We had the good fortune of connecting with MattyDMusic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MattyDMusic, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Originally I was just doing my best to earn a living as a guitarist with the loop pedal – a tool I had originally used as a rehearsal device.   When I developed a knack for using it as a performance device – I realized I could book my own events and was no longer ad hoc to the schedules of other members of a big production band.

The discovery came after a random sunset gig at  a place called GPs in Hamilton Park,  that was when the switch happened.   I remember it very vividly –  it was a magical evening where I had a stream of consciousness flow of random rhythm cords and leads that I would overdub – I was with great people and thanks to my friend George Politis the owner – who booked me on a whim without ever seeing me play before – I was able to realize at that moment the path forward as a loop pedal guitarist – love you Georgy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The great joy for me has always been playing the guitar for people and shaking up the atmosphere.    I love how live music can alter a neutral setting into a place of energy and excitement.

It was definitely not easy to earn a full-time income as a guitarist – it took at least 3-4 years of pitching gigs, playing for nominal sums or doing favors for event planners , learning what style of music connected with audiences the most – and often playing for free in order to curry favor with venues that would eventually put me on their entertainment roster.  Covid was a most unwelcome burden that curtailed some of the momentum I had in the tri-state area – that is one of the reasons I relocated to Miami in fact so that I can continue doing what I love and earning a living.  This is one of the many reasons I love Miami so much.

What I would want the world and more specifically other guitarists to know is that if you have a true passion for the instrument and are willing to set yourself up with loop pedal technology – you can also earn a living doing and or maintain a very fulfilling secondary form of income.  I am happy to instruct any new artists on how to get started on this – I will be soon starting a youtube series on the basic procedures to get a solo musician career started and how to use the BOSS RC-30 Loop pedal device (my sponsor).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first stop – Key Biscayne for ultimate frisbee.   Second stop would be Coconut Grove for Lunch at the Sandbar.   Third stop would be  at Haulover Sandbar for the sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
George Politis for giving my first gig as a solo act and booking me 4 times a week after I had lost my job – gave me a space space to hone my craft and to promulgate my self-belief / confidence as a performer.

My sponsor at BOSS FX – who provide the best loop pedals.

My roomate Vickram Dhillon who also encouraged me and taught me to not overthink.

My mother and Father (Frank and Patricia DeSantis)  for being supportive even though apprehensive about the financial stability of being a musician.

My cousin Philip who would drive with me down to the shore and watch me pitch club owners for hours on end many times to no avail.

George Politis who got me my first gig as a solo performer and booked me regularly when I had lost my job and had nowhere else to go – essentially gave me a safe haven to hone my craft and become the performer I am today.

My friend Alex Crawford who participated often in my events and welcomed me back warmly when I returned from California.

Website: www.mattydmusic.com

Instagram: MattyDMusic

Facebook: MattyDMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRK88Bx7R-3YjuEbZXVJ6Mw

Image Credits
Danny Diaz Photography – Francesca Perini

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