Artist Spotlight: Artist Spotlight: Matt Long - 1995
Artist Spotlight: Matt Long - 1995
1995 by Matt Long live in Nashville, TN
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Recorded, Edited, Produced by Chaz Mazzota + Nashville Pop Check out her interview below!
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An Interview With Matt Long
Tells us about the song you are performing for the Nashville Pop Artist Spotlight. What is it about?
“My song 1995 was born out of a beautiful guitar lick and a feeling of nostalgia. I was reminiscent about how life was growing up as a kid and all the fun things we used to do when we were younger. In my opinion, this song reminds me of the "good ole days" and what life was like before we had worries or cares."
What first got you into music? How did the journey begin?
“I first got into music by singing in the children's choir at church and I would come home and my Aunt would show me some stuff the piano. She taught me some of the silly little sayings that you learn in music class like (Every, Good, Boy, Does, Fine) and (FACE) to help me remember the notes. I ended up trumpet and french horn in middle school and high school band and ended up picking up a guitar my junior year. From there I ended up going to a 4 year university where I studied classical voice and became a music minister at a church.”
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
“The music I create is a combination of my musicianship and my life experience. I tend to tell my story through my music and that story can be one of hope, loss, heartbreak, and nostalgia. I love making music that makes the listener feel something inside themselves. The goal is to move people or have them to relate to your experience through song.”
What does your music represent?
“I believe my music reflects who I am as a person. It represents me and what I've been through, but also what life could be in the future. I often think about my past and how it could have been different and I often look forward to what is to come in my life and I think my music reflects that through the lyrics of a song but also the music itself.”
What is your creative process like?
“I believe my creative process is different every time. Since moving to Nashville, I've learned how to better hone that creativity but it never comes out the same way twice. Sometimes a song will just pour out of you and other times you need to put a lyric or a song on the shelf and collect dust for a while before you come back to it. I think a great way to spark creativity is to write down random words that come to you or random titles that you think could make a great song. I know I have a file with a list of running titles and a list full of unfinished songs just waiting for me to dive back in.”
If you were to open for any 3 artists, who would they be?
“Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder, and John Mayer”
What is the best advice you’ve been given so far in the music industry?
“Fail Forward and don't be afraid to take risks. I think so often we are afraid of what other people think that we never step out on that ledge because we're scared of failing or not being liked. Failure is a part of the journey, but we are so scared of it that sometimes we forget to take the first step!”
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
“Honestly, not sure. I've been doing music since graduating college whether performing, teaching, recording, or writing. I've worn many hats in the music industry and I'm not sure what I would be doing if I wasn't pursuing music.”
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
“Collaborating with other creatives. I love coming to the end of a project seeing how many hands have been involved. Because at the end of the day a rising tide raises all ships and we can't do it alone and need a community.”
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives such as yourself?
“Share it with a friend or a colleague. There are so many free ways to support artists it's ridiculous. However, if you love an artist, buy their merch, support their patreon, buy a ticket to their show, share their music on social media. Recommend them to your friends! There's nothing more exciting then when a close friend shares new music with you. It gives an insight into their lives and how they view the world! Experiencing music with one another is magical.”
Social Media
Nashville Pop: @nashvillepop.us
Matt Long: @MattLongMusic
Chaz Mazzota: @itschazmazzota
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