Behind Gwenshana is Brussels based writer and producer Mathieu Grillo. Out today is the second single ‘Brother’ taken from his debut EP ‘Ego’. LISTEN TO BROTHER HERE.
‘Brother’ is forthright and honest, dedicated to his sibling and sending a message of hope and love as his brother battles with mental health. Following a turbulent few years for us all, ‘Brother’ is easily relatable and a reminder to check in with those we love. “It’s been a tough time, I had to process what was going on. Finding it hard to find the words in person, I needed to reach out to my brother in the best way I knew how”.
Mathieu is an introspective person, however his life has been dedicated to digging deep into the thoughts and feelings of others, writing and producing songs. “This EP has been in the making for 6 years, I’m both eager and patient when it comes to my own music. Writing for others comes naturally to me but I have a tendency to overthink everything when it comes to my own stuff. Lockdown gave me a chance to settle, I gave myself a goal to finish these songs and finally share my truth.”
Influenced by artists who have a clear evolution, encapsulating a sonic style and then moving on, Mathieu cites Thom Yorke, Bon Iver and Oneothrix Point Never as inspiration, “I appreciate artists who innovate their sound but stay true to themselves”. Gwenshana’s roots are clear and it all centres around one word... truth.
With his distinctive vocal style front and center, ‘Brother’ is laced with opulent analog synths, jittery electronics and deeply personal lyrics that are rousing and inexplicably honest.
Mathieu writes “This EP is about honesty. Different people dealing with, and not dealing with their truths. These people being part of my story, I’m finally confronting and processing some emotions previously bound by time”
There is a burning spark within this EP and something very special in the making.
Ego will be released on the 21th July, including the below tracks.
1. Remember How
2. Brother
3. A Place for Two
4. Ego