Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matt Woods. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Matt, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

The simple answer to the question of happiness as an artist is one that I can answer unequivocally. Yes, I am absolutely happier working as an independent artist that I can imagine being under any other circumstance. That is not to say there aren’t times of frustration and doubt along the way.

It’s a weird thing to tether your livelihood to your creative output. In the current climate, that poses new hurdles than I faced when starting to pursue a career in music over twenty-five years ago. For example, there have been shifts in how people connect with and consume music that has lead to a demand for constant digital content and ever-changing social media engagements which has never really been a thing I found rewarding in a creative way. Along with that, there is also the changing landscape of touring as a live performer with smaller independent venues struggling more than ever to compete in a world where, as it seems to me, fewer people are heading out into the real world to find entertainment, whether that is live music, theater, cinema, etc.

So yeah, sometimes the thought of giving in and going for a “straight” job creeps in. Like, maybe it puts less pressure on the music and creative process if I weren’t also turning that thing into a way to keep the bills paid. For me those thoughts most recently happened over the winter while I was unable to perform as I recovered from double carpal and cubital tunnel surgeries. For someone who has made a living for as long as I have by touring, being grounded for four months was a lot to process. That’s not even to mention how the condition was brought on by having played so many shows and driven so many miles for all of these years.

Then came March and my first tour back since the surgeries and everything felt right all over again. There are always a few complications when touring and the first tour back had its own handful of frustrating moments but being back on the road was a great way to reaffirm the course. It didn’t hurt that my first tour back was three weeks across the UK! Back home now, I am gearing up to spend the rest of the spring on tour in the States and as ready as ever.

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 we t from writing songs as a teenager to eventually playing cover gigs in some of the bars while at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville a bunch of years ago. That then led to my forming a rock band to perform those original songs (and a few covers). That first band lasted several years and even started touring around the southeast then ultimately gave way to a new band which expanded the touring radius to most of the eastern US. However, when faced with a revolving door of band members and my desire to spend even more time on the road, that second band dissolved in 2008 and I hit the road as a solo artist with a guitar and a small box of merch in my hatchback.

Those early years were a lot of miles traveling alone but making a lot of friends along the way. After some time, I began to be able to tour with a full band at least part of the year and watched the band touring expanded into Europe in the UK for several years leading up to the covid-19 pandemic, which brought everything to a grinding halt. These days, I and mostly back to touring solo, though the band continues to do targeted short tours every year. Is here there’s a new album on the way so I expect to have the rock and roll show on the road in some capacity this fall.

It has been on a long time since I’ve released a new album and I can’t wait for folks to hear this new one! Sharing songs with folks, whether live or through the recordings, is the absolute most rewarding part of making music for me. I’m incredibly proud of the albums I’ve made and to know that they mean something to somebody out there is the ultimate achievement.

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

The most rewarding part by far is being able to connect with people through the music. To know that a song I wrote means something to someone in an impactful way is something I find hard to describe. Sometimes people share with me what a songs have meant to them and I try to remember when doubt creeps in. Often, that the thing that keeps my train on the tracks.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think it’s important to think on a community level. That applies to everything from supporting local musicians and artists to local farms and community organizations. I think it’s great that we live in an age of global connection but it’s important to remember that everything starts on the ground level. That is the foundation. Go out to your local independent music venues even if you don’t recognize the name on the marquee. You might find yourself surprised to hear your new favorite band. Support your local independent record store and take a chance on that album with the cool cover even if you haven’t heard about it online. While you’re at it, encourage your friends to do the same!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://therealmattwoods.com
• Instagram: @therealmattwoods
• Facebook: @MattWoodsMusic
• Youtube: @therealmattwoods
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FsRnvC6482sxDhq4DYpZi?si=jH4aZVjLQaqhpYhX2m7nbg

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/song/who-are-you-fighting/1820483911

  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0FP27ZFPB

  Bandcamp: https://mattwoods.bandcamp.com

Image Credits

Tod Sheley
Glynn Gwbeard
Cindy Harris