Interview with:Mat D [parlorwash]
MUSIC
 | What do you do? What is your musical specialty? I am a singer/songwriter and performing musician. I write, record and perform all original music. |
| Do you work alone or in a group? If in a group, who are the others you work with? Both. I perform and write solo. I also collaborate with three musicians and have collaborated with them since 2006. |
| Is there a web address where one can listen, see, or read some of your work? www.MatdandtheProfaneSaints.com |
| Please list any awards, competitions, or other acknowledgments you would like to mention. Winner 2007 Campground Contest Sioux River Folk Festival
Folk Rising's album of the Year 2007 "Gasoline Rattle"
Folk Rising's album of the Year 2008 "Merciful 66"
Twangnation.com's Top Albums of 2010 "Plank Road Drag" |
| Please list discography in which you have participated. Mat D and the Profane Saints - Mermaid EP 2006
Mat D and the Profane Saints - Small Town Burning 2006
Mat D and the Profane Saints - Brand New Faith EP 2007
Mat D - Gasoline Rattle 2007
Mat D - Merciful 66 2008
Mat D and the Profane Saints - B Movie Queen EP 2009
Mat D and the Profane Saints - Dirt Town City Limits 2009
Mat D - Plank Road Drag 2010
Mat D - Roadhouse Shrine (to be released Summer 2012)
Mat D and the Profane Saints - Holyoke (to be released winter 2012) |
| How did you begin making music? Who introduced you? I began making music in highschool playing bass guitar in obscure garage bands. I then began playing guitar in 2002 and was writing my own music in 2003. A performance by Bob Dylan in 2001 inspired me to become involved in original music. |
| What was your musical education? I am self taught. |
| When did you realise that making music could be a way of life for you? After writing, recording and performing- I feel that I enrich my life and the lives of others when a song touches them or inspires them as a person. I feel it has put me in touch with my own humanity. |
| What is your creative process? I write, in my own head most times during the day. I then put my lyrics to paper and work out all of my songs on acoustic guitar. I then detirmine whetehr or not they are better suited for a solo or band performance. I then make raw recordings of the songs and share them with my band members. We develop them in rehearsals weekly and record them for release. |
| When do you have your most lucid moments, in the morning or night? I am more often inspired whenever I am alone and uninterrupted. Day or Night. |
| Have you ever awoken with a melody created from your dreams? Yes. I have written many songs based on what I hear or rather have experieinced in my dreams. |
| How do you know when a song is finished or needs no more changes? No- my songs are always subject to re-construction and new arrangements. I feel that to progress as a musician and writer you must be open to change. |
| How did you discover your creative territory? How would you describe it? I try to write within the confines of Americana and modern American Roots music. A blend of Country, blues, folk and rock music. |
| What part of your job is your least favourite? I enjoy all aspects of music, however I will say it's very time consuming and takes away from personal time with my family. |
| How often do you practice? Together as a group we practice at least once per week for three hours. On my own I would say a minimum of 30 minutes per day. |
| How do you feel right before going out on stage? Energetic, focused and driven. I feel at my best. |
| Which musicians or groups have been inspiring to your career? Bob Dylan, Iowa songwriter Dave Moore, John Prine, John Hiatt and Johnny Cash. |
| List three songs that are key to your life. God Moved on the Water - Dave Moore
Spanish Pipedream - John Prine
Lift up Every Stone - John Hiatt |
| What should be done to stop piracy? Artists deserve to be paid for their works, however there needs to be a spirit of sharing I believe in music. It is it's own language and is truely owned in the human heart. If you love someone's music- by all means purchase it and help support the musicians you enjoy. As far as any campaign to stop piracy- It's not a huge issue to me currently. |
| What type of music do you detest? None. I don't care for some forms of it, however it's entirely up to the individual, their culture and personal preference. I do not enjoy classical, rap or jam bands...but thats just my opinion. |
| What time did you get up this morning? Too damned early! |
| How do you sell yourself? What has been your experience with record companies and representatives? I sell my own music. Record companies are no longer part of the big picture. You don't need them- however distribution is important. So I invest in myself to distribute my music as far as I can- even to outlets that do not grant me a huge financial reward. I also have been talking to private investors about tour support. Regionally I've come as far as I can on my own. |
| What other things have you done to make a living? I work a full time Day job in advertising. Pays the mortgage, bills and keeps us fed! |
| Have you ever played on the street or in the subway? How much did you collect each day? I have busked before...I did quite well the few times I have. Largest tip I've ever received was $20 on the street. |
| Who would you play with, without a doubt? Anyone who does what they do honestly and does it well. I opened for John Hiatt- one of my heroes, so I've scratched that off the bucket list! |
| What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business? Be honest, forthright and develop your skills. Practice, rehearse and refine your craft. Also- get some thick skin and be able to accept criticism. Not everyone will like you. Accept it. |
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188 visits Whohub
Mat D
Sioux Falls South Dakota USA
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99700 interviews created
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