Matt DeMello – ‘There’s No Place Like Nowhere: Ten Years Later’ (2024)
Experimental, pleasant, and melodic aptly describes ‘There’s No Place Like Nowhere,’ the masterpiece by singer-songwriter Matt DeMello.
This 10-year anniversary three-disc set includes original demos recorded before sessions began with producer Alex Busi in late 2012, DeMello’s early shows at the legendary Sidewalk Cafe with various studio outtakes, and a remaster of the original album. Produced by Busi (now a college professor in music production), the album draws inspiration from The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Elton John, blending anti-folk with lo-fi orchestration, unique instrumentation, and an experimental, Frank Zappa-like coolness. Meanwhile, the early demos nod to modern-day artists like the late Elliott Smith.
Listening to the anniversary album takes you on a journey. You might imagine yourself in a dimly lit, sophisticated New York City bar, enjoying a drink and listening to DeMello’s pleasant, soaring voice, only to find yourself swept into grand, cinematic soundscapes akin to the lush arrangements of The Beach Boys. DeMello’s vocals, at times even reminiscent of Freddie Mercury and Elton John, are accompanied by beautiful piano and guitar work and imaginative instrumentation that cradle the songs and lyrics while maintaining a unique character.
Originally released in 2014, ‘There’s No Place Like Nowhere’ has been reissued as a thank-you to supporters and as a more fully realized, polished version of what DeMello calls his “broken concept album.” The narrative follows a character—a girl who moves to New York City as a stand-in for DeMello—struggling with romance, substance abuse, family, and the complexities of humanity as a whole.
The album experienced a resurgence during the pandemic, six years after its initial release. DeMello found himself invited to play Japanese noise festivals and resonating within niche online communities and anti-folk scenes. This renewed interest has also sparked reflections from DeMello, who works as an AI market researcher by day, on how advancements in AI might impact future music creation.
Creatively vast and expansive, ‘There’s No Place Like Nowhere’ highlights DeMello’s skills. ‘Heaven Can Be Replaced’ showcases his strong songwriting and voice, while ‘Inkling on a Rooftop’ emphasizes his remarkable musicianship and talent as a pianist. Songs like ‘Remember When We Were Straight Edge in High School’ bring a lightheartedness that balances introspection with fun—a human element that’s incredibly relatable. He also dabbles in experimental Sgt. Pepper’s-esque orchestration, full-band arrangements, and alternative elements in the fully realized album versions, contrasting his original demos, which feature just vocals and piano, showcasing his raw talent for writing.
In an era where digital tools can create nearly flawless music, DeMello stands out for his musical authenticity, reminiscent of timeless classic recordings. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, ironically DeMello showcases genuine musicianship. Modern producers often seek to replicate this vintage sound with plugins and deliberate overdriving, but DeMello’s artistry feels organic. Tracks like the demos for ‘Goodnight, Soho’ and ‘Streets Paved in Gold’ exemplify this, evoking the sensation of being right in the same room with him, enhancing the appreciation for the different versions.
To celebrate There’s No Place Like Nowhere’s anniversary, out via Salieri Records on 10/23/24, DeMello is embarking on a tour with anti-folk artist Adam Rivera. The release show will coincide with a pinning ceremony at The Lambs theatrical club in New York City, where DeMello will be joined by Sidewalk stage legends Peter Dizozza and Jason Trachtenburg.
