Matt Langley Releases New Song “Would You Like To Be Friends?” as 13th Floor’s Song of the Day
a new single titled “Would You Like To Be Friends?” as a tribute to his late friend, Martin Phillipps. The song was created in collaboration with producer Brett Stanton and follows Langley’s well-received 2024 album, “As Real As You Want It To Be.”
Critics have praised Langley’s songwriting abilities, with Graham Reid from Elsewhere.com describing his work as thoughtful and articulate, working on multiple levels of consciousness. Other reviews from Muzic.NZ laud the attention to detail in Langley’s songs, calling them finely crafted gems that become more enjoyable with each listen.
“Would You Like To Be Friends?” delves into themes of death and shared mortality, serving as a poignant farewell to the talented artist Martin Phillipps. Langley himself is recognized as a Silver Scroll nominee and APRA award-winning New Zealand songwriter currently based in Japan.
Throughout his career, Langley has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians and artists, including Riki Gooch, Tom Callwood, and Lindon Puffin, among others. His music resists easy categorization but has drawn comparisons to the likes of Elliot Smith, Jeff Buckley, and Neil Finn, showcasing his ability to blend elements from various genres into his unique sound.
In addition to his solo work, Langley has worked on collaborative projects such as “Ladders of Rain” with New Zealand Poet Laureate Brian Turner. His 2024 release, “As Real As You Want It To Be,” marks a departure from his folk roots, incorporating elements of baroque pop and psychedelic rock with electronic touches and melodic hooks.
Over the years, Langley has received accolades for his songwriting, including the 2010 APRA Best New Zealand Country Song Award for “7:13” and multiple Silver Scroll nominations for songs like “Sad Sound Good” and “Winterdust.” His music has been well-received by critics and listeners alike, with Grant Smithies from Sunday Star Times praising his voice and Simon Sweetman from Dominion Post endorsing Langley as an artist worth showcasing.
To listen to Matt Langley’s music, you can find him on various streaming platforms such as Bandcamp, Spotify, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and iTunes. Explore his catalog and discover the unique blend of influences that make up his captivating sound.