Settle for Sleep is the pen-name of Matt Kondoff, a Montreal-based singer/songwriter. With a unique sonic quality that mixes fast melodic guitar-driven punk rock with elements of metalcore, Settle for Sleep draws influence from bands such as “A Day to Remember”, “Four Year Strong” and “The Wonder Years.” Matt released his first EP, “Stateside” in the spring of 2023. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, where he grew up before moving to Florida after high school, then Germany, then eventually settling in Montreal, one could see how the singer might take inspiration from these culturally dense places. “Growing up in Columbus definitely exposed me to the ton of new pop punk and metalcore that was coming out of the area at the time (Attack Attack, City Lights, Like Moths to Flames, Miss May I etc)“. The artist explains, “Stateside was in fact my first release; it is part of a 5-song EP that will be coming out as singles over the next 6-8 months.“
In May, Matt teamed up with LyricVids to create an exciting lyric video to represent his debut single release. We asked the singer why he chose a lyric video for “Stateside” and he said, “The lyrics are really personal in this song, I’m certainly speaking from me. I thought it would be nice to have a way to accentuate the words in a way that people could find enjoyable to watch.” We understand the immense potential of visual storytelling in propelling emerging artists to new heights, so we really wanted to make this a great experience for Settle for Sleep and their new fans. To do that, we needed to understand more about the track itself.
We asked Matt where “Stateside” came from and what it meant to him. He said, “The song deals with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty that come with moving to a new city. Particularly, I had moved from Montreal to a smaller city in Quebec temporarily right at the end of 2019. Of course, by early 2020, Canada and the rest of the world was in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that just amplified all the feelings of isolation that I already had being on my own somewhere new. I had to speak French at this new job which was a struggle as well. I wrote about my empty apartment, calling old friends, and frustration with the dreary outlook of being able to socialize, see shows, even go outside. The second verse deals more generally about uncertainty about life decisions – why did I change cities? Is this what I really wanted? When would I find somewhere I felt like I belonged and wanted to stay? I did not really feel like I had anyone to talk to about it so I wrote this song. Overall it’s a song of frustration and uncertainty, but deep down I think it was cathartic to write it and remind myself I’m where I need to be, and that I just need to keep on going and things will make sense eventually.”
Clearly, an emotional track, we knew the visuals had to represent these feelings and showcase the lyrics in a way that helped tell their story. Drawing inspiration from the song’s lyrical theme, we incorporated a captivating array of abandoned houses and derelict buildings into the music video. These haunting images serve as a poignant metaphor for the feelings expressed in the track, capturing the essence of isolation and the search for belonging. By showcasing these dilapidated structures, we mirror the raw vulnerability and edginess intrinsic to the punk rock genre.
Furthermore, when choosing the color palette for the lyric video, we found immense inspiration in Settle For Sleep’s striking single cover art. The vibrant combination of pink, yellow, and gray not only complements the energetic and rebellious nature of punk rock but also aligns perfectly with the overarching themes of the song. The bold and contrasting colors evoke a sense of both desolation and hope, mirroring the emotional rollercoaster experienced by those grappling with loneliness and uncertainty. We asked the singer what his favourite part of the video was and he said, “The dark, overexposed tones. It feels like something from the 90s or early 2000s, where I was still living on the outskirts of Columbus at the time. It reminds me of home, the areas I grew up. I think the whole thing is tinged with nostalgia, and I loved that vibe. Like stepping in a time capsule, which goes very well with the mood of the song.“
What’s next for Settle for Sleep? Matt says, “Right now I have an EP/series of singles lined up for the rest of 2023. I love blending genres – pop punk, metalcore, emo. I think some singles tend towards a specific genre but overall I like having parts of each all working together. There’s big poppy choruses, some heavy riffs/screaming, and really personal lyrics often sung in an emo style. Eventually I’d like to record an album but that’s probably pretty far down the line. The singles are about experimenting, writing things that are personal and that I would want to listen to, and honing the sound and production.” Settle for Sleep released their newest single titled “Skipstone” today!
Linktree – https://linktr.ee/settleforsleep
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/18e3ekKsSIWROJFlLwSnhT?si=RUbUrC7bT3aX2F6uGJijzw
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@settleforsleep
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Settle-for-Sleep/100090208670613/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/settleforsleepofficial/
Check out the lyric video for Settle for Sleep “Stateside” on YouTube Here: