{
  "id": 6820184,
  "title": "Clear signal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/clear-signal",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T23:39:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/2026/09/11/clear-signal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Digital music production is becoming increasingly complex, with artists employing various techniques to achieve the desired sound. Winnipeg-based musician Matthew Monias, also known as Mattmac, faces challenges due to his visual impairment while producing and mixing his music. Assistive technology has helped him, but it took him years to master the techniques. Monias's album, Smoke Signals, released on Sunday at Sidestage, has gained significant success, with millions of streams and over 100,000 followers across platforms. He attributes his achievements to his collaboration with an Atlanta-based producer, who is also blind, and acknowledges the influence of Southern rap on his style. Monias hopes his journey can inspire other Manitoba musicians to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Matthew Monias, blind musician, overcomes visual impairment in music production",
    "Collaborates with Atlanta-based producer, also blind, for Smoke Signals album",
    "Album achieves millions of streams and 100k+ followers, inspiring Manitoba musicians"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mattmac's success shows that with assistive technology and collaboration, visual impairment does not have to limit a musician's creative potential or career aspirations in the music industry.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}