Matěj Čech graduated from Painting Studio 3 at Prague’s Academy of Fine Arts (AVU). In his work, he explored themes related to Generation Z, thematically complementing the music he releases under the pseudonym Mat213. After debuting on YouTube and sharing several freely available tracks on Bandcamp, he released the SS/22 EP in 2022, featuring the single 7teen. The viral hit caught the attention not only of anonymous digital communities but also of the professional music scene. This led to him winning the Apollo Award for Best Single and being named Discovery of the Year at the Vinyla Awards.
Alongside awards, Mat213 has also received several nominations, including making the shortlist for both the Vinyla and Anděl music awards. Yet it’s the packed venues and rising stream counts of his newly released tracks that truly reflect the growing interest in his work. His songs spark discussion thanks to the boldness and openness with which he tackles subjects, be it the housing crisis, personal freedom, or how one spends time after a night out. Just as Mat213 reflects deeply on the messages in his lyrics, which may not be obvious on the first listen, he also puts great care into the musical backdrop. Genre fusion comes naturally to him, and within just a few minutes, listeners may experience a cultural shock, where the only thing missing might be a cimbalom. So put aside your prejudices, your Hegels and Sartres, and light the fires, Mat213 is already on his way.