WATCH: Beautifully Lost, MUXU’s Journey of Self-Discovery & Song
Oh My Malta launches the Author to Author series, where Emily A. Francis, herself an author, interviews local writers, focusing especially on first-time authors. She aims to shed light on the often unseen journey from idea to printed book, celebrating the dedication, persistence, and vulnerability it takes to share a story with the world.
Here, Emily highlights Beautifully Lost by MUXU, a book that is as raw and honest as its title suggests.
The work chronicles a transformative period in Matthew’s life, he is known by the name MUXU, during which he confronts the realities of a life that, on the surface, appeared successful, yet left him feeling unfulfilled and disconnected internally. As he describes in the book, his career in music was reaching new heights, his bank account was growing, but his inner world was flattening; the satisfaction that one expects from achievement was absent. It was a stark realisation, and one that demanded not only courage but a willingness to face himself without illusion.
MUXU’s approach to this period of reflection was neither superficial nor sudden. He chose to leave the familiar surroundings of his home and embark on a nine-month journey of self-discovery. During this time, he examined the areas of his life that were no longer serving him, confronting habits and behaviours that he had perhaps ignored or rationalised in the past. The book’s narrative is imbued with a profound sense of honesty and vulnerability, and this openness is one of the book’s most compelling qualities. By sharing his story, MUXU allows readers to witness the painstaking process of self-reconstruction, with all its uncertainty, frustration, and eventual revelation.
A unique feature of Beautifully Lost is its integration of music with the written word. MUXU has created a musical album that accompanies the text, providing an immersive, multisensory experience. Each of twelve chapters contains a QR code linking to music that aligns with the themes explored in that section of the book. This combination of literature and sound enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative, enabling readers not only to read but also to feel the journey as it unfolds. It is a bold and innovative approach, reflecting the depth of MUXU’s creative vision and his commitment to exploring the connection between art and personal growth.
The themes of Beautifully Lost extend far beyond the surface narrative of career versus personal satisfaction. One of the key elements running through the book is the sense of not feeling enough, an imposter syndrome of sorts. This is a struggle familiar to many, particularly those on a spiritual or self-development path, and MUXU addresses it with both honesty and compassion. He shows that recognising one’s limitations and confronting uncomfortable truths is not a sign of failure, but an essential step towards authentic growth. The book illustrates that personal reconstruction is a process, not a one-time event, and that deliberate, thoughtful rebuilding allows individuals to create a life that aligns with their true values and intentions.
The concept of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver, serves as a fitting metaphor for MUXU’s journey. He does not hide the cracks in his life; instead, he fills them with intention and purpose, transforming past fractures into elements of strength and beauty. Beautifully Lost is a testament to this philosophy, showing readers that personal growth can transform vulnerability into empowerment. By the end of the book, MUXU emerges as a more integrated and authentic version of himself—someone who embraces both the messy and the beautiful aspects of life without pretense or fear.
In sharing his story, MUXU also offers a sense of community and encouragement to readers. His journey illustrates that no one is alone in their struggles, and that the act of confronting one’s own truth can be profoundly liberating. The book does not offer quick fixes or simplistic solutions; instead, it provides a roadmap for self-reflection, resilience, and the kind of honest work that leads to lasting personal transformation.
Beautifully Lost is, ultimately, a courageous exploration of selfhood and artistic expression. Through a combination of storytelling, musical accompaniment, and philosophical insight, MUXU invites readers to engage with the complexities of human experience in a deeply intimate way. The book is a reminder that life’s challenges, though difficult, can be transformed into opportunities for growth and beauty, and that authenticity and vulnerability are sources of true strength.
To experience MUXU’s journey firsthand, the book and accompanying music can be found here!
