EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Meet Bulgarian dreamboat, Mateo

YouTube's algorithm recommend Mateo to me and (thanks ADHD) I instantly fell into a delightful Mateo rabbit hole and then naturally I reached out-and yes, he’s a certified dreamboat and this is Mateo's first international interview.

Anywayyyy consider this a pop music emergency: Mateo's first-ever English single, Boys Toys is out now and is ready to charm the international stage.

For years Mateo only wrote in his native language (which he loves deeply) but his mum believed his voice and music deserve to be heard beyond Bulgaria-we do too so here’s to bold beginnings....and a mother’s unstoppable faith!

Who is Mateo and what’s your story? How does your sound reflect your journey as an artist?

Mateo is a boy-now a grown man or at least trying to be. An artist with a child’s soul who still believes in big dreams. Music has always been my safe space, my language, my truth. Ever since I was little I’ve been writing songs, inventing melodies, and singing what I felt but couldn’t always say out loud.

Four years ago, I lost both of my parents, just a few months apart. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. It changed me. It forced me to grow, to rebuild and to find a new sense of purpose. Music became not just my outlet, but my lifeline. Every song I release is something I’ve lived through. I don’t just perform it, I’ve lived it. That’s why I’m proud of every step I’ve taken so far. 

Boys Toys is the next chapter. One I’m deeply proud of. Reaching the readers of Scene Magazine through this project feels like a new beginning-and I’m grateful for every step that led me here.

Releasing Boys Toys as your first English-language single is a bold move, what made you take the leap?

After I released the Bulgarian version - MOI - I received so many messages from people around the world, even those who didn’t understand a single word. They felt the energy, the visuals, the message and almost everyone said the same thing: This needs to exist in English!

I’m doing it for everyone who asked. For those who waited. For those who believe music has no borders-just like love.

I actually recorded the English version before we shot the video. So when we filmed the visuals for the Bulgarian song, we made sure to capture both versions. I just knew this wasn’t meant to live only in Bulgaria. The message was bigger than that. And now, I’m just grateful I followed my intuition. Boys Toys is more than a song-it’s a leap, a statement, and a conversation I’ve been waiting to have with the world.

The music video totally delivers on the visuals-how did you dream up the concept and what brought the styling, location, and storytelling together to reflect the energy of the track?

This is definitely the boldest video I’ve done so far. I served as the creative director as well because I had a clear vision. I wanted to showcase different male stereotypes, these boxes society loves to put us in. Each character represents a label, a role, an expectation. The message? Break free. Tear those boxes apart. Be unapologetically yourself. The final moment is me stepping out of a box labeled “Fragile. Do not open.” and I meet….myself. That kiss? It’s not about romance-it’s about full self-acceptance.

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Seeing queer voices rise in pop music is powerful but as an LGBTQ+ artist from Bulgaria, how does it hit different for you and with events like Sofia Pride creating space and visibility, how meaningful is it to witness and contribute to this growing wave of representation both globally and back home?

Honestly, it hits deep.

Coming from a country where being openly queer is still a big deal, where people still fear judgement or even violence-it means everything to stand on a stage and say this is who I am. Take it or leave it.

Sofia Pride is not just a celebration-it’s a protest, a healing space and a mirror showing how far we still need to go. Being part of that through my music, especially with a project like Boys Toys is something I’ll never take for granted. 

In the past few years, I’ve also been working as a music teacher and vocal coach-mostly with kids and teenagers. They’ve always been my joy and I’ve built such a strong bond with many of them. I know they see me as someone they trust and admire but since releasing Boys Toys I’ve already felt quite a shift. Some parents have started pulling their children out of classes without saying a word. No reason, no explanation. But I know why. And that hurts.

Even if parts of the Bulgarian media try to censor the project or ignore it, the response from the public has been overwhelming. It reminds me that this message is bigger than borders. It’s even reached beyond Bulgaria-Malta Pride and Porto Pride both supported the project and that kind of recognition means the world to me.

I hope every time someone watches the video or hears the song, they feel a little braver. A little more seen. I hope they know they’re not alone-no matter where in the world they are.

Who are some artists who inspire you?

I’ve always been drawn to artists who are brave, different, and deeply authentic. Ariana Grande has had a huge impact on me, not just musically but emotionally. Her songs often mirrored my own life. I see her as someone with a kind, almost childlike soul and I really connect with that.

And this year, I got to see Dua Lipa live at Wembley in London. That show gave me a powerful dose of inspiration and radical optimism. Watching her perform reminded me that dreams do come true and made me want to chase mine even harder.

Who would be your absolute number 1 dream collab?

If I had to choose just one....Ariana Grande! Period.

Outside the studio, what are your favourite ways to spend time in Bulgaria? And for someone planning a visiting-would you say it's worth the trip? Is it worth visiting Bulgaria?

Absolutely. We have incredible nature-mountains, sea, forests and rivers and the best part is that you can explore completely different landscapes in just one day by car. The food is delicious, the views are breathtaking. I do believe Bulgaria has great potential but also a long way to go in terms of mindset and progress to truly catch up with the rest of Europe. That said, there’s a strong creative energy here and a lot of heart.

Personally, I love being in serenity, surrounded by nature, especially near water. It’s how I recharge. Give me a beach and I’m home.

What’s the LGBTQ+ scene like in Bulgaria? Is there a vibrant community and places to connect?

There has been some progress, and I’m really curious to see how the LGBTQ+ scene in Bulgaria grows in the coming years. When I released Boys Toys, several local media called it a revolutionary moment for Bulgarian pop music because it’s the first music video here to openly tell a queer story. I’m proud of that. And I’m thankful to The Steps in Sofia where we filmed the video for being a place that truly creates space for freedom, connection, and authenticity.

Any plans for trips or shows in the UK?

I’ve actually been to London a few times this year-one of the highlights was seeing Dua Lipa live at Wembley.

I also caught three different musicals on three consecutive nights. Experiencing that level of artistry and production was creatively electrifying. Musicals are a huge part of my creative world. In fact, back in 2014, while I was studying at university I was cast as Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. That role was my first real encounter with queer expression on stage and it cracked something open in me. I started discovering who I was, not just as a performer, but as a person.

My love for musicals has only grown. Just last year I created and staged Bulgaria’s first original Christmas musical with a full story and songs written entirely by myself. Performing it alongside my most talented young students was pure magic.

Also, performing in the UK would be an absolute dream!

I’m manifesting a future on the Brighton & Hove Pride stage.

Until then, I’m sending love and wishing everyone a colourful, unforgettable summer of Pride and joy.

Despite the global praise, Mateo's latest single has already faced media censorship in Bulgaria reminding us why Pride and telling these stories is still essential. Don't forget to stream Boys Toys on all streaming platforms and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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