Former KINGDØMS member Matt Walerstein is making waves with his solo project Aftercoast, delivering his latest earworm “Better Off” on November 2. The track stands as a testament to the artist’s creative evolution since launching his solo venture in 2022.
Having already left his mark with KINGDØMS – racking up an impressive 500,000+ Spotify streams and 2 million YouTube views – Walerstein isn’t exactly a newcomer to the music scene. Yet under the Aftercoast banner, he’s crafted something fresh: a sound that somehow manages to bottle both the warmth of ’80s and ’90s nostalgia and the punch of modern electronic production. This unique blend hasn’t gone unnoticed, catching the ear of EARMILK’s playlist curators and generating quite a buzz in industry circles.
In a genre often criticized for its superficiality, Aftercoast stands out by diving deeper than the typical pop fare. While his tracks deliver the glossy hooks and infectious beats that modern listeners crave, each release serves as a subtle call to action, weaving themes of personal growth and self-discovery into deceptively catchy arrangements. Where many artists might scratch the surface of personal growth, Walerstein digs deeper, creating anthems that actually inspire listeners to shed their past baggage and step into their power.
His latest offering, “Better Off,” clocking in at a tight 2:45, feels like a summer breeze carrying a storm cloud – marrying sun-kissed California vibes with moody Tropical House beats. The single explores that weird limbo between feeling freed and still being caught in the emotional undertow of a past relationship, building to a climax that perfectly captures that familiar feeling of racing thoughts after a relationship ends. The production shines here, with crystal-clear vocals riding atop expertly balanced instrumentation that never misses a beat.
This release builds on the momentum of Aftercoast’s earlier tracks “Prime Meridian” and “Wanderlust,” which first showcased his knack for wrapping meaningful messages in radio-ready packages. His live performances, including a memorable stint at LA Pride, have proven he’s got the goods to back up the studio magic. The track manages to be both a solid addition to your workout playlist and a companion for late-night reflection – no small feat in today’s singles-driven market.
With a sound this polished and songwriting that cuts straight to the heart, Aftercoast is shaping up to be one of pop’s most promising new voices. If “Better Off” is any indication of what’s next, 2025 could be the year this rising star really takes flight. In an industry oversaturated with fleeting trends, his authentic approach to pop feels like a breath of fresh air — and we’re here for it.
Curious listeners can follow Aftercoast’s on Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where he continues to carve out his own space in the ever-evolving pop landscape.
