Mees Mattern Keeps The Groove Front And Centre On ‘Moving In Mono’
Amsterdam producer Mees Mattern continues his exploration of stripped-back club music with ‘Moving In Mono’, a groove-focused production that brings together the rhythmic foundations of old-school house and UK garage. Built around a philosophy of simplicity and dancefloor functionality, the track reflects an artist increasingly recognised for allowing the essential elements of his productions to do the work.
Mattern’s approach centres on removing unnecessary layers rather than continually introducing new ones. That philosophy carries through his DJ sets and studio output, where carefully considered rhythms and an emphasis on groove take precedence over elaborate arrangements or dramatic breakdowns.
‘Moving In Mono’ draws on the relationship between traditional house music and UK garage, two styles connected by their emphasis on swing, rhythmic movement and the interaction between percussion and bass. Its stripped-back direction places the focus on those fundamentals, favouring a more direct approach to club music over the increasingly maximalist production techniques found elsewhere in electronic music.
The track also reflects Mattern’s experience within Amsterdam’s underground scene. Having performed at venues including Thuishaven and Shelter, the producer has developed an understanding of dancefloors where sustained rhythmic momentum can prove more effective than conventional peaks and drops. That perspective informs his wider musical identity, which remains rooted in functional, understated club sounds.
Beyond his own productions, Mattern is one of four figures behind Naked Records, an imprint dedicated to raw electronic music and groove-led experimentation. The label’s commitment to unfiltered energy and minimal arrangements closely mirrors his individual approach, providing a natural platform for music that values rhythmic character over unnecessary embellishment.
Originally introduced as the lead track from a forthcoming release, ‘Moving In Mono’ offers an indication of the direction Mattern is pursuing. Its combination of old-school house influences and UK garage sensibilities places it within a broader movement towards stripped-back, rhythmically engaging club music.
Rather than attempting to reinvent either genre, Mattern focuses on the qualities that have kept them relevant across generations of dancefloors. ‘Moving In Mono’ presents a clear statement of that philosophy, demonstrating how simplicity, rhythmic precision and a well-developed sense of groove can remain central to effective electronic music.
