Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Woods.
Hi Matt, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started playing bar gigs around Knoxville in the late 90s, and eventually found a couple of traveling rock bands, Magpie Suite (1998-2003) and Plan A (2003-2008).
After 10 years in those bands, I struck out on my own and began touring full-time as a singer-songwriter and releasing my debut album, The Matt Woods Manifesto, in 2011. The following decade has seen the release of 3 additional full-length albums, an EP release in 2020, and a remixed and remastered release of my debut album last year on its 10-year anniversary.
Starting in 2015, I began to split time on the road between solo songwriter tours and touring, both in the US and across Europe, with my band, Matt Woods and the Natural Disasters. Earlier this year, the band and I began work on what will be my 5th full-length album (release date TBA).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The music business is choked full of perils both tangible and intangible.
Trying to find an audience as a DIY artist can at times be challenging but ultimately rewarding. The miles alone are a reminder that danger could be lurking around the next corner, though.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been writing all of my adult life and it was songwriting where I found my voice and the best outlet for creativity.
I am most proud of the fact that some of my songs have touched folks on a personal level and continue to resonate after all of these years.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is inherent in what I do.
Not only is there the emotional risk of laying oneself bare in the songs, the daily risks of full-time travel and such, but also there are the business risks.
It is no small feat to record and release material, invest in yourself and your art, investing time and resources in pulling together the full package from product to international touring to present and support the music.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therealmattwoods.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealmattwoods
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattwoodsmusic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/realmattwoods
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/therealmattwoods
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FsRnvC6482sxDhq4DYpZi?si=vq4wcJrhTbSuFuqEcFkfBg
Image Credits
Jim Leatherman and Chad Cochran
