Matisa: ‘I am the music I like’

We sat down with the Italian electronic music artist to discuss her creative evolution, recent Rinse FM mix with Paramida, and the alchemic intersection of fashion and music

Born in Rome and now based in Florence, Isabella Erculei embodies the fizzing energy that ignites when the worlds of music and fashion collide. Known primarily by her electronic music producer and DJ pseudonym, Matisa, fashion remains deeply entwined with her creative identity and professional pursuits.

Since graduating with an MA in Fashion Product Management from the internationally renowned fashion school, Polimoda, in 2018, Erculei has collaborated with both established and emerging designers, continuously blurring the boundaries between sound and style. She is currently working full-time as an Assistant Product Manager, developing handbag and small leather goods collections for powerhouse luxury brands such as Marc Jacobs and Ferrari.

Although Erculei only released her debut EP, Organza, in 2019, her high-energy dance music has already gathered remarkable traction. Last month, the queen of Panorama Bar, Paramida, invited her to appear alongside her on London’s mould-breaking radio station, Rinse FM. Together, they delivered a mix charged with unmistakable dynamism — a euphoric homage to ’90s and progressive house, laced with punchy breaks, acid textures, and flashes of ’80s flair.

As a devoted subscriber of ΠMagazine, Erculei caught up with us during her recent trip to Berlin to discuss her creative evolution, Rinse FM feature, and upcoming plans. For this shoot, she partnered with two independent Italian brands close to her heart, Reamerei and Vivetta, to showcase looks that align with her distinctive style.

LEFT/ABOVE
Shoes & Jacket – Reamerei
Earrings – Talent’s Own

RIGHT/BELOW
Dress – Reamerei
Earrings – Talent’s Own

To get started, what’s the story behind your artist name ‘Matisa’?

I wish I had an exciting story to tell you (laughs), but it’s simply a mix of my real first and middle names — Isabella Matilde. I wanted to choose a name that I liked, and I thought the combination sounded really good!



Your academic trajectory from Political Science to Fashion Product Management graduate is pretty unique. How did you then wind up in the music industry? 

I actually started studying music when I was six years old — initially with the piano, then the oboe, and eventually electronic music. Seven years ago, I learnt to mix vinyl, and I haven’t stopped since! It was a very natural process, so I guess you could say that music was my ‘first love’; I’ve always been entwined with it. Fashion came a lot later.

I like producing music as a personal form of expression. In 2015, I started pursuing music professionally — first in Italy, and gradually moving across Europe, trying to reach more people. I hope that I’ll be known by more international audiences soon…



How would you define your sound?

If I could define myself, I would be wrong in doing so… I am the music I like.

LEFT/ABOVE
Dress & Boots – Reamerei
Earrings – Talent’s Own

RIGHT/BELOW
Coat – Vivetta
Earrings – Talent’s Own

Congratulations on your recent guest mix on Rinse FM with Paramida! For those who haven’t heard it yet, which three words would you use to describe it?

Energetic, evocative, and joyful.



How much do you feel your music influences your aesthetic? 

Very much so! The music I produce is an expression of my aesthetic, and my clothes are an expression of my music.



Given this entangled relationship between fashion and music, if you could be teleported to any era, when would it be? 

I am a BIG fan of the ’70s counterculture, particularly the years when personal taste and free aesthetic choice were born. In that era, young people tended to mix various styles and cultures imaginatively.

Another fascinating evolution was undoubtedly the introduction of unisex fashion and glam rock: the androgynous style, the use of sequins, lurex, lycra, and bright colours, along with brightly coloured make-up and hair. Oh — and of course, the undisputed fashion and music symbol of this era is David Bowie, who has always been my legend.

LEFT/ABOVE
Shirt & Trousers – Reamerei
Earrings – Talent’s Own

Besides Bowie, who else do you consider a creative icon? 

The first fashion book I read was about the surrealist, Elsa Schiaparelli, a woman who was much more than a fashion designer. She is my idol because she was already a progressive thinker. I still remember when she said: ‘A dress is not just fabric: a dress is a thought.’ It’s hard to find people like her today…



A little birdie told us that Πis one of your favourite fashion publications. What is it about the magazine that resonates with you most?

I love Πbecause it tells the stories behind fashion, not by promoting trends, but by following interesting and unique editorial content. I enjoy browsing both the online and print magazine to find highly inspiring content. I hate simply going with the flow of trends; across all of my creative outlets, I really love exploring beauty in my own way.



Talking of those ‘creative outlets’, is there anything exciting you’re working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on my next music releases. I also work in a style office, and this environment provides me with a lot of creative stimulation, which I’m really grateful for. Music and fashion are merged in my worldview, so being around fashion daily really shapes both the music I’m producing and the visual content around it. For now, all I can say is that 2021 will be a year full of surprises…



Listen to Matisa’s Rinse FM guest mix with Paramida.

LEFT/BELOW
Coat – Reamerei
Earrings – Talent’s Own

RIGHT/ABOVE
Coat – Reamerei
Earrings – Talent’s Own