SAD MATT- Musician Interview. | ManualMagazines.com

(Published: 2025/05/08 at 5:32 pm)

Edition Fifteen- Week Fifteen; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What inspires your music journey? Why and how so?

“My musical journey is inspired by the need to express myself and the pain I’ve experienced. I’ve always had this feeling that my pain had a greater purpose than just helping me grow; a feeling that my music might help other people through their struggles as well. Eventually I found the words that would define me and this mission.”

What are your roots and does this have an influence in your music career?

“I am, as a person and a musician, very deeply rooted in punk music. I discovered punk music when I was twelve years old and while music had always been appealing to me, it wasn’t until punk music entered my life that music became an escape. Punk music enabled me to feel a freedom like I’d never known before. The influence that punk music has on my career is mainly felt in my work ethic. When I was younger, I would spend hours watching documentaries on the punk scenes of the past. Watching my heroes sleep on floors and take whatever gigs they could get to push ahead was like a blueprint laid out in front of me. The message was clear: no one’s gonna roll out the red carpet for you, so run like hell.”

If you could play with any two top musicians, who would you choose?

“The Wonder Years, and Reckless Serenade are both bands that were crucial to my development as a musician. It would be a dream to play with them.”

What are some venues you’ve played before? Where are you playing soon?

“I’ve played in venues all across New York state. Places like: Suite208 in Long Island, The Brooklyn Music Kitchen In Brooklyn, The Bundy Museum in Binghamton, Soulshine Market in Pine Bush and the Newburgh Brewing Company in Newburgh. I’m playing at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage Long island on May 18th.”

Can you name some recent achievements or musical advancements?

“I was recently featured on the radio station WFNP The Edge as a part of their artist spotlight. However, the true fruits of my labor are the people I connect with. Every time I make a connection with someone who listens to and enjoys my music, it is a success. It fulfills my drive to create a safe space for myself and others to feel and relate.”

Where can we hear more of you and why should we? What makes you an iconic musician?

“Upon reading this question I realized I do not possess the ego or confidence to answer on my own. So, to help I reached out to my friend Scotti Kernan for her input. Here’s What she said: “To me, Matt is iconic because of his chill attitude, can-do demeanor, and determination to get what he wants, all while belting heart-wrenching melodies. Matt’s ability to capture an emotion in the mood of his compositions and in the word-choice of his lyrics is rarely matched by anyone else I’ve met, and I’m honored to have worked with him and to call him my friend.” You can find my music on all streaming platforms as SAD MATT!”

Anything to add here?

“Well, I’d like to say thank you to Joe Mack for photographing me and Mercedes Barreto for interviewing me. Besides that, I’d also like to thank people who have interacted with my music. Your support means the world and there would be no SAD MATT! Without you.”

Questions for the photographer:

What stood out to you photographing this musician?

“I shoot musicians all the time, usually bands, but when it’s a solo I sometimes cringe a little; they usually just stand there and sing, no animation and no emotion. That was not the case with Matt, from the minute he hit the stage, he was doing poses, making faces, and singing with an intensity you don’t see with solo acts. Loved working with him and his original work was excellent.”

Do you recommend?

“I highly recommend Matt for other venues looking for a solo performer. He could be the headliner or opening act. Either way, the audience and venue owner get more than their money’s worth from Matt.”

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