skip to main content
Matt Sonzala
Matt Sonzala
01:26

Matt Sonzala

Pushermania

Austin, TX USA

"You’re in control."

Career Roadmap

Matt's work combines: Music, Entrepreneurship, and Working with Others

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

Founder

I’ve worked throughout the music industry as a moderator, booking agent, tour manager, brand ambassador, and promoter.

00:58

Day In The Life Working In The Music Industry

My Day to Day

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, my days were centered around booking tours in Europe and doing marketing events for companies. Today it's primarily remote work, often for video shoots or selling solar power throughout Central Texas. I also interview people for my podcast and release a monthly new music program on my podcast platform. I'm working on a writing project on the side and always looking for new opportunities.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

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!

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!