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

Hi Matt, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since a young age, I’ve been pulled towards the arts. The common business of working to pay bills to work to pay bills seemed narrow, banal and empty. . A disconnect from life more than an engagement with it. The artistic path offers an existential anchor that creates meaning in one’s life beyond what most other things are capable of offering.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think that my unique path and specific set of music circumstances through my life path has given me a particular perspective that isn’t rooted in one specific approach or musical scene. This had resulted in a more “360 degrees” view of what music is in terms of purpose, understanding, and execution. I have evolved into a bridge builder artist; someone who finds and makes musical and aesthetic connections from seemingly disparate elements and influences into a unified whole. My approach is firmly anti-ideological and based on pure joy, exuberance and limitless curiosity.

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?
New York has many hidden gems in terms of tourist destinations. For food I think everyone who comes to Nee York needs to experience the Queens Night Market. Over 70 different flavors of food from different cultures all over the world. Jackson Heights is far more interesting of a tourist destination than Times Square. The most diverse area on earth in terms of food.
Hanging out in Bushwick or the East Village, one can always come across great underground music at killer clubs like Nublu, Sisters, Downtown Music Gallery and many others!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out my friend and genius composer John Zorn. He has inspired me to be and reach for my best when it comes to always improving my understanding of composition, improvisation and musical knowledge. He is also a great person who is deeply existential, generous and philosophical. I see how he inspires community and reaches for something beyond himself which is feel is a rare quality in today’s world.

Instagram: @listofgrievances

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.