“My last two records were released under an indie label that promised the world and unfortunately really let me down. Indie artists have to be careful out there as there are so many of these kinds of labels floating around. I will not make the mistake again. “- @MattLande

Episode #272 : A.V.A Live Radio Behind The Music with Jacqueline Jax
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/avaliveradio/2015/11/05/episode-272-ava-live-radio-behind-the-music-with-jacqueline-jax

GETTING TO KNOW MATT LANDE
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio
Matt Lande (You pronounce the E in my last name, like you’d say E in the alphabet.)

Music business…
It’s gone down the pooper in some ways but if you work hard at your craft, learn all you can about the business and surround yourself with the right people, some amazing things can happen. Things have opened up for the indie artist. Although my workload is huge between the art and the business of music these days, I am finding it so rewarding to be releasing this new album without a label. My last two records were released under an indie label that promised the world and unfortunately really let me down. Indie artists have to be careful out there as there are so many of these kinds of labels floating around. I will not make the mistake again.

Pros and cons have you experienced…
I’ve learned the business well by going through both good and bad experiences with labels. I’ve also learned that being professional and having a good attitude goes a long way. It takes a certain work ethic to get somewhere in music. You have to push forward each day and really respect the craft and work hard to be the best you can be.

Overcoming the hurdles and pitfalls…
You just can’t let the word “NO” bring you down because it happens on a regular basis if you are doing what you should be doing. I just take it all in as a learning experience and keep working hard for the times I get a “Yes”.

Social media…
It’s a great tool for artists of course. It definitely changed the way the business works but life is about adapting and it offers a place to really connect with people on a more personal level. Knowing when it’s time to shut down the laptop or put down my phone. I’m a bit obsessive compulsive when it comes to responding to folks so over the last couple of years I’ve had to find a balance with that.

Singles vs an album…
I have always released full albums of EP’s and I pull singles from those. I like keeping that side of things old school. 😉

3 Ways that I challenge myself and how each one moves me forward towards my goal.
1) Just putting myself out there as much as I do is a challenge but the reward I get with the people I meet makes it so worth it.

2) Some decisions are hard to make and I feel like a lot is riding on some of them at times. Being that I’m going at this alone at this time, I have no choice but to make the best, informed decisions I can and be ready to accept whatever comes. I think it’s part of being a grown-up or something. 😉

3) With the workload an indie artist can have, it’s easy to let the business take control of your day to day life. I have to constantly challenge myself to write new music and keep growing musically.

I started out taking guitar my senior year in high school…
because I heard it was an easy A or B. Halfway through the year, something clicked and I found I really liked it which was strange because as a kid I remember hating it when my dad would play guitar…I hated it so much that I remember crying at times. ha.
There were a couple years where I wasn’t able to speak to or see my dad and it was during that time when I learned to play. When I was finally able to see him again, we sat down with our guitars and played together. It was an amazing feeling. He never saw it coming.

Echo…
was written from the perspective of a man who desperately loves a woman. Although she may have love for him in some form, she is and always has been more interested in only what she wants to do…but to a fault. Despite feeling left out and like he doesn’t matter, he stands firm in his love for her…maybe to a fault himself.

The new album “Glow” is…
meant to take you on a journey. It has a big sound. It’s not overproduced but I believe it to be powerful in the production. Haunting verses, driving choruses, lush harmonies and movements should keep the listener intrigued. I lost two friends to cancer at the end of 2014. Both played important parts in my life. The songs “Robin” and “Looking Down” are emotional songs inspired by losing loved ones to this disease. I’d like to use sales from “Looking Down” to help families and people in need, who are going through battles with cancer.

Portland, Oregon…
It’s an interesting city. Large variety for music and growing all the time these days. I’m a bit reclusive but when I get the bug to go out, there are lots of great places to eat, including tons of food carts, a wide variety of bars and there’s always some fun/strange event going on. Portland is a rad and diverse city but I can’t stand the winters. ha.. Outside of music I have fun working in tv and film as a double, stand-in and/or background actor on productions such as NBC’s Grimm, TNT’s The Librarians and CW’s’ Significant Mother.

I would love to have 5 minutes alone with…
I’d like to sit down with Donald Trump and find out what makes that guy tick. ha

I strive to display my artistic side…
when writing and producing an album but not so much as to get away from what’s relevant. I wouldn’t enjoy taking every song on an album away from reaching more people because it’s just flat our strange because I’m doing something for my own selfish pleasure. I’d rather find a balance so more people can feel something from my music and everyone is happy.

I am most afraid of…
Sacrificing personal relationships for the craft.

My personal definition of success is..
Being balanced. Making a living at music. Being professional. Having a good attitude and connecting on a regular basis with those who enjoy what I do. I was very proud when I signed my first record deal. That was a really strange and exciting time that brought big ups and downs but such a great learning experience.

My overall goal for my life & career is…
Stay bonded with those I love, meet more amazing people along the way and to not stress over money so I’m in a position to be the best I can be and help others along the way.

The single, as well as the full album can be purchased everywhere albums are sold online, December 1st, 2015.

You can pre-order the new album “Glow” from www.MattLandeMusic.com
Music Video coming mid-November

Social Media Links:
www.facebook.com/MattLandeOfficial
www.twitter.com/MattLande
www.instagram.com/MattLande
www.youtube.com/MattLande
www.MattLandeMusic.com