Mats Kedrren

Matouš Kudrna (born 1 September 2006), known professionally as Mats Kedrren, is a Czech DJ, record producer, songwriter and remixer from Pilsen. He is also known as one half of the electronic duo NOX LUX and as the founder of the independent music label WILLIUM MUSIC. Kedrren began producing music at a young age and entered the electronic music scene in the mid‑2010s. His early work was released under the moniker DJ MATTHEW, before adopting his current stage name in 2014.

The project’s debut EP, titled MATTHEW, was released in July 2015 and featured three tracks, marking his first publicly presented body of work and the beginning of his long‑term activity in electronic music production.

Life and career

2006–2014: Early life

Matouš Kudrna was born on 1 September 2006 in Pilsen, Czechia. He grew up with a younger sister, Johanka. During his childhood he played soccer, but his interests gradually shifted toward music and digital creativity. Kedrren has known Reitthar since birth, as their families have been closely connected from the very beginning.

His future stage name has its origins in this period. When he was eight years old, he received a school Christmas gift — a calendar containing variations of his given name. Among them he found the form “Mats”, which he later adopted. The surname “Kedrren” was created by modifying his family name Kudrna; he replaced the letter “u” with “e” and altered the internal structure to achieve a more distinctive artistic identity. Before adopting his current moniker, he briefly performed under the name DJ MATTHEW in 2014.

2014–2015: Introduction to electronic music

Kedrren’s interest in electronic music intensified in 2014 after watching Martin Garrix perform at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Garrix’s track “Animals” became a defining influence and motivated him to download the FL Studio software, which enabled him to begin composing his own material. During this period he adopted the stage name Mats Kedrren, replacing his earlier moniker DJ MATTHEW.

In July 2015, he released his debut EP titled MATTHEW, which marked his first official public project. The EP contained three tracks — “Energetics”, “Minoga” and “Sempe” — and showcased his early house‑oriented production style. The release established his presence on the emerging electronic music scene and laid the foundation for his later work.

2016–2017: Early singles and first international attention

Between 2016 and 2017, Kedrren continued to refine his sound and began releasing a series of early singles. His track “Lowest Point” became his first notable success; it entered several online charts and received radio play in multiple countries, giving him initial international exposure.

During this period he also released additional compositions, including “Comfort”, “Running Again”, “Rockin” and several other early works. Although still produced in his home studio, these tracks demonstrated a rapid evolution in his sound design and helped him build a small but growing audience.

2018–2020: Founding of Willium Music

In the second quarter of 2018, Kedrren founded his independent music label WILLIUM MUSIC, which he envisioned as a platform for artists across various genres. After its establishment, he transferred his earlier works under the new imprint.

During this period he continued refining his sound, though he released only a limited number of tracks publicly.

2021–2022: Releases and growing recognition

Kedrren released his single through WILLIUM MUSIC on 30 January 2021, titled “Follow Your Heart”, co‑written with Addire (Adams Reitthar). In March 2021 he followed with the single “Around”.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, he produced two additional tracks under the pseudonym Yerren, which were released in 2022. In the same year he issued several collaborations. Later that year he unveiled an unreleased remix of “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I.

2023: New collaborations and the formation of Nox Lux

In early 2023, Kedrren released “One Symphony” (with Fred Nordström) and “Ass Clap” (with Goja). On 31 March 2023 he issued “Access”, a track first previewed during a 2018 Instagram livestream. Later in 2023, Kedrren formed the electronic dance duo NOX LUX with Adams Reitthar. Their debut single “Depression” marked the beginning of a darker, more atmospheric sound. Additional releases followed “Psychic Room”, “Telepathy” (with Adams Reitthar), released on 11 August 2023 with a music video.

“More Music, Fun, Love” (with Wanters), announced on 20 August 2023.

On 15 September 2023, shortly after his 17th birthday, he released his first compilation album The Mats Kedrren Collection, containing ten tracks. He concluded the year with the single “OBEY”.

2024: Expansion of Nox Lux and debut album preparations

Kedrren announced a collaboration with Sina titled “Awaken”, released in January 2024. On 29 July 2023, he had confirmed that NOX LUX would release a full‑length album in the fall of 2024. Leading up to the album, the duo released several singles “Midnight Pulse”, “Monster”, “In Your Eyes”. These releases marked a shift toward a more cinematic and ambient‑influenced electronic sound, which later defined the NOX LUX project.

NOX LUX released their debut studio album “Paradise of Heaven” on 15 November 2024. The album contained 12 tracks and represented the duo’s most ambitious project to date, combining electronic, ambient and cinematic elements into a unified conceptual work. The release established NOX LUX as a distinctive project with a recognizable atmospheric sound and marked a significant milestone in Kedrren’s artistic development.

Influences

Mats Kedrren cites Martin Garrix, Avicii and Swedish House Mafia as his musical influences. He is also a big fan of the French duo Daft Punk.

Quotes

The only person you should compare yourself to is the version of you from the past.

Discography

Studio albums

• Paradise of Heaven (2024) NOX LUX
• Paradise of Heaven (Deluxe) (2025) NOX LUX

Extended plays

• MATTHEW (2015)
• Church (2025)

Compilations

• The Mats Kedrren Collection (2023)
• The Mats Kedrren Collection (Deluxe) (2024)
• The Mats Kedrren Highlights (2025)