Interview: Matt White

Take one listen to the music of Matt White and you’re hooked. His songs are relatable – you’ll think of the one who got your heart, the pains and pleasures of growing up and the remarkable journey in discovering just who the heck you are. Drawing inspiration from Elton John, Jeff Buckley, and Coldplay, (he’s like Maroon 5 in one person), Matt White’s self-titled debut marks the arrival of a gifted songwriter who draws from his own experience. Matt delivers a song with a smooth voice that will immediately put the listener at ease.

His first single, ‘Best Days,’ is “about a girl, whom I cannot name, who challenged me to go camping” “I’m the guy who’d rather sleep in a hotel and watch Spectra Vision,” Matt admits. “So we went but she never called me after that. Maybe my second album will be about abandonment.”

Matt’s a doer. He’s played over 100 shows this year alone and hosts weekly online chats. Chances are you’ve already heard his songs on Laguna Beach, One Tree Hill, What About Brian, The Hills, Men in Trees and in the 2005 movie, She’s The Man. His first single “Best Days” will also be featured on the Shrek the Third soundtrack. Matt’s “best days” are ahead and chances are once you listen, you will agree.

Tell us a little about your new album. How would you describe it?

My album is about being young and enjoying life. The songs are kind of themes that I think every young person goes through at some point.

Were there any specific artists or bands that had an influence on the music you wrote for this album?

Yeah, people like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

What is the song writing process like for you?

Sometimes a tune will just pop into my head and a theme will make sense to me and then I start to play it on my guitar or piano and then write it down on paper.

In your opinion, what makes a good song?

A good song is when a lyric and melody becomes personal to the listener.

How did you get noticed by Geffen Records?

I was playing around NYC and my demos got into the hands of an intern at Geffen who played it for an A&R guy and before I knew it I was on a plane to LA and they signed me on the spot. It was very surreal and I was very, very lucky.

You attended college at the University of Wisconsin. What were you studying to be, and what made you decide to pursue your music career?

I though I would maybe be a teacher, but I was always a musician and the songs just started coming out of me, so I had no choice but to pursue a career in music.

What kind of activities do you like to spend your free time doing?

Playing video games, talking to fans on MySpace, writing songs, hanging with friend and family.

What has been your favorite venue that you’ve performed in thus far?

Mercury Lounge in NYC.

You’ve had your music featured on the Shrek 3 soundtrack as well as on shows like One Tree Hill. Have you heard your music on these, and what does it feel like hearing your music used in conjunction with these shows and movies?

It is always surreal and unbelievable hearing my music on TV and in movies. I don’t think I will ever get used to it. Sometimes, I don’t even know that it’s going to be in a movie or TV show and I’m watching and I’m like “Wait! I think that was me.”

What has surprised you most about the music industry?

No surprises really. I’m thankful for how much I’ve learned over the years to prepare me for the business.

What advice would you offer to someone who wanted to make in the music business?

Keep on playing and creating no matter what happens. Everyone’s road is different and difficult, but at the end of the day it’s all about the music.

What’s next on the schedule for you? Can we expect a fall or spring tour here in the US to cover more cities?

Everywhere, I hope. Touring is my favorite part of the whole business.

Interview By: Emma Loggins

Matt White Official Site
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