🎧 Only Luv’: An Interview with Matt Pop on Remixing a Pop Legacy (Part 2)

2025 is an exceptional year for Luv' fans, thanks to two highly anticipated releases: "All You Need Is Luv' (Remastered & Expanded Edition)" and "Only Luv' – The Matt Pop Remixes."

The reissue of "All You Need Is Luv'," released on March 14, came as a Remastered & Expanded Edition, featuring two CDs: one containing the original 1994 album and the other filled with brand-new remixes by Ladies on Mars. A special pink and blue vinyl edition was also released exclusively for Record Store Day on April 12.

Then, on May 24, 2025, the remix album "Only Luv: The Matt Pop Remixes" was released. This album featured fresh interpretations of Luv's greatest hits, along with some lesser-known tracks, all produced by Matt Pop. These remixes were created using original master tapes provided by Hans van Hemert and Universal Music. The album was available on CD and as a limited edition double vinyl in pink and blue. As a bonus, "Only Luv" was made available on all major streaming platforms on June 20.

Leading up to the release of "Only Luv," two singles and an EP were released on digital platforms:

- "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe (Matt Pop Album Mix)" - released on April 25

- "I.M.U.R. (Mat

t Pop Album Remix)" - released on May 9

- "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe / I.M.U.R. / Si Que Si – The Matt Pop Remixes EP" - released on May 23

A fourth single from "Only Luv," titled "You're The Greatest Lover (Matt Pop Remix)," was released as a digital single on June 13.

Peter Boonstra & Matt Pop

Last week, I posted my interview with the Argentinian DJ Ladies on Mars. Today, the spotlight is on Matt Pop, who supervised the Only Luv' remix album alongside Peter Boonstra. As a tribute to his creativity and signature style, I had the pleasure of interviewing him about how his EDM remixes breathed new life into several beloved Luv' tracks. I'm truly grateful for his invaluable contribution to this project.

Interview conducted on June 5, 2025

Ralph: When and how did you start your career in music?

Matt: I have been making music since a very young age, and it wasn't until about 20 years ago, when I started posting my work on YouTube, that some artists and labels began reaching out to me to see if I would be a good fit for their projects. My first clients were Almighty Records, Energise Records, Ross Alexander and RuPaul.

Ralph: Who are your musical heroes?

Matt: Electronic music was my first love, so Vince Clarke has always been a big hero of mine. I have always loved ABBA as well. I am also interested in the work of producers such as Oliver, Trevor Horn, Max Martin, and Stuart Price.

Ralph: What do you consider to be the best moments of your career?

Matt: It's a bit surreal and very exciting when artists you love want to work with you, so remixing for Erasure and Kim Wilde was amazing. I also think my working relationship with RuPaul is very special, as we have done so much together.

Ralph: How did you connect with Peter Boonstra, the initiator of "The Story of Luv" and "Only Luv" projects, Hans van Hemert, the Godfather of Luv', and René van Ooijen, who is responsible for photo and video edits?

Ralph: That was all Peter Boonstra's doing. He was the one who found me, based on my ABBA remixes, I think, and convinced me to do these Luv' remixes. I am very grateful to him for putting it all together. He also found René van Ooijen for all the visuals. Meeting Hans van Hemert was wonderful, too. The stories he told! It is very precious to me that Hans gave his blessing to our remix album.

Hans van Hemert, José Hoebee and Matt Pop on January 16th, 2015, during the preparations for the remixes for "The Story Of Luv"

Ralph: José Hoebee and Marga Scheide expressed their satisfaction with "Only Luv." Have you heard anything about Patty Brard’s feelings regarding your remix album?

Matt: Sadly, no. Not directly, at least, but apparently, she said something like she wished us all the best with the album. It's a shame, really, because Luv' is an important part of her legacy, and fans miss her on these occasions. But it's no secret that a lot has happened between the three members over the years, and if Patty doesn't want to promote our remix album, there's nothing we can do. I am grateful for the support of Marga and José.

Matt Pop, Marga Scheide, Peter Boonstra and José Hoebee at the Only Luv' release party at the Wisseloord Studios on May 24, 2025

Ralph: Which Luv' remix of yours is your favourite?

Matt: I never tire of "Life Is On My Side"; it always cheers me up.

Ralph: What are your future plans?

Matt: I keep on making music. I have just finished work on an album for British singer Tee Webb, which is going to be amazing. Some 80s covers and a few original tracks; the guy has an incredible voice! I also produced a cover of an ABBA song that I am very excited about. Additionally, another Matt Pop compilation is planned for release at some point.

Ralph: Will there be a follow-up to "Only Luv" or another Luv-related project?

Matt: Well, there are more multitracks in the vaults, so it's possible. But let's see how this one goes first. It takes a lot of time for me to do an entire album, so we'd need a good reason to do it.