Indie/alt-rock band, Wild Domestic is the brainchild of Matt Carlson. Born in Paraguay, Carlson moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when he was six months old, and it is where he resides to this day. According to Carlson, he knew from a young age that music was his true calling, and according to his family, he has been singing since before he could talk. As a teenager, Carlson began playing an assortment of instruments including guitar, bass, drums and keys, most of which were self-taught. Completely immersed in the arts as a teen, Carlson was involved as an actor in a number of plays and commercials. While attending college, Carlson simultaneously continued his music career. Following stints in several different Charlotte area bands, he made the decision to pursue a solo career and took on the moniker Wild Domestic.
After spending the last few years writing and performing both locally and nationally, Carlson released his self-titled debut EP, WILD DOMESTIC in 2015. The follow up EP, SINGULAR is slated to be released in early 2017.
In this interview spotlight, we speak with Matt about influences, the newest project, the digitized music business and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Author can be found below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into Wild Domestic, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre and style?
I got really into the alt rock style when I was younger. There was something about the brutally honest lyrics that are associated with it that really spoke to me. I discovered that I could essentially come clean in music, to talk about struggles, things I’ve achieved, how I see the world. I realized that I am drawn to pairing those ideas in my lyrics with contrasting music – like a dark with light or soft with harsh contrast in music and lyrics. I was influenced by music I listened to when I was a kid and over time this attraction to alt music became my sound. It was a like a gradual awakening for me.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
In high school, I started playing with a couple of bands in my hometown of Charlotte. I also started posting some covers and a few originals I recorded in my bedroom. I played with a couple of other bands for short times after high school and then about 2 years ago decided to focus on my own sound.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
My idea that many people seek an escape from their lives through music keeps me going. Music, for me, is the center of my life. Music is in me and while I in some ways can’t get away from it, when I listen to other’s music, it is an escape for me. I like to think that I help people get outside themselves for a little while, and come together sharing a common sound and message.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new single, “Author”? Creatively or otherwise? Is there a story behind it?
“Author” is part of a first attempt at a concept EP without really calling it a concept EP. There is no specific story behind it, but it expresses a sense confusion following a break up – a little paranoia, blame, and responsibility.
What was the last song you listened to?
I think the last song I listened to was Julien Baker’s, “Good News.” I discovered her recently and saw her in a show with Kevin Devine. She has become one of my favorite artists.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl is really cool, and produces a pure sound, but CDs are what I grew up on so appeal to me. Of course, I like the convenience of mp3 now. So I guess the better answer is when I am at home and relaxing, vinyl, when I am in my car, CD, and when I’m on foot, mp3. Another great part of CDs or vinyl is the art, which is very important to me.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I honestly have not gotten on the stream train as much as lots of people. I enjoy Bandcamp, Soundcloud and still search Youtube. I spend a LOT of time searching favorite bands and discovering new ones.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The biggest challenge for me is doing something to catch the listener’s attention, yet stay true to my message and sound. In the digital world, anybody can be a musician so it’s tougher to break through the noise to get my sound out to people who connect with it. In the area I live in, small venues that cater to new musicians are closing down because people are not highly motivated to get out and listen to live new music so I am more challenged to build an online fanbase.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I have performed at some small local venues over the past year. Like I said earlier, Charlotte currently has limited venues for local musicians but I am hitting the ground running with shows at home and outside of Charlotte. I have a couple of gigs booked this fall with the release of “Author” and will booking as many as possible in 2017 for “Author” followed by my new EP, SINGULAR. I am currently working on a charity live stream and will be promoting that date very soon. My ultimate goal is to jump on a tour.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
“Author” will be available 11/11 at CD Baby and linked to all the popular streaming sites. Also, check out my website a www.wilddomesticmusic.com,
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/wilddomesticofficial
and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wilddomesticofficial
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Thanks for this opportunity to share about my music! My shout out goes to LaFamos, Mike Pepe my producer, and the friends and family who believe in my music. Words of wisdom? I don’t know about wisdom but I know I can’t stop making music.
