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

Hi Matt, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success is fundamentally a collective effort—it’s rarely the result of one individual’s actions alone. While personal ambition and individual skills are important, true success is achieved when people come together, combining their strengths, perspectives, and resources toward a shared goal. Collaboration fosters creativity, encourages diverse solutions, and allows for the pooling of knowledge and talent. Each person’s unique contribution—whether in leadership, support, or expertise—adds value to the whole, creating a stronger foundation for achievement. In the end, success is a reflection of teamwork, trust, and the ability to work harmoniously toward something greater than what any one person could accomplish on their own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At 37, this rock-rap artist has carved out a unique niche in the world of music, art, and entertainment, blending creative talent with entrepreneurial drive. A musician who effortlessly fuses the energy of rock with the lyrical depth of rap, he made a name for himself not only as a performer but also as a dynamic force in the art world. But his creativity doesn’t stop at the mic. This artist is also a painter, using their visual art to complement the emotions and themes in his music, creating a holistic experience for his audience.

Beyond Matt’s own artistic endeavors, he manages a collection of fellow artists and models, guiding their careers and shaping their projects across various forms of art, from painting to fashion and photography. Matt’s ability to balance creative work with business acumen has made him a key player in a growing artistic community.

As if that weren’t enough, this artist also hosts a podcast at a local television station, where he and co host discuss everything from the intersections of music and visual art to the challenges of being a multi-hyphenate creator. Even business! The podcast has gained a loyal following, with listeners tuning in for insights into the art world, industry trends, and personal stories of success and struggle.

In addition to these ventures, Matt manages a music school where they mentor up-and-coming musicians, helping them navigate both the creative and business aspects of the industry. The school offers young artists a space to learn, collaborate, and find their own voices. Similarly, they oversee an event space designed for artistic exhibitions, live performances, and community gatherings, creating a vibrant hub for creativity in all its forms.

This 37-year-old artist is not just a musician or painter—he’s a visionary who seamlessly integrates music, art, and entrepreneurship, fostering a community that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and innovation. His ability to juggle multiple roles while staying true to their artistic vision makes him a standout figure in today’s dynamic cultural landscape.

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?
Houston offers a dynamic mix of art, culture, food, and entertainment that makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Here’s a short guide to some of the city’s top attractions you won’t want to miss:

1. Houston Media Source

For podcast lovers and fans of local media, Houston Media Source is a hub for creative content. Catch live broadcasts, recordings, and community-driven shows that delve into the heart of the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.

2. EADO Event Space (3420 Rusk St)

Located in the vibrant East Downtown (EADO), this event space is a hotspot for live performances, art shows, and community gatherings. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Houston’s creative energy.

3. The Post

A former post office turned modern venue, The Post combines food, art, and entertainment. Whether you’re enjoying live music or local art exhibits, this spot offers a unique experience with a laid-back, urban atmosphere.

4. Ironworks Marketplace

Ironworks Marketplace is Houston’s industrial-chic space offering a mix of local art, vintage finds, and unique boutiques. This is where creativity and commerce meet, making it an ideal stop for anyone looking to discover something new.

5. The Menil Collection

One of Houston’s crown jewels, The Menil Collection features an impressive array of art from ancient to modern times. Its tranquil setting and world-class exhibits make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

6. Houston Museum of Natural Science

For those interested in history, science, and nature, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-see. With stunning exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space exploration, it’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

7. Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf brings a fantastical, immersive art experience to Houston. This interactive, multi-sensory exhibit blends art, technology, and storytelling, creating a mind-bending journey through surreal worlds.

8. Torchy’s Tacos

No visit to Houston is complete without a stop at Torchy’s Tacos. Known for its creative taco offerings and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to fuel up after a day of exploring the city.

Houston’s mix of art, culture, and food makes it a standout destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re diving into local media, exploring art collections, or enjoying tacos, the city is a vibrant hub of creativity and discovery!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Vision Behind Matt Kelly’s Artist Conglomerate: A Movement of Collaboration and Creativity

In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, Matt Kelly has embarked on a remarkable journey to change the narrative, fostering a creative community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and shared vision. What began as a simple desire to bring together a handful of like-minded artists has grown into a dynamic conglomerate of over 90 diverse creators—each contributing their unique talents to shape an artistic collective that is reshaping the creative landscape.

The Birth of the Idea

Matt Kelly, an artist, entrepreneur, and visionary, recognized early on that the power of collaboration far exceeds that of isolated efforts. As someone who has navigated the complex and often fragmented world of creative industries, he saw an opportunity to bridge gaps between different forms of art—painting, sculpture, music, fashion, film, photography, digital art, and beyond. What if, instead of competing, artists from all disciplines could come together and harness the collective energy, ideas, and resources needed to create something truly groundbreaking?

This thought became the foundation for what is now a sprawling conglomerate of over 90 artists—a blend of established creatives, emerging talents, and everything in between. Each member brings their own perspective, style, and expertise to the group, united under one common goal: to elevate one another and push the boundaries of what is possible through artistic expression.

A Diverse, Multi-Disciplinary Collective

What sets Matt Kelly’s conglomerate apart is its deliberate diversity. The group is not limited to one medium, genre, or tradition of art. Instead, it represents a vibrant cross-section of creativity, with members working across a vast array of disciplines. Painters collaborate with musicians, sculptors partner with fashion designers, digital artists merge their talents with filmmakers, and photographers bring visual storytelling to life alongside dancers and performance artists.

This cross-pollination of ideas and practices fosters an environment in which each artist is constantly inspired and challenged by those around them. There are no boundaries within the group—only possibilities. A painter might find herself working on an album cover for a musician, while a photographer might collaborate with a fashion designer to create a multimedia installation. With each collaboration, new connections are formed, and the lines between artistic disciplines blur, creating a dynamic fusion of creativity that can only exist in this collaborative space.

A Culture of Collaboration and Co-Creation

At the heart of the conglomerate is a culture of collaboration. Matt Kelly has fostered an environment where artists don’t just share ideas—they actively co-create. This means working on joint projects, brainstorming together, and pushing each other’s creative limits. The beauty of this approach is that it allows for the emergence of projects that could never be conceived by a single artist working alone.

Take, for example, a recent project where members of the conglomerate worked together to create an immersive art installation that combined visual art, sound, and interactive technology. The installation was not only a visual feast but also an experience that involved the audience in a way that traditional art exhibitions don’t. Visitors could engage with the art, contributing to the evolving narrative of the piece through their actions. This type of multi-layered, participatory art would have been impossible without the collective’s ability to blend the talents of so many different artists.
(Houston Origami Fest)

But it’s not just about grand projects. The group also focuses on smaller-scale collaborations—intimate, creative exchanges where artists come together in workshops, creative labs, podcast and informal jam sessions to explore new ideas, experiment with techniques, and learn from each other. These sessions are less about final outcomes and more about process, growth, and fostering a sense of community.

Networking, Resources, and Exposure

One of the major benefits of being part of this artistic conglomerate is the access to resources and networks that might otherwise be unavailable to individual artists. In today’s competitive and fast-paced creative industries, opportunities often come down to who you know and the connections you can leverage. By uniting under Matt Kelly’s leadership, the artists gain access to a shared platform for promoting their work, collaborating on larger projects, and presenting a unified front to the world.

Additionally, artists within the conglomerate support one another in practical ways—whether it’s through providing studio space, sharing equipment, or offering financial backing for new projects. This network of mutual support helps artists stay focused on their craft, knowing they have the safety net of a community behind them. In many ways, it is this sense of solidarity that sets the group apart from other artistic communities or collectives.

Matt Kelly’s Role as a Leader

As the founder and driving force behind this conglomerate, Matt Kelly has played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s ethos and direction. His leadership is grounded in his belief that creativity is at its best when it’s shared and nurtured in an inclusive environment. Rather than viewing success as something to be hoarded, Matt encourages his fellow artists to view each other as collaborators and equals.

His role goes beyond being a coordinator—he’s an active participant in the creative process, often working alongside other artists on joint projects. His belief in the power of collaboration is reflected in the way he approaches his own work, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of what art can be.

Matt’s leadership style is characterized by openness and communication. He regularly hosts meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions, ensuring that all members of the conglomerate have a voice in shaping the group’s future. This democratic approach ensures that the collective’s success is a shared achievement, built on the ideas and hard work of every individual involved.

The Future of the Conglomerate: A Movement, Not Just a Group

Looking ahead, the future of Matt Kelly’s artist conglomerate is boundless. While the group continues to expand, with new artists joining every month, the focus remains on quality over quantity. The goal is not simply to amass as many artists as possible, but to create a sustainable, long-term community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries and redefining what collaboration in the arts can look like.

Beyond local and national projects, there are aspirations to take the conglomerate’s creative output to the global stage. International collaborations, art shows, and cultural exchanges are just some of the ways the group plans to extend its reach and share its vision with the world. There is a growing recognition of the power of collective artistry, and Matt Kelly’s conglomerate is poised to become a beacon for artists everywhere who believe in the power of collaboration.

In a time when the world can feel divided and fragmented, this artist conglomerate stands as a testament to what happens when creativity is shared, resources are pooled, and artists come together in solidarity. It’s a movement that values collective growth over individual fame, creativity over competition, and community over isolation.

As Matt Kelly and his group of 90+ artists continue to break down barriers and challenge the status quo, one thing is clear: this conglomerate is more than just a group of artists—it’s a living, breathing example of how art can unite, inspire, and change the world.

You can find events they throw being held at 3420 Rusk St in EADO Event space they are even planning a music school at that very location!

Website: https://www.eadoeventvenue.com/

Instagram: @beforeicallmytherapist

Image Credits
Matt Kelly

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