It's deep meaning acoustic driven pop that puts you in the most peaceful state you've ever been.
What are some words you use that aren't in the dictionary?
Funness, irregardless, pellow, conversate, dee ohh double, there's really a lot of them, must I continue?
Who are some of your musical influences right now?
John Mayer challenges me to do things with the guitar I never thought possible, plus he's just a funny cat. Old school I would say Michael Jackson and there's a whole new breed of musicians coming out into popular light such as Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Andy Davis who really challenge the listener in a fantastic yummy way.
Do you often use the word yummy to describe things?
Yes, all the time, yummy is anything that gets me excited.
How long have you been involved with music?
I've played the guitar since I was 16 and I'm a 1980's baby, so that's...ummm...12 years. Quick math doesn't always turn out good for me - thank God for cell phones! Kids, seriously learn how to do math in your head - I still count on my fingers sometimes, shhh, don't tell anyone!
I've always written songs along with learning how to play Sweet Home Alabama and the latest praise song at church. I remember a time when I would do the whole sing a line of a song, try to put your fingers in the chord progression which would take like 10 seconds, then sing another line, and repeat. It would take me like 10 minutes to sing a 3 minute song.
What made you want to start doing this professionally?
It really comes down to one word for me and that is passion. A wise man told me long ago that a passion is defined as something you would do for free. I would definitely play music for free therefore I know I've found my passion. So, if I can make it work to be the monetary support mechanism that makes life go around, all the better for me.
I've heard you say often that your 'heart is happy'. What does that mean?
I'm big into using imagery and when I think about a heart being happy, it makes me smile. We all think a heart can't really smile, but what if it could...just saying...what if it could? If I saw a happy smiling heart, that would make me happy!
what has been the coolest 'public fan moment' for you so far?
First let me say I don't have fans, I have friends! The coolest public 'friend' moment so far would be getting recognized in places like Scoops in Covington, Tokyo in Conyers or Starbucks in Conyers. I was out with my new buddy Matt T and I got approached at both places we went. He was like, dang man, who are you? I'm not going to lie, it felt pretty good.
Oh another moment that a friend text me about after it happened. She said she was eating at Chik-fil-a and saw another girl wearing a Matt Thien T-shirt. I was so faclempt (that means my heart was happy)!
How long have you dreamed of becoming a musician?
I've been sitting on this dream for about 10 years. It's always been in me and now seems to be the time to let it out.
Is there a Mrs. Matt Thien?
Yes, happily married! I just lost about half my fan base I think, but I would lose it all for this woman who is my rock, my life, my all! We just celebrated 7 years August 4th! I seriously don't know what I would do without her. She literally holds down the house with an iron fist and I love it! So organized and tidy, which is the oppostie of me. I think I would be on TLC's, I'm a hoarder, if I didin't have her. Love you honey!
You've been married for 7 years?!?
Is that a question, a statement or just your unbelief? Yes, do the quick math I was married when I was 21!
How many times have you moved in your life?
11 times total since I was born in 1980. My Dad was a Marine, hoorah, so we moved a lot when I was a kid. I loved moving, gave me a sense of freedom to be myself cause I really didn't have long at a place or school to try and be someone else.
What was your first job?
I was a host at Sully's Steakhouse in Dale City, VA making $5 an hour!
Do you remember you first kiss?
How could a guy forget that, of course I do....Oh you want me to tell you about it...LOL! Her name was Linette Hartwig and it was in the back row of the base movie theater in Camp Pendleton, CA. I was literally on cloud nine the entire night!
What was your first car?
1987 Honda Civic 4 door 5 speed stick shift. It had no A/C but man for $3000 bucks it was the best car a 16 year old could ask for. Thanks to my Aunt Hilda and Mom and Dad who went in halfsies with me.
I went through a phase where I 'installed' a red light underneath to try and illuminate the pavement as I drove across it. I also put a black light in the back and covered the back seat with a white sheet, yeah I know lame, but when you're rolling down the road blarring huck-a-bucks 'get down' go-go music you've gotta have the chrome hubcaps and the nail polished dome light cover to go along. You can't make this kinda stuff up. It's true, all of it!
Who is the biggest act you've shared the stage with?
In my dreams? or actually shared the stage with...ummm...I did a post Matt Wertz show upstairs at Smith's Olde Bar back in June. The Wertz part was great, but when all his fans left, there was noone really to play for. Bummer, but I did get to hang with Matt Wertz and he is the real deal ya'll. As cool as it gets. He let me be the fan (I mean friend) and signed posters for me and took pictures with me. Yeah, I'm a goober I know.
What is "The World Needs To Hear YOUR SONG?
Man, I'm excited about this. TWNTHYS - that's how I abbreviate it in my calendar, is an avenue for people to nail down a life experience or just see their words take the next step in the writing process. I remember when I couldn't play an instrument and how frustrating that was. Well, I'm the one who takes the frustration out and puts the life into the final stages of someones dreams to become a songwriter.
Simply put, TWNTHYS is way for me to give back to the world in the best way I know how. In return people hear about this guy Matt Thien. So, it not only drives people to mattthien.com but also gives people the opportunity to share with their world a song they have written.
You've got some really cool stuff coming up. Tell us about it.
I guess you're talking about my desire to go to Africa. Yeah, so honestly this is what I want to do. I want to go to Kenya, Afric with TheBeechFoundation.org in conjunction with ChooseAneed.org and do a DVD documentary. I want to write songs inspired by what I see and experience there showing the viewer how Matt Thien writes songs and how the people live. Then I want to perform them in a really cool concert setting for the African people there. We would record the concert and then hit the studio to record a CD of the songs and sell a CD/DVD combo to raise money to give back to the village where this all went down.
A HUGE idea I know, but from dreaming comes dreams and from dreams comes reality. I know with God anything is possible. So, my prayer is that this can come true. We're at the VERY beginning stages of planning this, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we pursue this and try to put it together. But, between you and me, I think it's going to happen!!!
It's been awesome to get to know you more. What one thing do you want to tell people reading this right now about you and your music?
This life is not about me despite all the attention I get. I really want to change the world one positive song at a time and I will do that, but I need ya'lls help. Ya'll being those reading this or listening. I want to be known for my influence on the world as a musician/person who gives gives gives. I want my life to reflect that of a selfless person who puts others needs above his own - meaning, and I think we can all agree. WE ALL HAVE SOOOO MUCH, and it's easy to get caught up in the 'What's in it for me attitude' - so I'm begging everyone to partner with me in changing the world one song at a time. Please tell your friends about me, it's the only way this is going to work.
Thank you Matt for taking the time to talk with us!
No problem, I enjoyed it!
Matt Thien's music is available on iTunes or you can purchase the CD directly from his webiste. Matt has requested that everyone visit www.mattthien.com and check it out. Make sure you sign the guestbook and read what others are saying about this awesome up and coming musician and world changer!
