Career Roadmap
Matt's work combines: Music, Entrepreneurship, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
You can't really learn how to be a hustler in school. Same goes for most of the music business. You just have to do it, which is mostly what I did. I hit the road, did independent tours, booked shows, and figured everything out as I went along. That being said, I never expected a pandemic to shut down our borders and venues. Through that, I've learned that it's helpful to have at least a bachelor's degree when job hunting. I also recommend a strong and genuine focus for success.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I was born in Erie, Pennsylvania.
2.
My dad moved to Houston, Texas, when I was a kid and I was surprised to see how big and lively the city was.
3.
I started in the music industry as a writer and photographer covering independent rap music for Murder Dog Magazine.
4.
I worked for the South by Southwest (SXSW) music conference in Texas for about eight years doing bookings.
5.
At the same time, I created a music blog, HoustonSoReal, to promote Houston rap and expand the reach of Texas rap to other states and countries.
6.
I eventually joined Red Bull as a contractor to help launch their Sound Select music initiative.
7.
All the while I’ve been building up Pushermania, which has allowed me to work throughout the music industry as a moderator, booking agent, tour manager, brand ambassador, and promoter.
8.
In addition to my work with Pushermania, I have my own podcast called Talk So Real.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I can't book a show with this band. I'm nobody.
How I responded:
My friend and I wanted to start a fan magazine for music. I wrote to my favorite band to tell them about it and ask if they'd be up for an interview. The singer wrote back with his phone number. My friend encouraged me to call but I felt like I was nobody. I was afraid but I eventually got up the nerve to call. I ended up booking them at a club in town! It was my first of many shows. I learned from that moment that you have to just go for the things you want because they may very well work out!