Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Thelen.
Hi Matt, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in San Diego, CA. Started playing music by ear at 3 years old (piano), picked up the Sax in 4th grade. Immediately took to it and never stopped practicing melodic exercises and classical techniques. When in high school, I competed at the all-state level and played in my local college bands to increase my skills – I was also the Drum Major of the marching band!
When it came time to choose a college to further my musical studies, my mentors unanimously suggested the world-renowned jazz studies program at the University of North Texas. They said I had already exceeded the college level classically and that studying jazz was the next step in a well-rounded music education. I attended UNT’s Jazz summer camp and never felt so poorly about my skills as a saxophonist – that’s how I knew I had to go there – I knew that being the small fish for once would create the optimal conditions for growth and improvement. Having little-to-no jazz experience, I opted for a classical audition to maximize my chances of getting into the school. Once accepted, I met with guidance counselors to pick a major field of study and to create my 4-year plan. I immediately asked to be switched to a jazz studies major – essentially sneaking into the country’s oldest and most competitive jazz program with no audition. Boy was I in for it! The band auditions were the hardest thing I’ve ever done! Without any preparation, we were required to sight-read the most technically difficult music at extremely fast tempos. For the first time ever, I didn’t make the lead spot – no – I didn’t even make a single jazz band – and there were 9 – with 5 spots in each!!! It took me 4 semesters to even make a band! Music School was a harsh reality check but a necessary one. I refused to quit even though I constantly wanted to.
While in school, I did whatever kind of musical job I could find – teaching private lessons, studio recording sessions, even playing on cruise ships, but most of my income came from playing in wedding bands. This provided me the opportunity to pay bills and hone my craft. At night, I would go out and play jam sessions with the musicians I aspired to work with, which led to opportunities to play with local celebrity bands like Erykah Badu’s band. This is where I found my true style and voice on the Saxophone – applying the jazz styles I learned from college to modern pop genres.
After graduating, I moved to Dallas to be closer to the action. I continued playing in wedding bands, eventually earning a spot in the top band in town – both musically and financially! We stayed busy playing 6-7 figure weddings all over the country and never had a weekend off. After 4 years, that band was bought and restructured in such a way that forced everyone (including myself) to leave – the music went down the toilet and our pay was cut by 90%… yes, 90%! After 15 years playing weddings, the last 4 with the best band to do it with, I knew I my future with wedding bands was over. I couldn’t move backwards – I had to figure something else out.
I reached out to my network of wedding professionals and sought out a niche service I might be able to provide with my unique skillsets and connections – one where I could still perform but also connect clients with other musicians as well. It was then that I started my first business – Ceremony Music Pros – providing the entertainment and sound equipment for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours, a perfect compliment the DJ/Band busy focusing on the reception. The process of starting my own business was incredibly challenging and required all of my focus, time, and resources. I was not only a performer, but now I had to become a salesman, marketer, graphic designer, social media manager, and networking fanatic.
Whilst the business got off the ground, I still needed capital for both my living expenses and start-up costs. Luckily, word had reached the wedding DJs in town that I was available and particularly experienced performing on crowded wedding dance floors. After months of playing with wedding DJs, the club DJs caught wind of this high-energy opportunity and started calling as well. My calendar was mostly filled with dates playing with DJs with the occasional wedding ceremony or cocktail hour. It wasn’t long before I had clients asking if I DJ’d as well, but after the 10th time of saying no I knew that had to change. The market is never wrong, and if it wants something you don’t provide MORE than something you do provide – you adjust!
After a year of market study, gigs playing with DJs, and learning how to (and how not to) start a business, in August of 2022, I started my own entertainment company – Matt Thelen Entertainment – providing DJ and Saxophone services for Weddings, Private Parties, and Corporate Events. Performances combine the flexibility that a DJ affords with an interactive, high-energy, live musical element. 2023 is looking extremely promising and I’m excited to share this new service with clients worldwide!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a roller coaster for sure! The highs have been amazing and the lows intolerable, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Failure is our greatest teacher and I’ve made it a habit to fail forward so that growth is inevitable.
As you know, we’re big fans of Matt Thelen Entertainment. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Matt Thelen Entertainment was created to fill the gap between the Live Band experience and the DJ experience. When clients want a high-energy, interactive, and visually captivating show – more often than not they choose a band. It’s impossible to deny the excitement that a live band brings to any event, but sometime the costs are just out of the budget. It’s also hard for bands to keep up with trending songs and impromptu song requests – that’s where DJs have an edge! They are cost-efficient and super flexible with song selection.
But what if you want the best of both worlds?
With over 25 years experience playing saxophone, 15 years experience playing weddings and private events, and 5 years specializing in DJ entertainment, there is nobody more suited to answer that call. With package offerings ranging from saxophone add-ons (for clients who want to add a live performance to their event or who already have a DJ) to white glove event entertainment planning (for clients wanting full-day coverage, multiple musicians/performers, sound systems, and room lighting), Matt Thelen Entertainment is a one-stop enhancement provider for any party or event!
Known for scrupulous attention to detail and creating high-impact “WOW” moments, Matt Thelen Entertainment pushes boundaries and is setting the bar for what is possible within the live event space.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Besides my family and pups at home, I love time spent in nature hiking, snowboarding, or mountain biking. I’m definitely an adrenaline junkie, but I’m equally happy practicing yoga, meditating, reading philosophy, or listening to great records!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mattthelen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattthelenentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattthelenentertainment
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattthelenentertainment
Image Credits
Britney Tarno
Gary Donihoo
Brittany Bay
