Matthew Alton

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is an entire dimension of life. Music is one of the most basic elements of life. It is absolutely essential for a healthy and happy mind.

What is your music dream?

To continue to play and sing for as long as I can. I have written several hundred poems. I would like to make songs out of some of them. So far I've only played songs written by other folks.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I would immediately eliminate the use of all non-renewable energy.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Only The Lonely by Roy Orbison. It was the first song I became aware of at 3 years old. I called it "Dummy Doo-Wah."

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Dead Can Dance, Azam Ali, Peter Gabriel, Bob Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, Chris Cornell, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Brown Bird, Primus, Yo Yo Ma, The Eurythmics, The Pretenders, The Police, Andres Segovia, Frederick Chopin, Green Day, R.E.M., My Morning Jacket, Johnny Cash, Willy Nelson, Bjork, Counting Crows, The B-52s, The Talking Heads, Prince, The Civil Wars, Ani DiFranco ...

What inspires you to make music?

The sheer joy of it. Singing and stomping on the floor and playing the guitar makes me very happy. Making music is exhilarating. It restores me to sanity.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Sit a spell. Kick your shoes off. Pour some wine. Let's make some good times and good cheer.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Very excited and happy. Grateful to the people. I try to earn their attention by making them happy.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I am just a hobbyist. I don't know much about the lives and experiences of professionals.

What do you think of Drooble?

I am very impressed by the environment here! Excellent work! I'm new here but as an IT professional I give you top marks!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

I don't have the skill set to get the music in my head out into the world. I really should learn how to do it.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I go to a few concerts and buy merchandise.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

People skills. Project management skills. The ability to delegate responsibilities. Modern technology has given everyone the ability to create and produce recordings and videos but few people have all of the skills to get it done.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Brown Bird is regrettably fairly obscure. Liquid Prairie.