Beatportal Exclusive: Matty Ralph - Crafting Nostalgic Rave Sounds for a New Generation

In a fast-moving electronic music scene, few artists manage to capture both the pulse of the present and the emotional resonance of the past. Matty Ralph is one of them. Described by James Hiett of Armada Music as “one of the most exciting young talents to hit the scene in years,” Ralph has already carved out a unique space with his high-energy, nostalgia-infused sound. For a producer who only opened up Ableton Live five years ago, the journey from bedroom experiments to international recognition has been nothing short of remarkable.

Ralph's latest offering, the single 1999, is a testament to his distinctive style. Released under bebé recordings, the track has been dubbed a “dancefloor bomb,” a powerful mix of nostalgic rave vibes and modern production that captures the essence of the late '90s era. The single draws heavily from the golden age of trance, reflecting a deep love for the era between 1998 and 2004, while maintaining a fresh, forward-thinking approach.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” Ralph shares when asked about the recognition he’s received so early in his career. “It feels like a salute to the work I’ve been putting into my craft. I’m so grateful for the support and super excited to push my sounds even further.” With 1999, Ralph continues to honor the past while pushing the boundaries of what's to come, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating what’s next in his ever-evolving journey.

Ralph’s influences are broad, spanning techno, trance, and hard dance. “The simple answer is that I’m a music lover,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve attended events across different genres, from house to techno to trance, and I love them all. Different vibes for different moods. As a producer, I think it’s important to stay inspired and free to write whatever you want, whenever you want.”

This freedom is apparent in his latest single, 1999, which brings together those very influences, drawing on the energy of late '90s rave culture while incorporating modern production techniques. The track strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking sounds, making it a standout in Ralph’s growing catalog.

The decision to dive into music production came naturally. “In January 2020, I bought Ableton Live and never looked back,” Ralph recalls. “In today’s age, being just a DJ isn’t enough—you need your own sound, your own identity. Producing music is the best way to achieve that.” This realization fueled his journey toward creating tracks that resonate on both the dancefloor and a deeper emotional level, with 1999 being a prime example of his evolution as an artist.

Performing at iconic venues like Creamfields, Planet Love, The Warehouse Project, and soon A State of Trance in Rotterdam has been transformative for Ralph. “These experiences reinforced that this is the life I want—playing my music to like-minded people on big stages. It’s literally my life dream,” he says. The upcoming A State of Trance performance holds special significance. “I’ve been attending that festival since 2016 as a raver, so to now be performing there is unreal.”

Working with legendary labels like Armada and remixing iconic tracks, including those by Mauro Picotto, has been a highlight. “Armada has such a rich dance music history, so it’s a privilege to work with them,” Ralph says. “Remixing Mauro Picotto was a bold move because his tracks are already so perfect, but getting his approval was incredible. He’s one of the best ever.”

Ralph’s creative process is rooted in storytelling. Tracks like Balearic Dreaming and Love Buzz transport listeners to places like Ibiza—a favorite destination of the producer. “If the session makes me feel like I’m on the beach, we’re getting somewhere,” he jokes. “It’s about combining euphoria with high-energy drums.” 1999 follows that same philosophy, evoking feelings of nostalgia while charging forward with an infectious energy that captures the essence of what Ralph is all about.

When it comes to remixes versus original productions, Ralph emphasizes flexibility. “You can take an acapella and create something completely new, or just update the drums to make it more playable in your sets. There’s no right or wrong approach.”

Looking to the future, Ralph is excited about upcoming collaborations with Ben Gold and Luke Bond, as well as other yet-to-be-announced projects. “Our sessions flowed so well, and it didn’t take long to come up with a vibe,” he says of working with Gold and Bond. “I’m buzzing to get these tracks out.”

At the core of Ralph’s mission is a desire to connect with listeners through emotion and nostalgia. “I hope my music sparks feelings of euphoria and offers moments of escape,” he shares. “I want to create those moments on the dancefloor where best friends turn to each other and say, ‘Damn, what is this track?’ I’ve had those moments countless times as a raver, and now I love transmitting that from the stage.”

As Matty Ralph continues to push boundaries and blend the old with the new, it’s clear that his journey is just getting started—and music lovers everywhere are eager to join him on the ride.