Meet Matt LeGrand: Chicago’s prince of pop that is “Crazy About Cha”
Welcome to the pop files of Matt LeGrand. The singer-songwriter is known as Chicago’s “prince of pop” and keeps serving up catchy, lovesick ballads. Though he claims his music style is “constantly evolving”, LeGrand has already been featured as one of Billboard’s Emerging Artists in 2019. Recently, LeGrand recently released “Crazy About Cha” and he caught up with RIVAL to give the details about life in lockdown, his music style, and what is to come.
First of all, how are you feeling lately? Any wise words for all of us struggling with 2020?
Thanks for having me, hope you are all staying positive, safe and healthy! I’ve been feeling alright lately, and I don’t have too much to complain about. Though, I won’t say that obstacles haven’t been met! I think this year we remembered that we all live on the same planet and we’re on the same train.
My biggest tip is to communicate. Even if you don’t feel like it. I’m an introvert by heart so I definitely go through times where I wear my pride on my sleeve and I don’t want to reach out or let people know how I’m really feeling. There’s been a lot to be sad about this year, and the best thing we can do for ourselves is talk through it. The person next to us is most likely just as confused about this whole “life” thing as you are, they might just be a bit better at hiding it. Reach out with your heart and engage with your community!
Such wise words! So, tell us about yourself, where is home?
So, I was born in Chicago. I did live in a small town just outside of Paris, France from age 1 to 6, and then I came back to Chicago not knowing any English actually. You would never know today though!
How does it feel to be coined Chicago’s “prince of pop”?
Well first of all, I’ve always wanted to be a Disney prince, so I’m guessing “prince of pop” is getting close! You know I have to look back, but I believe it was a magazine that featured me and that was the headline - it’s a bit wild! Chicago really doesn’t have much of a pop music scene. The music scene here is pretty much Chance the Rapper (which I’m not mad about!). I am happy to be putting my city on the radar for pop.
Is there anything you are currently listening to on repeat?
Yes! You know I’m loving LANY’s new album mama’s boy. I think it’s a wonderful piece of work. I’m [also] still in love with Harry Style’s Fine Line!
What bands/artists do you find yourself listening to regularly?
You can pretty much always find me rocking out to my guys The 1975, along with Taylor Swift, Blink-182, and Harry Styles.
Very relatable! What inspired your new single, “Crazy Bout Cha”?
“Crazy Bout Cha” was a collaboration! Dave “Jam” Hall produced the track and Mr. Ray Rush was on the lyrics. It was inspired by someone I was pretty much crazy about. Wasn’t a hard title to come up with. It’s just about when you meet someone that you mesh with extraordinarily well. There’s nothing like that. It’s a sweet, sweet feeling, but it can be dangerous!
What is your favorite lyric and why?
My favorite lyric is from my song “All Good”. It starts off with “Keeping to myself now. Keeping my emotions down.” This is always a powerful line to sing. The song is about learning how to love yourself again after a relationship. It’s about self-love and hope. We have all we need within us. It takes a lot of work to realize that. It’s really a never-ending process.
Is there something that fans may not know about you?
I have dual citizenship, and I was almost going to be a professional juggler. I’m just gonna leave that there.
How would you describe your music style in your own words?
Constantly evolving. I don’t necessarily think that I have found my music style yet. I haven’t found the thing that makes me.... well, me! The thing I am closest to and feel the most natural doing is folk music, but a bit more commercial in terms of melodies. I also absolutely love singing musical theater. I’m grateful to not be tied down to one thing. This EP I have coming is beautiful, and the coolest thing is that it’s just one side of me!
If COVID-19 wasn’t restricting your plans this year, what do you think you would be doing?
Well, my EP would have come out in March! We would have followed that up with a five-city promotional tour across the country meeting with radio stations. I’d probably be on tour right now opening up for someone. It’s all okay though because God has a different plan in mind. I’m going to stay out of His way, at least right now!
More generally, is there someone in the industry that you really want to work with that you haven’t yet?
If I could be in a boy band with Harry Styles that would be great! I would do some pretty crazy things to work with either Max Martin, Michael Pollack, or Jon Bellion. And I’d cry if I worked with Taylor Swift.
Can you share any details on what are you working on next and what you hope to accomplish next year?
Hopefully, all that we had planned for this year (before COVID-19) will be happening this next year! I honestly can’t wait for that clock to turn to 2021. We’re all so ready! I’m hoping that we can keep making the small steps towards live music experiences. The world needs it more than ever. I can say that you’ll fully meet me as an artist on my next album. For now, enjoy this EP that comes out 11/27 - it’s going to be amazing!
For more on Matt LeGrand and to hear his new EP when it drops this November, be sure to follow him
IMAGES Courtesy of Matt LeGrand X Icon PR
Meet the Author
Sandy Aziz is a lawyer, author/writer, poet, creative director, content creator, fashion-fanatic, academic, and adventurer that believes that we should strive to become the best version of ourselves daily rather than just exist in "being." Her work has been featured online and in print across various publications including OURs, MOD Magazine, Mission Statement Magazine, OVERDUE, London Runway Magazine and Verdict. She is North-African (Egyptian) with a touch of Italian. While she is currently London-based, she will also always be a Texan through and through.