Funkin Matt: A Journey Through Four Decades of Electronic Music (Part 4)

Part 4: The 2020s - the Future of Funkin Matt & Electronic Music

We’ve reached the final chapter of our 4-part journey into the world of Funkin Matt. After exploring his roots in the ‘90s, his breakout moment in the 2010s, and the concept behind each track on his Nostalgia EP — it’s time to look forward.

Where is Funkin Matt headed next? What excites him about the current scene, and where does he think electronic music is going? In this final piece, he reflects on creativity in the age of AI, staying original in a world of endless presets, and his goals for the future.

What excites you the most about making music today?
For me it’s always been about creating new sounds, and experimenting in hopes of discovering something new. When I finish something I’m proud of, I go into this phase of constantly listening to it on repeat — and that feeling, knowing you made it, is still amazing. That’s how I decide which tracks to release: if I get addicted to it, I know it’s right.

How has your creative process evolved in the 2020s (compared to the previous eras)?
Everything has become so advanced — the synths, effects, and sound quality overall. It’s easy now to make something that sounds decent. But with so many possibilities, it’s also easy to get lost. When I started out, I had maybe two soft synths and one compressor. You had to get creative with what you had. These days you can download kicks that sound perfect already. But I still end up tweaking everything, even if it’s not necessary — maybe that’s old habits, but I think it’s what makes each track feel like me. I put in the time, and I think that pays off.

Where do you see electronic music moving in the next 5 years?
I’ve never been great at predictions — I thought Big Room was dead in 2013. But it seems like we’re past the era of new genres constantly appearing. Now it’s more about recycling and reinterpreting old sounds. I could see Electro House returning, or funk-driven styles like French and Disco House. Trance might also make a proper comeback, especially in the more tech-focused spaces. Fashion and music often go hand in hand — and if the ‘90s are still trending, maybe the 2000s are next.

Are there any emerging trends or technologies that you find particularly interesting?
Definitely AI. Right now, it’s still mostly novelty — “look, AI can sing!” or “it can mix this track decently.” But I’m waiting to see if AI can actually do something better than a human, rather than just emulate. What I’m really hoping for is a personal AI that learns your workflow. Imagine it recognizes how you mix vocals, or what kind of edits you usually make — and it starts assisting based on your style, not just generic presets. That would be a game changer.

What goals do you have for yourself as an artist in this decade?
To make the best music I’ve ever made. I want to keep pushing myself creatively and release music I genuinely love. I’m also planning to tour more — I’ve had a few quieter years being a dad and juggling everything, but now I’m ready to get back on the road.
Long-term, I’d love to work in film. Scoring and sound design have always fascinated me — it would be a dream to explore that world more.

If you could collaborate with any artist today, who would it be and why?
Daft Punk, on a soundtrack like Tron: Legacy. That’s one of my all-time favorite soundtracks — it inspired a lot of my early melodic stuff. Plus, they’re just legends. Top-tier artists, always ahead of their time.

What advice would you give to upcoming producers starting in the 2020s?
Experiment more. Use your studio time to actually discover your sound. It’s easy to make something polished using presets and YouTube tutorials, but that won’t help you stand out.
Learn how to build drums from scratch using single hits. Design your own synths from init patches. Understand chords and melody. And learn how to mix a track properly.
Once you can do all of that, then you can layer in loops or presets — but you’ll already have a strong foundation.

Looking back on your entire journey, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about producing music and the music industry?
With production, you’re never done learning. There’s always a next level to reach.
In the industry, nothing happens by accident. When I was younger, I thought one big track would change everything — but it doesn’t work that way. Big artists have teams, budgets, and strong connections. Instead of chasing that, find your niche, do it really well, and grow from there. Your network is also key — stay connected, help people, and be kind. That usually comes back around.

Funkin Matt’s path from early 2000s bedroom studios to a forward-thinking vision today proves that evolution is key in electronic music. It’s a journey that started with floppy disks and still goes strong — and the ride’s far from over.