Minus32heartbeat is the solo project of Matt Friedlander, a talented songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in New York City. Formerly the lead guitarist of The GoStation, Friedlander has ventured out on his own to create music that bridges alternative rock, cinematic soundscapes, and modern electronic textures. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, from the guitar-driven energy of Oasis and the avant-garde edge of The Velvet Underground to the expansive compositions of Hans Zimmer, the trip-hop atmospheres of Massive Attack, and even the playful influence of arcade video games, minus32heartbeat embodies a fearless approach to musical exploration. Constantly pushing boundaries, Friedlander has shown a willingness to reinvent his sound while maintaining a strong sense of melody, structure, and emotional depth. His collaborations, such as with vocalist Emily Bellissimo, have further expanded his creative palette, adding layers of warmth and nuanced expressiveness to his work. Within the vibrant music scene of New York City, minus32heartbeat stands out as an innovative musician dedicated to crafting emotionally resonant and sonically adventurous music.
Released on August 22nd, 2025, “QSFW2S” marks a significant step in minus32heartbeat’s artistic journey. This cover EP, his first collaboration with guest vocalist Em Bell, explores dark-pop reinterpretations of classic love songs while venturing into cinematic, film-inspired soundscapes reminiscent of David Lynch’s mood-driven storytelling. The EP consists of four tracks, comprising two full vocal performances alongside two instrumental versions, providing listeners with a layered experience that emphasizes both lyrical expression and intricate musical craftsmanship. Em Bell’s vocals are a defining element of the EP, combining sultriness, wistfulness, and clarity to create a compelling emotional center. Her phrasing and control lend intimacy and power to each song, ensuring that the reinterpretations feel both contemporary and deeply personal.
Instrumentally, “QSFW2S” demonstrates minus32heartbeat’s meticulous approach to arrangement. Each composition blends elements of jazz, soul, and pop into smooth, elegant soundscapes that are both immersive and understated. The instrumentation serves the songs without overpowering them, offering harmonic richness and textural depth that complement Bell’s vocal performances perfectly. The instrumental tracks highlight these subtleties, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the musical intricacies and nuanced layering present in the EP.
QSFW2S EP Track List:
My Funny Valentine:
“My Funny Valentine” by minus32heartbeat featuring Em Bell opens with a soft and reflective instrumental that immediately draws the listener into an intimate soundscape. The arrangement, set in a minor key, enhances the melancholic and introspective atmosphere, giving the track a contemplative depth that sets it apart from more traditional interpretations of the classic jazz standard. From the very beginning, the instrumentation signals a cinematic quality, with gentle brushed strings and a delicate piano melody creating a smooth and sophisticated foundation for the vocal performance. Each instrumental element is carefully balanced, providing harmonic support and subtle flourishes that enrich the texture without overpowering the song’s emotional core.
Em Bell’s vocals serve as the emotional centerpiece of the track. Her expressive delivery conveys both vulnerability and longing with remarkable nuance, drawing the listener into the intimate narrative of love, uncertainty, and yearning for reassurance. Every phrasing choice and subtle dynamic shift in her voice emphasizes the tender conflict inherent in the lyrics, making the emotional content of the song feel immediate and personal. Her voice is light yet carries a profound emotional weight, perfectly complementing the carefully arranged instrumentation and amplifying the melancholic tone of the piece.
The overall production and arrangement of “My Funny Valentine” showcase minus32heartbeat’s attention to musical detail and emotive storytelling. The interplay between voice and instruments is seamless, with dynamic subtleties enhancing the track’s cinematic and reflective qualities. The track exemplifies how a timeless jazz standard can be reimagined through a contemporary lens, combining technical precision, sophisticated instrumentation, and heartfelt performance. The result is a rendition that is both timeless and deeply moving, demonstrating the artistry and sensitivity of minus32heartbeat’s approach to reinterpretation.
Will You Love Me Tomorrow:
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by minus32heartbeat featuring Em Bell is reimagined as a heartfelt love ballad, opening with a gentle cinematic introduction that immediately establishes a tender and intimate atmosphere. The track retains the original structure of the classic while blending in subtle jazz and soul influences, giving it a fresh yet familiar emotional resonance. The soft, deliberate pacing and reflective instrumentation create the perfect setting for a love ballad, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in its warmth and introspection.
Em Bell’s vocals serve as the emotional core of the track, delivering each line with warmth, vulnerability, and heartfelt sincerity. Her nuanced performance brings out the song’s themes of love, hope, and emotional uncertainty, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of longing and tenderness. Her expressive phrasing captures the fragility and beauty of romantic anticipation, making the ballad feel deeply personal and emotionally compelling.
The instrumentation is rich yet restrained, with delicate piano harmonies providing depth and supporting the vocal narrative without overpowering it. Every musical element is carefully balanced, enhancing the storytelling and maintaining the emotional weight of the song. The combination of cinematic arrangement, emotive vocal delivery, and love ballad sensibility highlights minus32heartbeat’s ability to honor the essence of a classic while creating a distinctive, evocative, and timeless rendition.
From a production standpoint, “QSFW2S” is polished and immersive. The mix captures the dynamic interplay between voice and instruments, with every detail presented clearly, whether in the soft, intimate moments or the fuller, more dramatic sections. This careful attention to sonic balance enhances the cinematic feel of the EP, reinforcing its departure from minus32heartbeat’s traditional alternative rock roots into a more sophisticated, experimental space. The production choices also reflect the project’s inspiration from film scoring techniques, creating an atmospheric, reflective experience throughout.
Despite its compact format, the EP maintains cohesion through its consistent emotional tone and stylistic approach. Each track contributes to a mood of contemplative intimacy and refined elegance, making the brief listening experience feel complete and immersive. The combination of vocal-led tracks and instrumental counterparts allows “QSFW2S” to operate on dual levels as narrative storytelling through lyrics and as pure musical exploration through instrumental composition. This duality underscores minus32heartbeat’s commitment to both artistry and innovation, highlighting his growth as a musician willing to explore new directions.
QSFW2S by minus32heartbeat Transforms Classic Love Songs Into Cinematic, Dark-pop Ballads Infused With Intimate Vocals And Sophisticated, Jazz-inflected Arrangements
“QSFW2S” ultimately showcases minus32heartbeat’s evolving sound and creative ambition. The collaboration with Em Bell brings a new emotional dimension to his work, while the cinematic, dark-pop reinterpretations reflect his skill in blending genre influences into something fresh and compelling. The EP stands as a testament to his willingness to experiment with production techniques, musical textures, and vocal integration, resulting in a polished, emotionally resonant, and sophisticated release that is both accessible and artistically adventurous. Fans of nuanced, cinematic, and emotionally driven music will find “QSFW2S” a compelling addition to minus32heartbeat’s growing discography.
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