MATTHEW: BECOMING TANALAND

Just Trying to Be Heard

INTERVIEW BY: EMILY ARAUZA

DEC 10th, 2025

Before he ever knew what a producer was, Matthew was lining up pillows in front of the TV and pretending to be a DJ.

 At 21, that curiosity has grown into a real career under the name Tanaland; a songwriter and producer working as part of B.I.R.D (Presented by The Birds). 

Here, Tanaland reflects on teaching himself FL Studio, falling back in love with music through songwriting, & navigating the anxiety that comes with being seen. Grounded and still unfolding, this interview captures an artist who isn’t chasing a finished picture, just the chance to be heard.

Matthew: “My name is Matthew. I’m 21, and I go by the stage name of Tanaland. I’m a songwriter and producer, a part of B.I.R.D (Presented by The Birds). I’ve worked alongside numerous names in the music industry.”

Emily Arauza: “Perfect! Hi Matthew, that’s awesome! Yeah, how did you get started with all of that?”

M: “Yeah, so I started off by watching MTV music videos as a kid, and I guess that really sparked my interest. I would line up pillows and put the TV on, acting like I was a DJ, because at the time I thought DJs made the beats. I didn’t know what the term was called, I didn’t know what it was to be a producer. But I want to say around the age of 10 is when I discovered FL Studio 12 back in 2015. It led me to discover a new genre of music called hip hop. This world was so new to me, everyone had cool clothes, cool jewelry, cool names and I guess I saw myself in that.”

EA: “I love how you got into it so young. What was it like figuring out FL Studio at first? Did you have anyone teaching you, or were you just learning on your own? And when did you start sharing your music with other people?”

M: “I quit a few times just because I couldn’t figure out how to add drum kits. I’d try watching YouTube tutorials, but I could never stay focused, so I just ended up teaching myself whatever I could. I wasn’t really interested in sharing my music until I got older, and even now I don’t like putting my stuff out there. I’m still getting used to all the attention that comes with it.”

EA: “I totally get that. Figuring all that out on your own sounds intense. When did you feel like you really started getting the hang of it? And how do you handle the attention now that people are noticing your music?”

M: “I would say this is the first year I started getting a hang of it. I think what really put things into perspective was songwriting. It’s a whole other world than producing. It made me fall in love with music again. I felt like for months I was losing touch because I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing. But knowing I can produce and write music and give it to other artists, and they respect my craft enough to take the record in as their own, brings me so much satisfaction. You know, it’s still something I’m struggling with. It gives me anxiety at times, but I want to say this is a universal experience because we try so hard to push greatness. So the aspect of not knowing what kind of attention you will grab, if any, really makes you think.”

EA: “Yeah, I get it. I write books and blogs, and putting myself out there feels really vulnerable too. It’s always a shift having your work out in the world and open to everyone’s eyes. Who’s been your biggest inspiration in all of this?”

M: “Oh yeah, I know how the creative process is—it can be overwhelming at times. Honestly, my biggest inspiration has been my brothers Akhil, Noel, and 40. Without them, I don’t think I would’ve pushed myself to the lengths I go to today. We all kind of do this thing where we resonate off each other. One of us will do something that nobody outside of us thought was possible, and it creates almost this butterfly-like effect.”

EA: “It’s really sweet that they have the ability to inspire you like that. How would you describe the way you guys push each other creatively?”

M: “I honestly couldn’t give you an answer for that. It’s just something that happens. It’s like being inspired by your favorite artist, it just makes you want to create.”

EA: “That makes sense. Sometimes it’s not something you can explain, it just happens and it pushes you. When you’re in that creative mode, I want to know what usually sparks ideas for you?”

M: “You know, I often thought about that question myself too. I was watching a Pharrell Williams interview, and he said music is like a big library, we are just checking out ideas. It’s like books: if you like it, you check it out; if you don’t, you put it back.”

EA: “That’s such a good way to look at it, and I love that comparison. It makes the whole process feel a lot more natural and less forced. So with everything you’re building and tapping into, what do you want to see come into fruition from all of this? What’s the bigger picture for you?”

M: “I’m still figuring that part out. I know the picture’s big, I just don’t know how it’s going to be painted. I guess I just want to be heard, is all.”

EA: “I get that. So what kind of impact do you want to make with your music? What do you hope people feel or take away from what you create?”

M: “I just want to inspire someone young who was like me; seven years old, interested in music while everyone else wanted to be doctors and lawyers. I want to inspire that one kid who could never fit in.”

EA: “I love that! Reaching the kid who feels out of place is such a real purpose. What do you think you’d want that kid to understand the most from your journey?”

M: “You can do whatever you want in this world. You can dress how you want, act how you want, be who you want. There are no boundaries.”

EA: “That’s such an important message, and it’s true. Has anyone ever given you a piece of advice that really stuck with you and that you still carry with you now?”

M: “If I’m being honest, no. I’ve still been figuring this life stuff out. Although it would be nice to get some, because I think I really could use it at this point in my career. I’m always chasing wisdom in all forms.”

EA: “I get that, and honestly, chasing wisdom is its own kind of strength. Before we wrap up, do you have any final words you want to share for anyone listening, or even for your future self?”

M: “A message to my future self, I would say I’m proud of you for not giving up.”