Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Mems.
Hi Matt, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a 24 years old independent music artist/producer from Orange County, California. I make a blend of Dance, Pop, and Hip-Hop into one. I come from a very musical family (mom was in Opera for a period of time and my dad was a concert violinist). Initially, music was the last thing I thought I would make my main life purpose, however after presenting itself in my life multiple times, I finally developed the courage to drop everything to pursue it. My mother always tells me the story of when I was a young kid, immediately letting go of her hand to sprint to a piano in a store. From that point, at five years old I began piano lessons up until I was around 13. In the middle of a lesson, a teacher had asked me to turn around and look away from the piano as she played notes. I didn’t yet understand why, but as I continued to name notes correctly by only listening, she ended the lesson immediately. She pulled my family aside to inform them that I have the gift of perfect pitch and that I can’t let that go to waste. I always heard around me that becoming a musician was “impossible” or “extremely difficult to become successful.” With that being said, I left piano lessons and pushed away music for a brief amount of time.
From 13 to 19 years old, I tried a range of different life paths from starting a clothing line, to coding, to cinematic editing. I would always tell myself during each try “this is the one I’m going to stick to!” Continuously, I would feel eventually unfulfilled and the only thing I would be left with was the love for music. I knew deep down that while I am not happy with many avenues I attempted, music remained something that never lost its flame within me. Later on, as I sat in a college lecture, I hit my lowest point and couldn’t seem to find my place, purpose or meaning within anything that I was doing. I had been afraid for years to face what I believe I am born to do, and I decided to finally take the leap. I downloaded Logic Pro and with a starter mic/headphones, I started to truly dive in. I made my very first fully-produced collection of songs. While they were not the best of quality from the get-go, I will never forget the happiness, emotions and meaning I felt. I’d listen to my songs in the car, take notes on what I need to change, and then come back to the studio to work.
Fast forward four years later to today, with lessons learned and many more to come, I have absolutely no regrets that I faced my fears and took the risk to pursue music. I recently just hit a million total streams on Spotify alone, and although I have plenty of work to do to continue to progress/get to the next level as a small artist, I battled my self-doubt to realize that it’s possible to do what you love and improve every single day. It continues to blow my mind that you can make a song from your bedroom/home studio/anywhere, release it on the internet and have it connect with people. The music I released has led me to some wonderful friends from different places in the world, and I would have never formed those incredible relationships had I not taken this route. I have a great feeling this next year in terms of growth, and grateful to do this every single day is an understatement.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It sure has not been a smooth road. Being a small independent artist truly presents its inevitable struggles. I would always hear things like “you need thick skin to be in the music game,” “people are going to think you are crazy,” and that a huge amount of patience is required. These pieces of advice that I received from watching artists that I look up to couldn’t be more accurate. Releasing music my first year and a half, I experienced the first major challenge, which was remaining optimistic while no one was initially listening, or believing in the vision. When an artist doesn’t yet have any traction, it is very difficult to get people to give your work a chance. A big thing I’ve learned is that the music game requires putting in endless hours on songs that will most likely be immediately rewarded with love from listeners. I remember it being crickets the whole time, and I had to continuously remind myself to stay tough. I would combat the negative thoughts by saying “This is what you signed up for, and it this is the first test. Stay the course and what’s worth it will not come easy.”
Additionally, a tough battle was receiving doubt from loved-ones and some people who were very close to me. I’ve been blessed to have parents who support me fully even when no one did. However, it was definitely an obstacle to learn to maintain tunnel vision while being told by some people “you’re chasing something impossible” or for me to “get a real job.” A creative career has no handbook, and people achieve success through all kinds of ways. Having matured a lot since then, I understand the doubt from people at first. However, I knew that to grow and eventually flourish, I had to believe in myself more than ever. Just because they couldn’t see it, that didn’t mean that I couldn’t do it and gradually get results. Making music is a massive mental battle with yourself oftentimes. It may feel like it’s 99% darkness, 1% light, but when you make something that is truly special, all the struggle is more than worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make a DancePop/Hip-Hop blend of music. I produce, record, write and engineer my own songs from my home studio. I am most known for releasing music independently. I am looking to produce for other artists (independent and major label) this year as well. I’m most proud of releasing a few of my more successful songs that we’re able to connect me with people across the world/make friends. What sets me apart from others is that I’m unapologetically myself while maintaining positivity. I’m willing to really put in the work that is required for me to get where I need to be!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and put yourself out there! Writing a genuine message to someone on social media (IG, Twitter, etc.) can lead you to places you never thought you could be in. What’s worked well for me is reaching out to artists/creatives that I look up to and just genuinely showing them love. It’s created most importantly some wonderful friendships, and I have learned so much from other talented people in their element.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmattmems
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr5d5owzTHmBEIjx6NqXODg
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/itsmattmems
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2omD1KpGe8jnFaXqHoE5MO?si=UvsYcoU7Rk2IqttatJt6LQ
Image Credits:
Devin deFluiter
What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
