because this is where we are from .” The two were “ discovered ” in high school by artist , filmmaker and photographer Thomas Campbell , who included early Mattson 2 tracks in his surf films . “ He had us play sets in theaters before his movie premieres ,” recalls Jonathan . “ Those shows were the first time that we appeared in public as The Mattson 2 .”
With an already growing following , the twins came to UC San Diego as transfer students in 2009 and were roommates throughout their college career . The school was an ideal fit for the duo , blending the proximity to the surf with their passions for music . They studied with renowned musicians like bassist Mark Dresser , saxophonist David Borgo , pianists and composers Anthony Davis and Kamau Kenyatta and percussionist Steven Schick .
“ The foundational elements we developed at UCSD helped build our vocabulary to become more creative and expressive artists ,” says Jared . Jonathan echoes : “ We were encouraged to follow our own path and utilize the resources available to find and tailor our own voice .”
Schick remembers the brothers as well . “ They combined a progressive and forward-looking approach to music with such innate and fluid musicianship ,” he says . “ Every time they played , especially together , it was magic .”
The Mattson 2 continued that magic after graduation , earning their Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of California , Irvine , and consistently
INTRO MUSIC The Mattson brothers both started out on guitars as kids , yet while it clicked for Jared , Jonathan only found his rhythm later after sitting behind a drum set .
touring thereafter , all throughout the U . S ., Japan , Brazil and points all over Europe . They are also relentless collaborators , playing with some of the very people who inspired them to go into music in the first place — indie pop musicians like Chaz Bundick , members of the band Tortoise , Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark and skateboarding legends-turned-musicians Ray Barbee and Tommy Guerrero .
Always pushing artistic boundaries , the brothers are continuously incorporating new experiences and , as they call it , “ the beautiful weirdness ” that inspires them . The Mattson 2 ’ s vibe attracts fans of all ages , but their sounds particularly strike a chord among younger audiences who might not have otherwise explored the world of jazz . Taking a leading role in the renaissance of jazz music is a point of pride for the two .
“ I think there are many reasons why jazz is seeing a comeback . For Jonathan and me , it ’ s always been one of our favorite styles of music ,” says Jared in an interview . “ It ’ s an incredible balance between technique , sophistication , creativity , style and feeling . There ’ s a level of familiarity and uncertainty , which , when you think about it , is why people enjoy Jimi Hendrix . Fans loved the melodies and the grooves , but what they also came for was an unpredictable experience . At any moment he could burn his guitar .”
The duo are currently touring for their latest release , Paradise , a conceptually new sound for the ever-experimenting brothers . Written and recorded at home in the hills of San Diego , the album captures the distinctive Southern California feel , or as they say , “ It ’ s a record to throw a frisbee to , a bit of summer to savor all year long .”
2 FOR 2
The Mattsons riff on their two favorite albums from their UC San Diego days .
You can stream The Mattson 2 online , see them live on tour this fall , or catch their visit to the Stuart Collection ’ s Fallen Star to answer questions and play some tunes — watch the video at tritonmag . com / mattson2
JARED ' S PICKS
Beach Boys , " Pet Sounds " " It inspired me to explore arrangement and production , especially with our record , " Feeling Hands ." And the harmonies !"
Cocteau Twins , " Heaven or Las Vegas " " I was ( and am ) a sucker for saturated sound . After three years of instrumental music , this album got me back into the human voice ."
JONATHAN ' S PICKS
Helmut Lachenmann , " zwei gefuhle " " My first day in the department I saw a premiere of the title piece — the sounds and texture were so heavy and merciless ."
Steve Reich , " Music for 18 Musicians " " A minimalist piece that to me sounds like sheer beauty . Good for calm walks through the trees by Mandeville coffee cart ."
TRITONMAG . COM 51