We were lucky to catch up with Matt Kolonis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2020, I embarked on my journey as a music producer. Although I had been a music artist for several years prior, this venture presented a new challenge. It offered me not only creative freedom as an artist but also the opportunity to operate as a businessperson. I gained full control over every aspect of my work, from the lyrics and sound to the engineering and cover art.

This humbling beginning taught me that, regardless of the outcome, the process brought me joy. However, the learning curve was frustrating; I watched countless hours of tutorials only to make minimal progress in what felt like a marathon. Nevertheless, I persevered, and that determination became my most significant lesson.

Hours turned into days, days into weeks, and weeks into months. Initially, I spent two weeks creating a subpar beat, but fast forward four years, and I can now produce a beat in under 30 minutes. Taking this risk unlocked countless possibilities for me, pushing me to understand not only my craft better but also the history of music production and sampling. It deepened my connection to this art form that I truly love.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born and raised in Memphis, and this city has always been the backdrop of my life, shaping who I am. From a young age, music was my world. I still remember those Saturday mornings with a bowl of cereal, getting lost in back-to-back music videos on MTV. When I was with my grandparents, we’d dive into the sounds of the 1920s to the 1950s, and I cherished every moment of it.

By the time I reached middle school, I had a dream—to rap. Watching Mac Miller’s music videos lit a fire in me, convincing me that maybe, just maybe, I could be like that. I began scribbling down lyrics, filling up page after page, and eventually, entire notebooks. I’d spend countless hours on YouTube, immersing myself in the music of 50 Cent, Logic, Nas, Biggie Smalls, Wu-Tang, and so many others. Music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a connection, a lifeline. It told stories, and I knew I wanted to tell mine through it.

High school was a journey of self-discovery, not just in finding my voice as an artist but in understanding who I was as a person. After graduation, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to attend acting school. I was determined to chase my dreams of being both an actor and a music artist. It was in LA that I met a friend who inspired me to create something that truly resonated with who I was—my brand, “Feel The Vibes.” It became more than just a phrase; it was a reminder to stay present, to be mindful of the energy I brought into each day. It became a part of who I am and guided me in shaping my brand.

In 2019, life brought me back to Memphis. I returned to help my family with our bakery, Milk Dessert Bar. It was a huge challenge—I had never worked in a kitchen or baked a day in my life—but I embraced it. Returning home, starting over, and facing these new challenges made me reflect deeply on what I truly wanted out of life. Music was still in my heart, but I craved more control over my creative journey. That’s when I decided to start producing my own music and launch my clothing line, “FEEL THE VIBES Kolonis.”

I dedicated myself to the grind, putting in the 10,000 hours, honing my craft, and exploring who I was as an artist. Today, I’ve had the privilege of performing at countless open mics around Memphis, collaborating with amazing local artists, and contributing to a vibrant, growing community. I’m proud to say I’ve found my voice, and along the way, I’ve built friendships that have enriched my life in ways I never imagined.

My mission goes beyond music and fashion—it’s about spreading positivity and uplifting those around me. My art is a reflection of that mission, aimed at promoting mental well-being, inclusivity, and personal growth. Through my work, I hope to inspire others, bring a little more joy into the world, and help cultivate a community where we can all thrive together.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative could be the way it helps with mental health and personal growth. Art becomes a powerful outlet for processing emotions, confronting fears, and finding healing. Whether it’s through music production, fashion design, or content creation, the act of creating offers a space to express thoughts and feelings that might be difficult to communicate otherwise. It’s not just about sharing art with the world; it’s about finding peace and clarity within oneself.

The creative process allows for self-reflection and can serve as a form of therapy, helping to manage stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Seeing how the work resonates with others who might be going through similar struggles adds another layer of fulfillment. In that sense, art becomes a bridge—not only to connect with others, but also to nurture one’s own mental well-being, transforming struggles into something beautiful and meaningful.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I believe my creative journey is deeply driven by a mission to use art as a way to support mental health. The goal is not only to express emotions and find personal healing through creative outlets like music and fashion but also to help others connect with and process their own struggles. By sharing this art, Kolonis aims to create a space where people can find solace, feel understood, and perhaps even heal themselves through the power of creativity. It’s a mission rooted in turning personal growth into something that can inspire and uplift others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ftvkolonis.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kolonis_ftv?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfEhM2uJHqhGAp0rhzv8h-g
• Soundcloud: https://tr.ee/JQQZY2_paP
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@kolonisftv

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kolonis/1514042440

  https://open.spotify.com/artist/5orI3xOVadCmI8AofW6E5M?si=srKVOIWHQa-9nipNHLmX5Q