We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Marino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.

Matthew , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I think as a creative you have to take risks constantly, not only within your work creatively but also outside of work. I’ve always shot my shot and went for whatever because the worst thing you’ll get is a “no”.

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 got a guitar in the 4th grade for Christmas after seeing Blink182 + Green Day music videos on MTV. I played in bands until I was 18 or 19 and then got sick of having to rely on so many other people just to make music and by that time I was super inspired by like 2010s blog era rap and stuff so I started releasing music and playing shows as rapper in South FL which led me out to LA to do sessions which is where I discovered the co writing scene and learned I could just write songs for other people and I fell in love with that and decided that was what I wanted to do. I was never into touring or video/photoshoots I just always loved making music and writing and being in the studio. Fast forward to 2021 and I signed my first publishing deal and get to write music full time as a job.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’m mostly a lyric guy and I think trying to put complex emotions into simple words that everyone can understand and relate to is always the goal and what I continue to search for through my creative journey.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I went to rehab last year (2022). That was the biggest life pivot I’ve ever made. I spent most of my 20s relying on different substances to keep me going and eventually I just got so physically and spiritually sick I had to go to treatment. I’m a year and a half sober now and everything about my life and work has done a full 180 and I’m just super grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.lavarecords.com/publishings/marino/
• Instagram: instagram.com/marinoisdead
• Twitter: twitter.com/marinoisdead
• Other: Link to songs I’ve co-written https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7bYwcZUNTqIFhQvsxkyIAU?si=b23e71e8a3a84a52

Image Credits
Maysa Askar