South African singer-songwriter Ard Matthews has released his new album, As It Should Be – a project already being hailed as his most honest and creatively freeing work so far.
Known to many as the frontman of iconic rock outfit Just Jinjer, Ard now leans fully into his solo voice, crafting an album that feels intimate, grounded, and shaped by gratitude.
A Self-Made, Cinematic Exploration of Growth
Written, produced, and performed entirely by Ard, As It Should Be plays like a warm, widescreen journey through love, acceptance, and personal evolution.
He describes it as a kind of thank-you letter – to the past, to the present, and to whatever still lies ahead. The album rejects the idea of chasing an image; instead, it settles into what’s authentic, unforced, and real.
A Visual Album Built at Home
All ten tracks arrive with a companion music video, each directed and edited by Ard’s fiancée and creative partner, Tanya Van Graan.
Filmed in natural light and familiar spaces, the videos share a unified visual thread that unfolded on YouTube across November. The aim wasn’t gloss – it was humanity. A sense of life as it feels, rather than a version manufactured for the camera.
A New Chapter for Ard Matthews Defined by Vulnerability
As It Should Be marks a turning point in Ard Matthews’ evolution – a place where vulnerability and creative freedom sit at the centre. It’s a shedding of old expectations, a return to sincerity, and a commitment to expression without filters.
As It Should Be is out now. Stream/download it HERE.
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