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

Hi Matt, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Creating music and art drives me as an individual. If I were ever to stop thinking about the process of making something from nothing into something I enjoy listening to, I think then, it would be time to hang it up. But quite frankly, that hasn’t been the case for over 20 years. I’ve been making music since I was 16 and I can’t imagine the day when that will ever change. Giving up means that what you do no longer has or holds value to you as a person. It should always mean something to YOU. It should always push you to keep creating despite the circumstances or seasons that life may bring you. Making music is what allows me to process my past, present and even future. I can be as transparent as I want about my journey and communicate what I’m truly feeling through what I write. Luckily, my work and job provides for me to make music. Not the other way around. I’m not depending on my music to provide for me. I think if that ever became the case, it would be easy to want to give up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love making music and graphic design. To be honest, I create music that I like listening to in my car. I have to love the songs I “put out there.” There’s a danger in creating something you “think” others might like and appreciate. I always try to be genuine in my process of creating music and songs. I was privileged to have the time over the years to write, record, mix and even master fully length records on my own in a small humble studio set up in my home. For example, in 2016 I was able to put out three albums and have continued to release new music each year. All of which I’m very proud of. I’m always looking to excel and make each song sound better from a production standpoint. I’m driven to be more lyrically genuine and professional in my production. I love how music has a way of its own. A mind and soul of its own. Most of the time the music I create turns out completely different than what I had envisioned at the beginning. I would encourage others who are starting out or who are early on in their creative process to FIRST, let what you create excite you. Let it be something you enjoy and not just something you think others MIGHT like. I want the world and those who happen to listen to my music know two things about me: 1. I’m opening myself up by inviting people into my life through my music. 2. I will always keep creating and want to go wherever music may take me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love the Heights area of Houston and the Rive Village area, as well. There are great pubs to play at and to hangout or just pub crawl. The restaurants and live music of these areas are diverse and attractive to all ages. I would definitely go have coffee and breakfast in the morning at Cafeza and maybe Come back there to catch an intimate show later that night. For lunch and an afternoon cocktail, I would recommend Americanos. It’s right down the street from Anderson Fair. This of course is a great place where I love to watch live singer-songwriters perform in the round. I also love watching music at white oak music hall. My favorite record store is Cactus records who sometimes feature Houston bands while being sponsored by a Houston craft beer favorite, St. Arnolds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There’s an ocean of new music and art out there and many who will probably never be heard by a large audience. There are those fighting to keep doing what they love despite their popularity and success. I dedicate this shoutout to the honest and passionate artists who keep creating. That keeps me going and pushes me to be a more authentic and passionate creative. The indie artists and designers who are doing what they love are the ones who deserve the recognition. Not just the big guys.

Website: https://matttipton.bandcamp.com
Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/matt-tipton/id306218066 https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VnOUcAYJWaSQOhgj3eR78

Image Credits
Paul Pelc, Aaron Byram

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