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

Hi Mathew, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember the conversations & feel like they aren’t going through their problems alone. Sad Boy Radio was created when I felt like nobody could understand me. Music always helped calm that feeling down, and I felt it was important to highlight lyrics that connected to a specific situation.

Legacy wise, I want people to remember my name & the feelings I helped them feel. Being forgotten scares me. I want to help people feel seen & loved. We’re all people before anything else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others is my work ethic & passion. A lot of people become creatives for a variety of reasons, but my journey was based around my love for music. Growing up I wanted to be a singer, but I let what people said impact my confidence. I still love to sing, but I also love understanding why people are the way they are. Sad Boy Radio allows me to gain a better understanding of each individual who slides to the studio, but also connect the universal language of music to our conversation. It’s something that everyone can relate to.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve created over the past year. I’ve created relationships with people I never even thought I would meet. I’m proud to say we’ve done this for a year & people really connect to what we say; they’re not just sharing the post because they know me. Often, you receive a lot more love from people you don’t even know. It’s the sad truth, but also a dope feeling.

The journey was in no way easy.

Drake said, “They always tell me nobody’s working as hard as you / and even though I laugh it off, man, it’s probably true / cuz while all of my closest friends out partying / I’m just here making all the music that they party to”

There have definitely been nights where you want to be young & forget your responsibilities. I started when I was 21, and finishing my Bachelor’s so most people would tell me to skip an edit for the week and go party. I knew where my priorities lay, so sometimes it cost me those memories. I just had to keep my head down, and keep it moving. I’ve gained editing, writing, and speaking skills throughout this process. It wasn’t a natural start.

I’ve learned so many lessons. Most importantly, you have to truly love what you do, and remember to stay consistent. Everything you want will come naturally, but be careful what you wish for. My first episode was, “Would You Want To Be Famous?” However, as time has progressed I’ve realized a lot people will start to love you for what you DO, rather than who you ARE.

I want the world to know that my brand is for anybody who has felt misunderstood in life. We’re all human, and we’re just trying to figure out how to navigate life. Being open about your mental health struggles, and the inner battles you face is okay. Bieber said, “Everybody needs somebody, somebody to remind you that you’re not alone.” Music is created to tell the artists’ story, and you’re meant to connect to it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday: Lakefront possibly grill some Carne Asada.

Tuesday: Movies. I’ve become a fan of cinematography since I started editing my videos & doing color correction. It’s the little things, and stories being told. We HAVE to go to El Cubanito for some Cafe con Leche & their Cuban sandwiches.

Wednesday: Wednesdays we record, so they can either be my guest or slide through and see the process. Being a creative is an everyday thing, but Wednesdays are the official work days. Afterwards, we can go grab a bite to eat Red Hot Ranch. Chill burger joint on Armitage.

Thursday: Summer Thursday’s are different! We’d have to go to Tunnel & Rocbar. Before that I’d want them to visit Lincoln Park Zoo & enjoy the day in the downtown area. We can take the CTA around the city. I feel like to really enjoy Chicago you have to experience the CTA.

Friday: Go shopping on Michigan Ave & check out all the tourist spots. Navy Pier, the Bean, Grant Park, Etc.

Saturday: We OUTSIDE again. The weekends are my time to unwind, so catching lunch & doing something chill. We’d most likely do a brunch, & keep the party going until the clubs open up. Moe’s Cantina usually never misses. S/O to all my DJ homies (Mayhem, J Santos, Ceasedays, DJ Drip, King Inessee). I’m sure I’d go wherever they’re playing. I love to support artists whenever I can.

Sunday: Would be a recovery day. Get some breakfast & hit a quick walk through the forest preserve. I like to reset on Sundays & rest mentally.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my parents for their support Shoutout to my boy Vic who has opened his space ( Blue Door Studios) & filming skills
Shoutout to everyone that likes, subscribes, shares, etc. The podcast wouldn’t exist without them
Shoutout to the relationships that inspired these stories.

Sad Boys For Real!

Website: https://linktr.ee/SADBOYRADIO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sad.boy.radio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sad.Boy.Radio329/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkSGqhL4D9w0cuLU0cvsfg

Image Credits
Graduation photos: Jorge M. Cortina Studio Photos: Victor Hernandez Jr. (Blue Door Studios)

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