Matt Maltese has announced his upcoming album, 'Hers', set to grace listeners on Friday, 16th May, via The Orchard. This sixth studio endeavour marks a significant milestone for the London-based singer-songwriter, as he takes the helm of production for the first time since his second album, 'Krystal'. 'Hers' paints a nocturnal soundscape, blending sincere lyricism with his signature dry humour, all framed by delicate strings, subtle woodwind, and the evocative tones of an aged piano.

The album serves as a reflective journey through the complexities of a long-term romantic relationship and its conclusion. Maltese has crafted these songs with the benefit of hindsight, allowing him to process the emotional landscape with a clearer perspective. "I’ve written a lot of music that comes from a place of infatuation, but this record was written on reflection of a much longer-term love. The complications and wonderful roads that that goes through and the more informed heartaches that come out of it. I got to really reflect and slave over it... It’s a bit like having a year to write a really important email," he explains.

Accompanying the album announcement is the release of his new single, 'Always Some MF', the follow-up to the previously released 'Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow'. In 'Always Some MF', Maltese playfully adopts a persona of feigned bravado, confronting the nagging pangs of jealousy that can surface even within loving relationships. His lyrics, "he’d have to be clinically dead to not want you," are delivered with a wry charm.

The single's music video, directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah, features actors Nadia Parkes and Ira Mandela Siobhan, alongside Maltese himself, who engages in a fencing duel, symbolically vying for his lover's attention. The video adds a visual layer to the song's themes of competition and desire.

For those familiar with Maltese's work, his ability to weave wit and emotional depth is a hallmark. Echoing the sharp observations of artists like Randy Newman and Father John Misty, Maltese's music often conceals poignant truths beneath its melodic surface. "Of course, I think songs with honesty and emotional weight are powerful, but I think lightness is an important counterpoint to me," he states. "You can have the cry, but then there’s the turn and the smile."

While his characteristic wit remains, 'Hers' sees Maltese embracing vulnerability more openly. "I’ve said this before, but I do think the best work is where you allow yourself to look pathetic," he confesses. "The job is not to be the coolest guy, the job is to be vulnerable. On this record, I think I’ve done more of that."

He acknowledges the personal nature of the album, stating, "I’m British enough to feel a slight shame of writing so many love songs in the past. Maybe the more interesting thing on paper would have been to go to the other side of the world and write a concept album about prehistoric creatures or something, but at the end of the day, we’re all human, and love and people are things we’re all continually affected by. It’s my job as a songwriter to excavate the things in my life, and that’s what I was going through."

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