Matthew Mole, First South African Artist to Enter Local iTunes at No. 1

Matthew Mole, singer-songwriter from Fish Hoek, Cape Town, South Africa recently made iTunes history when he debuted at number one in the local iTunes album charts. Matthew Mole’s first album, “The Home We Built” was produced by Matthew Fink and reached number one on the very morning of its release. The album was released by the record label, “Just Music.” The owner of the label, Karl Anderson said that Mole has achieved something quite remarkable for a new artist.

For your listening pleasure

Mole’s music is also enjoying good radio airplay in South Africa. Those who have heard his latest release only have praise for the Cape Town native’s songwriting and performing style.

When he debuted at number 1 on iTunes, Mole managed to move ahead of more popular, veteran international acts such as Jay Z, Michael Buble, Robin Thicke and the legendary Rolling Stones. However, Mole’s latest release is not yet on the iTunes top album charts in the United States.

Making waves

The now famous South African 21-year old artist holds the distinction of being the first local artist to debut in iTunes at the very top. Even before this achievement, Mole has been making waves not just in South Africa but in other parts of the world as well. Prior to the iTunes milestone, Mole’s debut album was already enjoying attention in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As a matter of fact, “The Home We Built” was named Record of the Day in Britain. In America, it was named A&R Worldwide’s “Artist of the Week.” Mole’s two EPS are also available for download. The young South African artist is definitely on a roll. Just last year, he was the celebrated winner of the “Get Out of the Garage” campaign by Converse.

How to Top the South African iTunes Album Charts

Being on top of the local iTunes list does not necessarily explain how popular “The Home We Built” is compared to other album releases. Apple’s ranking procedures is not yet known, though there are speculations that they use an algorithm to determine the rankings. The total number of downloads are probably being monitored over a certain period of time.

Much thanks

Mole was overjoyed at the amazing results and expressed thanks for the support from the people who loved the album enough to download it. Anderson, owner of Mole’s record label said that this is an exciting time for iTunes. Anderson also praised iTunes for the role it has played in providing fans access to independent artists and labels. Apple’s iTunes has contributed a lot to changing the music industry in South Africa, he added.

Getting to know Matthew

On Just Music’s website, Matthew Mole declares his style as “folk music with an electronic backbone.” Matthew considers himself not much of a speaker, being more comfortable at expressing himself through music. Matthew said that music drives him and makes him the person that he is. He puts in so much of himself including his beliefs and hopes in the music that he writes. Matthew’s goal is to affect people with his songs in a positive and significant way.

Photo Credit: The Home We Built (from Facebook Page)