Music Q&A with MattstaGraham
Photo by Yeshua Flores
Last month, alternative/emo rocker, MattstaGraham, released his album, Prescribe Whatever via I Surrender Records! In this Q&A, songwriter, Matt Graham, took some time to talk about the album, the best piece of advice given to him by a musician, and more! You can stream/buy Prescribe Whatever HERE.
Congratulations on the release of Prescribe Whatever! What does the album mean to you?
Hey, thank you! It feels like a huge victory in my music career. Releasing a record on a label was one of my bucket list goals, and no matter what happens I will always be satisfied knowing that I accomplished something that at one point in my life, I didn't think was in the cards for me.
What’s your favorite song off the album?
Oh man, it's like having to pick a favorite child. It changes pretty frequently, but this week I think it's “Swindle”.
How did Covid affect the making and creative process of Prescribe Whatever?
I would say that Covid actually gave me the opportunity to slow down and find my voice with this record. Not to make light of a worldwide tragedy, but having the time away from touring really gave me the opportunity to ask myself what I want to accomplish musically, as well as what I want to say as an artist. The process will always be evolving, but lockdown allowed me to take a look at myself as an artist in this moment and create probably the most honest and vulnerable collection of songs I've ever written.
You collaborated with Pollyanna and Skatune Network on a couple of songs on the album. Had they not been a part of the process, how different would the songs they took part in be? How much did their input change the direction of the songs?
The parts I had them both play were basically already written, with a couple of stylistic choices on their ends. I knew what I wanted for those songs, but having Jill and Jer perform those parts specifically just gave them some life that I would not have been able to give on my own.
What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
GIVE UP. Haha, just kidding. I think the best advice I ever got was to define what success means to you, which is great advice for anyone in any career. Setting goals for yourself not only creates milestones of progress, but the satisfaction or reward of reaching those goals can not be described. Before I started setting goals, I had no definition of success and I just always felt like a failure. It was only years later when I realized that I had actually done so many things I should be proud of already, and I never truly appreciated my journey until I started keeping track of it. Everyone needs to set personal and professional goals, the perspective you gain is life changing.
We all have our days where it may not be going as well as we’d like. People deal with their worst days in different ways. What helps you get through the bad days? How do you stay positive?
I allow myself days, maybe 2-4 a month, to just stay indoors and process what I'm feeling. Rest is SO important, especially in a society that pressures you to push past your limits and handle your business. While it's not always possible to make time in the moment when you're feeling overwhelmed, it is so important to listen to your mind and body when you're not feeling your best and plan to give yourself time. We can't ignore that we have positive and negative emotions, but we can prioritize self care as much as possible!
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
I hope you enjoy my new record Prescribe Whatever, take care of yourselves, don't take life too seriously because we're not gonna make it out alive anyway, and thanks for your time!