Interview with:Matt Black [mattblackpianoman]
MUSIC
 | What do you do? What is your musical specialty? I'm a piano player first, and a humourist second. I didn't set out to make a living at these things but my life has given me the opportunity to try them and one thing has led to another.
I don't think I specialise in any one genre, as long as an audience finds what I do interesting and maybe inspiring in some way. I suppose I specialise in doing things that are out of the ordinary. |
| Do you work alone or in a group? If in a group, who are the others you work with? Most of my entertainment career has been solo, less egos to clash with! But recently I have been setting up duos with a guitarist, and another pianist, (much handier than me!), it has opened doors and interests that I hadn't regarded before.
The guitarist is actually my eldest son, and he's turning into Brian May/Slash! The other piano man is Steve Christie, known him for years, should have done this Battling pianos thing with him years ago! |
| Is there a web address where one can listen, see, or read some of your work? |
| Please list any awards, competitions, or other acknowledgments you would like to mention. I've always shied away form all that, not enough confidence in my abilities. I've had the idea for some time that if you think you're the best you're doing something wrong. |
| Please list discography in which you have participated. Mostly my own discs, Silver Screen, and Black To Front, and re-creation cd's with a producer named Barry Upton. |
| How did you begin making music? Who introduced you? I did myself at home just after I'd left school, probably to lose my virginity more than anything else! So it was her. |
| What was your musical education? None, I'm afraid. I busk |
| When did you realise that making music could be a way of life for you? The Norfolk Royale, Bornemouth, circa 1990. People started to come back to my spots and bring friends. That's when the wages went up and I quit my [boring] day job. |
| What is your creative process? Varies greatly depending on the end listener. If it's for a commercial enterprise - say and advert, or theme, then I dream about the project till something holds me. If it's for friends/family or of that ilk then I think about them and add that to the way I play/record the music.
There are probably many more processes that I use but don't think of them as processes. |
| When do you have your most lucid moments, in the morning or night? Evening and when I wake up un-expectedly. |
| Have you ever awoken with a melody created from your dreams? yes, and know that I've done it, but then fall asleep again and can't get the feeling back into it. |
| How do you know when a song is finished or needs no more changes? When I cry |
| How did you discover your creative territory? How would you describe it? Again, I don't think that I have one, wherever I lay my Bb! |
| What part of your job is your least favourite? The gear! In the studio sometimes (complicated!), but moreso on the road, Jeez sometimes I wish I'd learnt the flute! (I play the piano) |
| How often do you practice? I should, but I don't. |
| How do you feel right before going out on stage? Meetin some of the audience, then I know they are as human as me. |
| Which musicians or groups have been inspiring to your career? Rick Wakeman! Brilliant! Vangelis - He's a genius. Comedy wise Eddie Izzard is co-King with The Big Yin |
| List three songs that are key to your life. I'll find my way home - John and Vangelis, Uptown uptempo Woman - Randy Edleman, and Duelling Banjos |
| What should be done to stop piracy? Make the medium that you sell it on only able to be phisically made by the pros. Dat was almost there but not ergonomic enough. The problem began when you could buy blank media and recorders to record it on. |
| What type of music do you detest? Press a key and a tune comes out music |
| What time did you get up this morning? 6 am |
| How do you sell yourself? What has been your experience with record companies and representatives? Reverse Psycology - If I'm good enough they'll come to me with a deal, If they don't come to me I'm not good enough. |
| What other things have you done to make a living? Salesman, Scientist, Army |
| Have you ever played on the street or in the subway? How much did you collect each day? Nope, Piano=knackered |
| Who would you play with, without a doubt? Rick Wakeman, if he'd let me |
| What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business? Don't listen to advice, listen to your instinct |
| 
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[mattblackpianoman]
Matt Black
Liss, UK
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