In the last three years, I have worked harder than ever. The quality of my creative work has blossomed. My abilities have sharpened. Still, I continue to slide backward.
Hey Matty. I wrestle with a lot of similar issues. Something that helps me at times is the recognition that the work that I do in a small way brings people joy.
That applies to you too. The projects that you’re involved with make people happy. You make the world a better place. Take pride in that and don’t forget it.
That's a rough run, Matty. Which makes it even more incredible that you managed to put such an amazing and varied body of work out into the world at the same time. I wish I had a magic wand I could wave on your behalf, but I don't. The only thing I will share is that, in my experience, life is just a series of pivots—so do whatever you have to do to feel safe, happy, and fulfilled. That seems to be the whole game, as far as I can tell. Much love.
I am so sorry to hear all of this. I can also empathize with you on a large chunk of this, and understand why you are so discouraged. Sending you the best wishes for your tour this year!!
I do not. I just booked a house concert in Peoria for Sept. 25. Still working on routing, but that might be as close to you as I get. The only Iowa show is in De Moines.
Hey Matty, I have a weird question - would you consider transcribing the podcasts? Or doing video? I have never been much of an audio only podcast person. I enjoy reading interviews and I do watch video discussions here or on YouTube. I offer this simply to say that for me, the format is tough to engage with, even though I always love them when I do listen. I always read your posts. I want to engage with the pod more, but it's a tough format for me. I also have no clue what's involved with this suggestion.
Hey Tamara. I have thought of publishing video, but it is a lot of extra work, and I wonder how much difference it would really make. That said, I think it's fairly easy to upload to YT with a static image. I could look into that as a different delivery method.
Transcription is also a good idea. I can investigate that as well. Thanks so much for your support. Hope to see you when I am in Baltimore this August.
That is a lot for any one to endure, Matt. Whatever you need to do to survive, do, but carve out space for this and keep tending it. You never know what might happen. Wishing you better days and much success
Hi Matt, damn you hit a nerve with me. I keep coming back to this and I'm landing on a couple words that, to tell you the truth, echo from my late father's lips: hard work. A hard-working man. And a phrase my father always used when he thought I was "soft": "If you do the hard work first, it'll put bark on ya!" I just have to say there's a difference between "hard" work (that is, unpleasant, painful to do, yucky, etc.) and "challenging" work. You've done some impressive challenging things over those three years and, man alive, IT SHOWS. Not how "hard" it was but how you rose to the challenge of doing them.
I want you to think about this, for what it's worth: Celebrate what you've done, then as you're relaxing and celebrating, or doing something random stuff like cooking, cleaning, or working in the garage, be ready for new challenges to pop into your heart, mind, and soul and greet them with the same energy you bring to the music you love to make. That's a life well lived, I think.
Sorry this is a lot, but it's a reminder I need for myself too, so you're not alone, pal. Best, Mike
Thanks for this Mike. It means a lot that you see the work and the challenges. I know you have had more than your fair share of challenges as well. I do believe you're right that a life well lived is to invest fully in the messy business of living and to find the joy wherever possible.
Hey Matty. I wrestle with a lot of similar issues. Something that helps me at times is the recognition that the work that I do in a small way brings people joy.
That applies to you too. The projects that you’re involved with make people happy. You make the world a better place. Take pride in that and don’t forget it.
Thanks very much, Alan. That means a lot. I really appreciate your support and kind words.
^This^
That's a rough run, Matty. Which makes it even more incredible that you managed to put such an amazing and varied body of work out into the world at the same time. I wish I had a magic wand I could wave on your behalf, but I don't. The only thing I will share is that, in my experience, life is just a series of pivots—so do whatever you have to do to feel safe, happy, and fulfilled. That seems to be the whole game, as far as I can tell. Much love.
Hey Steve. Thanks for being here, my dude. I sure appreciate your support.
I am so sorry to hear all of this. I can also empathize with you on a large chunk of this, and understand why you are so discouraged. Sending you the best wishes for your tour this year!!
Thanks so much, Kristin. Hope you are well, my friend. Hope we can connect when I am in Iowa this fall.
Darn! I may have to come to Des Moines (visit my oldest at Iowa State)
That would be terrific.
I hope so too!! I saw Davenport on your list a while ago for this fall! Do you have something set?
I do not. I just booked a house concert in Peoria for Sept. 25. Still working on routing, but that might be as close to you as I get. The only Iowa show is in De Moines.
Hey Matty, I have a weird question - would you consider transcribing the podcasts? Or doing video? I have never been much of an audio only podcast person. I enjoy reading interviews and I do watch video discussions here or on YouTube. I offer this simply to say that for me, the format is tough to engage with, even though I always love them when I do listen. I always read your posts. I want to engage with the pod more, but it's a tough format for me. I also have no clue what's involved with this suggestion.
Hey Tamara. I have thought of publishing video, but it is a lot of extra work, and I wonder how much difference it would really make. That said, I think it's fairly easy to upload to YT with a static image. I could look into that as a different delivery method.
Transcription is also a good idea. I can investigate that as well. Thanks so much for your support. Hope to see you when I am in Baltimore this August.
I have the show on my calendar. Looking forward to it.
Yay! Looking forward to meeting you in person.
That is a lot for any one to endure, Matt. Whatever you need to do to survive, do, but carve out space for this and keep tending it. You never know what might happen. Wishing you better days and much success
Thanks so much, Emm. I sure appreciate the support and encouragement.
If i can be of any help, i am happy to do so
Thank you so very much.
Hi Matt, damn you hit a nerve with me. I keep coming back to this and I'm landing on a couple words that, to tell you the truth, echo from my late father's lips: hard work. A hard-working man. And a phrase my father always used when he thought I was "soft": "If you do the hard work first, it'll put bark on ya!" I just have to say there's a difference between "hard" work (that is, unpleasant, painful to do, yucky, etc.) and "challenging" work. You've done some impressive challenging things over those three years and, man alive, IT SHOWS. Not how "hard" it was but how you rose to the challenge of doing them.
I want you to think about this, for what it's worth: Celebrate what you've done, then as you're relaxing and celebrating, or doing something random stuff like cooking, cleaning, or working in the garage, be ready for new challenges to pop into your heart, mind, and soul and greet them with the same energy you bring to the music you love to make. That's a life well lived, I think.
Sorry this is a lot, but it's a reminder I need for myself too, so you're not alone, pal. Best, Mike
Thanks for this Mike. It means a lot that you see the work and the challenges. I know you have had more than your fair share of challenges as well. I do believe you're right that a life well lived is to invest fully in the messy business of living and to find the joy wherever possible.
All the best, my friend.
Cheers my friend. :-)