ARD Matthews Unveils ‘As It Should Be,’ a Personal and Honest Musical Journey

South African singer-songwriter ARD Matthews has released his latest album, ‘As It Should Be,’ marking a significant step in his solo career. Known as the frontman of Just Jinjer, ARD now steps fully into his own voice with a project described as his most personal, honest, and creatively liberating work to date.

Written, produced, and performed entirely by ARD, ‘As It Should Be’ presents ten tracks that explore love, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The album reflects gratitude and human experience, with ARD stating, “This album is me saying thank you. For everything that’s come, everything that’s gone, and everything still on its way. It’s about leaning into what’s real instead of trying to look or sound a certain way.”

Each song is accompanied by an organic, home-grown music video directed and edited by ARD’s fiancée and creative partner, Tanya Van Graan. Shot in natural light and personal spaces, the videos offer a continuous visual narrative, released on YouTube throughout November. ARD emphasizes the importance of authenticity in both music and visuals: “We didn’t want anything polished or artificial. We wanted the visuals to feel as human as the songs.”

‘As It Should Be’ represents a new chapter in ARD Matthews’ artistic journey, embracing vulnerability, self-expression, and gratitude. The album highlights his evolution from band frontman to solo artist, offering listeners an intimate and cinematic musical experience.