SA’s Tracey Mathews releases debut album Lessons in Letting Go

The album features 10 tracks that are based on the trials and tribulations of Mathews’ own life. The deeply personal yet universally relatable collection is an intimate narrative through the pages of a diary of spiritual awakening – addressing the journey from lost love and co-dependency to self-acceptance and edification.

“Lessons in Letting Go represents a turning point in my life and the way I write music,” the Johannesburg-based singer-songwriter says. “I had always tried to write and live in a likeable, ‘positive’ way. The making of this album began when I had the courage and vulnerability to write from a place of authenticity, about the darker, messier, more painful things I was struggling with. This led to an explosion of writing that was less and less filtered by what I thought others wanted from me, and more by my real feelings and experiences. It was a deeply healing process, and the music resonated even more.”

The songs on Lessons in Letting Go came to life with the help of music composer Conley van der Westhuizen and sound engineer Garrick Van Der Tuin (Hugh Masekela, Zamajobe, albinobeach, African Cream Music), who worked with Mathews to arrange, record and produce the album.

“Tracey and I started the project in 2015 with just a guide piano and vocal recording of four songs,” Van Der Tuin said. “During lockdown, I approached Conley van der Westhuizen with the basic guide tracks to see if he was keen to take the music further. He returned just a few days later with some great arrangements. We all realised the potential of working together, and what was meant to be just a four-song project turned into a full album. We are all really proud of what we have created on Lessons in Letting Go.”

Sonically, Lessons in Letting Go is weaved with genres like soul, pop, rock and the blues while displaying hints of reggae and electronica. Lyrically, it offers challenging and thought-provoking themes. Through Lessons in Letting Go, Mathews hopes to reach listeners who have experienced loss and intimidation with a positive message that anything can be overcome through inspiration and persistence.