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

Hi Michael, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal has always been to help people. Creating is my therapy, it doesn’t matter if it’s a song, a script, or a sculpture. I would love to help other people find that solace. I would like to build a media empire for film, TV and music and utilize that leverage to create maker spaces for anyone that doesn’t have a budget or resources. The entire goal is to inspire with my own art but also help inspire others to create themselves. Self expression is the most human thing you can do, and as far as I’m concerned, no algorithm can mimic.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a media-fluid, genre-fluid cacophony of sounds, array of images, and range of emotions that bleed from the depths of my soul…. Okay wait, that was a tad magniloquent. Let’s try again, it’s the un-refined illustration of self-creation and unabashed self-expression. Creativity is my therapy and my vice. I started my journey not seeking fame or fortune, but a tireless pursuit of truth and meaning. My success isn’t displayed on my bank account, it’s directly proportioned to the people I’ve inspired from my creations. My hope is to not only inspire but mentor. My brand is me, not some bevy of over-paid suits crunching algorithms to predict the next wave. What you see is what comes out of my brain that day or that week. I don’t spend too much time overthinking or busy working, I like to create and I share not for glory but in hopes to inspire. As artist, our job is to add to the library of masterpieces, some of us will never get there, others come close, and a small few obtain immortality simply from solidifying imagination into reality. For me, that is quite powerful.

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.
Wow, I could write an entire book on things to do in LA. I love Magic, so assuming we could get in anywhere, I’d probably take them to the Magic Castle first. The Comedy clubs or improvs are always a blast. The Huston brothers have a collection of nightlife spots that are all pretty cool too. There’s truly nothing like the beach sunsets at the Santa Monica pier and of course the streets of Venice are always a show too. Anything playing at the Hollywood Bowl is worth seeing just to check out the venue. As far as food is concerned, I really couldn’t even begin to tell you how many places I’m leaving off the list, but my Italian brain immediately went to a Godmother at Bay Cities Deli. I’d advise against the In & Out burger and opt for Father’s Office instead, and don’t forget to try a slice from Joe’s in Santa Monica, it’s the best NY style pizza in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Pico Youth and Family Center, they’re fighting the good fight every day. Keeping underprivileged youth in the studio and off the streets and teaching valuable skills and life lessons in the process.

Website: mastrotunes.com

Instagram: instagram.com/mastrotunes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mastronardi-54596a47/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYwnBiOmY-_1GzgLlzxPK0Q

Image Credits
Lauren Frick, Josh Jacobson

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