We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matt Rouch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a self-taught vocalist and guitarist. I think what helped me speed up my learning process was constantly playing with people who were much better than me. I think that goes for a lot of skills regardless of the industry. I think if you’re the smartest/most capable person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. You should always be learning and striving to be better, the best way to do that is surround yourself with more talented people. This was easier in my youth. As I’ve gotten older it’s become tougher to surround myself with those people because they are mostly married and have families.

Matt, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started playing guitar around the age of 10 and singing around the age of 22. Cincinnati is the fourth city I’ve started a band in and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. I used to live in Denver, I moved there not knowing a soul, started playing open mics and meeting musicians, then started a band. I’m most proud of the fact that we were voted Best Country Band in Denver by 303 Magazine, as well as some personal songwriting awards. Whichever band I’m leading, I aim to provide the highest quality music. As people in the industry start to recognize me, they know my brand is synonymous with quality.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Pay your artists, whether you’re a bar, restaurant or venue. The time it takes to acquire performing skills is massive. Artists as a whole are massively underpaid. Venues should also feel free to turn musicians away and establish their venue as a venue of quality.

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

To always get better and never to be satisfied. Sure you can stop and smell the roses from time to time, but every accomplishment should fuel another goal. It’s important to realize the journey is endless, there is no finite point you reach and say that’s the top. So my best advice is to fall in love with the journey and the process, and not focus so much on the result.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mattrouchandthenoiseupstairs.com
• Instagram: mattrouchandthenoiseupstairs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553412144917
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattrouchmusic