Matthew Koma is best known for writing and singing mega hits like Grammy winning "Clarity" with Zedd, "Wasted" with Tiesto, "Cheap Sunglasses" with RAC and many more. His debut single, "So Fuckin' Romantic," came out on RCA Records in August. Since then he's been writing songs for Britney Spears, Brooke Candy, Giorgio Moroder, and Dillion Francis, but he's also been spending a lot of time at taco trucks, sushi spots, and everything in between, as this L.A. transplant has become a fixture on the foodie scene. He plays tomorrow night (February 6th) at Create nightclub. Get your tickets here. We reached Matthew at home in Los Angeles to find out his favorite taco and more...
What's your favorite taco spot in LA?
This is a hard one... I am a pretty big Guerrillas and Hugo's Tacos fan...but my friends would kill me if I didn't name check Kogi's Short Rib Tacos.
What brought you to Los Angeles originally, and what keeps you here?
I originally came here to pursue music and immediately felt at home. I really love it here and can't see leaving. It's one of those places that offers a ton of diversity and you sort of discover more and more the longer you stay.
What's your favorite place to get a drink?
Gasolina Cafe. Cold Brew Growler is on its way.
Your songwriting career has exploded, how do song ideas come to you, and what's your process in then shaping it into something special?
Thank you! I appreciate you saying that...Every song is a different process. They all have different ways of getting from the starting line to the finish line. I think when you're creative, it's sort of this 24 hour clock and the art just lives with you...it eats breakfast with you, goes for drives, keeps you up at night...it's pretty much like a Newfie...
Do you have a favorite lyric from one of your songs?
I'd feel way too self centered even thinking about that…
What can your fans expect when you play Create on Feb 6? A
An absence of taco trucks.
You've played everywhere from Coachella to the Hotel Cafe, do you have a favorite venue or set?
They're all so different and special for different reasons. I love playing acoustic shows because there's an intimacy and a connection I really value...that being said, there's nothing like a big festival crowd singing along. I feel really fortunate to do both.
When friends visit from out of town, where do you take them to eat in LA?
SO SUSHI: it is the only sushi place on planet earth. Ryo is a god. And Gasolina Cafe - Sandra & John are the owners and they run this locally sourced, spanish infused cafe...it is serious. Always good music too.
Favorite food truck in LA?
Jogasaki !
What's your guilty pleasure?
I feel guilty about everything.
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