Matroda on the "Matrodasound" and His Los Angeles Milestone
The House Music Artist Discusses Selling Out Grand Park and the Evolution of Terminal Underground
Croatian-born producer Matroda is a defining force in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music. Known for his distinctive "matrodasound", a unique blend of house, bass, and tech influences, Matroda has garnered a global following, with fans and indus- try leaders alike celebrating his innovative approach to production and DJing. Influenced early on by iconic artists like Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles, Matroda's musical journey began with classical training in violin, drums, and keyboard. This eclectic foundation has allowed him to craft a diverse and unmistakable sound, earn- ing him a reputation as one of electronic music's most exciting talents. Matroda first made waves with his remix of SNBRN's "California" alongside Chris Lake, which quickly became a festival favorite, drawing support from heavyweights like Diplo, Calvin Harris, and Major Lazer.
Hi Matroda! Thanks so much for talking to 6AM how are you?
Hi, I’m doing great, thanks for having me.
From EDC Las Vegas to Ushuaia Ibiza to Brooklyn Mirage and Hollywood Palladium, you’ve played some of the biggest stages in dance music. In December you played two sold out nights at Grand Park in LA. When you first saw that second night sell out, what actually went through your head? Was it relief, validation, or pressure?
Together with my team and my long-time manager Matic Mac Rogan who is responsible for my growth over the years we planned the LA show for a long time. When we announced it, the first night sold out immediately, we had to add a second night. I was super happy with the reactions and I really wanted to offer something new to my LA fans.
LA has always been a special place for me, so seeing that second night sell out was pretty surreal. Huge credit to Mac and the whole team as well, because a lot of thought and work went into building this moment. Of course there’s a little pressure because you want the show to live up to the hype, but for me that pressure is just motivation. It makes me want to push the production, the music, and the whole experience even further for the fans.
We’re told that the show resulted in 8000 tickets sold. In a city like Los Angeles where there is no shortage of events, moving that many tickets takes more than hype. What do you think people are really buying into when they purchase a ticket to your show? What does a high number like that represent to you personally in such an event competitive city?
Selling 8000 tickets is just a number for me, the most important thing is the experience and the music itself that I can offer to the fans. So the number itself is good, but doesn’t mean anything. We are super happy and are already planning my next show in the city of Angels.
People talk about the “matrodasound” like it’s its own identity. When you’re preparing a show at the scale of Grand Park, are you thinking about delivering that signature experience, or are you thinking about surprising people who already think they know what you do?
I always want to present my newest music and something that the fans didn’t hear before. That’s my goal. I want to be unique when it comes to the sets and have a lot of energy in it.
For big shows like this I’m always testing new music, edits, unreleased stuff, different transitions. The goal is for people to recognize the sound but still be surprised during the set.
You’ve released on Insomniac Records and many other prestigious labels and built your own imprint Terminal Underground. How much did owning your own platform play into being able to mobilize 8000 people for a headline show? Was that always part of the long term strategy?
Building Terminal Underground definitely played a huge role. From the beginning I wanted to create more than just releases, I wanted to build a platform and a community for the younger generation to come.
Over time the label became a home for artists who share a similar energy, and that creates a stronger connection with fans. When people support the label, they’re supporting the whole movement. So when it comes to shows like this, it really feels like everyone is part of it.
After having such a successful ticket sale for your own headline show, how does that change the way you think about the next step? Bigger venues? Fewer but more intentional shows? Or doubling down on what clearly works?
Ticket number is just a number for me like I said before, it’s all about the fans and to make each show more intentional. Bigger is cool, but the experience is what matters most. If people come to my show, I want them to feel like it’s something unique. So the next step is really about building moments, which includes special locations, strong lineups, great production, and continuing to grow the brand in a way that feels authentic.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a big thank you to everyone supporting the music and the shows. None of this happens without the fans, and the people behind the scenes making these events possible. We’re just getting started.