloroform and released on the net label Sinewaves; and Decrease of contamination, the first release under the Matter name. Later releases include Sunset ep on Modr, Technology and Planetary Power on Le Petit Machiniste, Land of Discordia on SMK, Scanning Memory on Le Petit Machiniste, and Solid State on the Ukrainian label Kvitnu.

Musical approach

The project moves between isolationist ambient, experimental music, noise, IDM, techno and electroacoustic methods. Its material combines synthetic processing, samples, guitar and bass feedback, and field recordings. The project is also described as drawing on krautrock and 1970s experimental music, with Conrad Schnitzler and Klaus Schulze among its references.

Related work

Matter also appears in collaborations under other names, including work with FKdrone and Fmchloroform. The project has a link with the studio circle around Retina.it, which is an important part of its development.