Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Young.
Matt, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m really grateful to have been born into a musical family. My mom’s an awesome pianist and vocalist who instilled in my two sisters and me a love for the arts and a passion to create things. After some distracted piano lessons as a young one, I was pulled magnetically to the drums and percussion.
My family has lived all around the country, moving a lot for my dad’s work. Since I was born, we’ve done stints in Dallas, the Bay Area, Chicago, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Atlanta… Traveling often as a kid was a lesson on the topic of people. Namely, one realizes what we want most as people is simply to connect with one another. Music is my way of story-telling and in a large way, my strongest connection with people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been bumps in the road ranging from the mundane to crisis’… cancelled flights, missed performances because of said cancelled flights, the existential responsibility to create more than I consume, self-doubt, letting go of that self-doubt, a mentor/bandleader being sick, them getting better, delayed flights, getting news you didn’t get “the gig”, getting news your mentor/bandleader passed away… I could go on.
Thankfully, the music community at large is a strong and supportive one. Reach out to people; they’ll help. And keep pushing.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a drummer, composer, and educator based in Denton, TX. My business as a musician is basically the fulfillment of services such as touring, performing, recording, producing, mixing, teaching, etc.
As a freelance performer, I play drum set for bands/ensembles, recording sessions, and events. I also compose for my band AMP Trio and my own music.
I maintain a small studio of private students over Skype that is based on the coasts, east, and west. I also perform clinics and masterclasses for musicians about drumming, improvisation, and improvisational music.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom, Carolyn, and my dad, Bruce, for being supportive and there for me and our family from day one. My girlfriend Brianna, who’s simply the best. Bob Belden for the opportunities he gave me as an 18-year old to tour the world and find my own way.
Ed Soph, Justin Varnes, Paula Williams, and Doug Bratt for showing me how to hit things and make a musical noise. Big thanks to Vic Firth Drumsticks and Canopus Drums as well for their support!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mattyoungmusic.com
- Email: mattyoungsounds@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on.the.one/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattyoungmusic1/
- Other: https://mattyoungmusic.bandcamp.com
Image Credit:
Hamid Forootan
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