Unpacking Matthew Ifield’s Swoonworthy Music Videos, by Karla Garcia

Seeking to expand my musical horizons, I recently discovered singer-songwriter Matthew Ifield, an emerging artist from Sydney, Australia. Focusing on love, relationships, and heartbreak, Ifield is one of the few male artists who I know to explore these concepts so openly—dare I describe him as a hopeless romantic? Ifield's charisma is naturally showcased through his soulful voice, “boy-next-door” persona, and music video performances. 

Tying musical nostalgia with video narratives, Ifield brings an enchanting spirit to the industry. His sound takes inspiration from Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé, making him a standout vocalist. As his label EMI Music Australia shares, Matthew Ifield “showcases the smooth timbre of his voice and the melodious freedom of not confining himself to the parameters of modern music trends”. 

Likewise, his music videos are timeless, unfolding a cinematic tenderness worth exploring. If you’re in the mood for romance, the following videos will perfectly satiate you with entrancing characters and aesthetic imagery. 

Matthew Ifield in “Just Say The Words”. Retrieved from Apple Music.

“Just Say The Words” is a homey, feel-good music video. Ifield is in his natural environment: writing a love song. The camera captures his artistic process: journal notes, guitar jamming, and numerous vocal recordings. Ifield warmly carols “I’ll hear you out, just say the words / You can speak your mind, so don’t be so blue,” desiring to be supportive and loving, even when faced with rejection. Here, Ifield's storyline begins, welcoming us into a lovesick world, filled with affection, anguish, and joviality. This release marks Ifield’s first original music video, premiering on May 24th of last year.

Matthew Ifield and Khloe Rose in “Like I Do”. Retrieved from Apple Music.

“Like I Do” was released two months later on July 24. This track includes pop-singer Khloe Rose, who is also featured in the video. Filmed in Indonesia, Ifield strolls through Jakarta's streets, showcasing the beautiful scenery. Summer fills the screen as Ifield shifts from a park to the beach, to riding in an open-air trolley. Painfully enamored, he sings “And I'm in love, I wish you knew / I hope you love me like I do.” Scenes from California follow, introducing Khloe Rose's dulcet vocals. As his significant other, she parallels Ifield by walking near the water’s edge and echoing, “Oh please, tell me that you love me too”. “Like I Do” uncovers the ambiguity in falling for someone, especially when love feels unreciprocated, or too good to be true. 

Matthew Ifield and actor Kasey Kim in “Ready For Love”. Retrieved from Pinterest.

Premiering on January 24 of this year, “Ready For Love” continues this theme. Filmed during a winter storm in Seoul, South Korea, it centers on long-distance partners who are affectionate but uncommitted. Ifield plays a romantic who idealizes his relationship, failing to notice how his girlfriend is falling slowly out of love. Ifield's chase through misty terrain is heart-rending. Although deeply infatuated, Ifield is left alone and heartbroken. The lyrics “Moving too fast / I didn't know it wouldn't last,” signal the hard reality of love—sometimes it simply isn't meant to be. This concept is wonderfully captured through snowy dreamscapes, depicting the arduous journey to finding love.

Matthew Ifield and actor Maggie Orrock in “When I Loved You”. Retrieved from Pinterest.

The videos for "When I Loved You" and "Start From Scratch," released in April and June respectively, are connected, acting as a short film rom-com. The first depicts a couple’s transition from the honeymoon phase into a conflict period. Taking place in a home, Ifield and his other half are ultimate lovebirds; the duo laugh, hug, dance, and spend much time together. However, things take a turn when he receives an unexpected text, altering the status of their relationship. Ifield responds by singing “But if you don’t want to miss me / Then you should just dismiss me,” signalling for the first time that he is okay with closure. The music video ends abruptly in a fight as both are emotionally depleted and unable to “stem the tide.”

Matthew Ifield in “Start From Scratch”. Retrieved from Pinterest.

“Start From Scratch” stays true to its title by reviving Ifield’s lovelife. Set in a live music bar, he unknowingly performs to his sweetheart during a night out. The two are shocked, yet embrace this unexpected meeting as fate bringing them together again. Ifield flirts and nervously sips champagne while a jazzy R&B track plays in the background. Making the most of the opportunity, he serenades: “I was thinking we could dance the night away / Here’s my number if you need some place to stay / Forget your worries, we could start from scratch today.” In the end, love triumphs, taking the couple back to their playful beginnings.

Matthew Ifield in “She Doesn’t Care”. Retrieved from Pinterest.

“She Doesn’t Care” was released on August 8th to accompany Ifield's debut album, My Favorite Place To Be. Filmed at Super Freak Studios, Ifield drives through a desert landscape while reminiscing about a special someone. This music video showcases his loneliness by featuring him alone with his thoughts. Ifield’s acting is eloquent, conveying regret and nostalgia. The verse “He’s stuck on your mind / While I just waste my time,” hits like a punch to the heart. The video transitions into nightfall with a backdrop of city lights, and Ifield playing an acoustic guitar. To conclude, he symbolically steps out of frame, choosing to move forward from this one-sided love. 

Matthew Ifield in “In the Event of Her Departure”. Retrieved from Pinterest.

“In the Event of Her Departure,” which recently premiered on October 23rd, features New York’s nightlife and showcases the city’s attractions. This music video is charming with a vintage feel, infusing a rich melody with timeless panoramas. Ifield softly opens with the line “Love isn’t for you if you’re faint of heart.” He roams the city streets filled with juxtaposing sentiments. Ifield is torn, but somewhat at peace, understanding that this idealized “her” isn't everything. He sings “Love isn’t forced, isn’t bought, isn’t looks / Love isn’t how they describe in the books,” to highlight his new outlook on romance. Perhaps this “departure” was of a real person, a hyperromantic fantasy, or both. 

As a relatively new artist, Ifield has an impressive discography alongside quality visuals. His music videos tell a unique narrative of self-discovery and vulnerability through relationships. They show how his outlook on love transforms and matures, slowly stepping away from the lovey-dovey into something deeper. Ifield teaches us that love, after all, is about letting go of, not holding on to unrealistic expectations. Romance, while alluring, takes courage, sacrifice, and time. 

Even as a pragmatist, I am moved by these music videos. What isn’t there to enjoy about musical sentimentalism, idyllic imagery, and swoony narratives? If, like me, you’re wondering: Who broke this man’s heart, and how does he have such a longing for love and music? In Ifield’s words, “Amongst all the chaos, music provides solitude for me, where I can express my own emotions through my voice.” After watching these music videos, you’ll resonate with Ifield’s feelings, finding comfort in his lyrics and visual storytelling.