If you missed my previous Matt Westin features, follow these links (which will open in a new tab): link 1, link 2, link 3.
In this interview spotlight, we chat about the new project (Legacy), challenges, motivations, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m a country musician, somewhere in between traditional and modern country, with a little rock edge.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
The same thing that led me to pursue music as a career and not just a hobby is the same thing that keeps me motivated, which is the tragic loss of my dad and dedicating my debut album/career to him. It comes from such a deep place in my core that I can never stop. I know my dad wouldn’t want me to stop. Music is and was a huge part of my healing process, and it helped me to rebuild myself when I felt so lost, so it’s like a part of my DNA now.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The song You Leave Me No Choice is from my debut album Legacy. It stands out on the album by showing a bit of my passionate and romantic side. It’s a sexy song, or so I’ve been told!
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I think the question kind of answers itself. It is incredibly oversaturated. It can be hard to get noticed, hard to make noise, in an already noisy and crowded environment. On the other hand, there are so many ways to market yourself nowadays and I have been blessed with the opportunity to have my music play all over the planet, as well as interview with people on different continents. It’s a bit surreal! With the incredible help from MTS Records, I’ve been blessed with these opportunities and I’m making relationships with people that I otherwise would have never had the chance.
What was the last song you listened to?
Believe it or not, it was the old hymn Onward Christian Soldiers. There’s a funny little song we’re doing in an upcoming film called “116 MacDougal” that I’m in, and the lyrics are sung to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers. We’re recording it soon, so I’m practicing.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I’m stuck in the world that is between CDs and MP3s. My car still has a 6 CD changer in it, and I keep it full, but I can’t remember the last time I bought a CD. It’s nice to not have to carry around a “Walkman” anymore, so I guess MP3s are just the most practical. I almost hate to say it, but I’m going with MP3s.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I honestly don’t have a ton of experience with any of them, but Spotify is pretty cool. There’s so much music at our fingertips today.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MattWestinMusic/, Instagram @matt_westin, Twitter @Matt_Westin, and you can find me at www.mattwestin.com. My album is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and pretty much all of the major online digital retailers.
Anything else before we sign off?
I just want to say thank you for the interview and thank you to the readers. It really is an honor. Have a happy, healthy, and blessed 2019!
