Meet Matthew Jared: Singer-Songwriter/Recording Artist

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

Hi Matthew Jared, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
We are all experiencing such a unique moment in history right now. So many people are having to be creative with how they manage their time and we’re all doing things differently. There is no exception with being a creative. I’ll say for me, the pandemic has actually allowed me to spend more time writing and creating at home than ever before, whereas prior, there was more time and opportunity to socialize and go out. This temporary change in balance I’ve found to be beneficial in my case. I’ve released new music, filmed promo videos, focused on marketing campaigns for my music, and got my first songwriting placement on television. That being said, I haven’t neglected my social life because, who are we without the people who support us the most in life? Again, socially there’s been a lot of Zoom and Facetime calls –even putting them as reoccurring calendar invites. It’s important to maintain our sense of self even for our ability to be creative or run our individual businesses. I think overtime our life and work balance scales naturally fluctuate depending on what we’re working on at the time but I think the most important thing is finding a balance that keeps us happy and productive while maintaining our important relationships. Right now, I’m pretty content with my balance. I think this time of growth and development will prove to be beneficial once things go back to normal. The good news is, the entire world is getting creative with how we all connect so I believe we’ll all have many opportunities to find a balance that works for us in the future.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I’d have to say the thing I’m most proud of is my ability to tell a story with my voice. Singing a song is very similar to painting. Two people can sing the same thing but those interpretations are almost always unique. For this reason, I love to write. I’ve been able to develop writing skills over the years by collaborating with other songwriters and producers. Moving to a big city like LA from Cleveland, Ohio was intimidating to say the least. So many people come here to pursue the arts—so many talented people! I’d say what set me apart is being in tune with what I have to offer. I knew my interpretation of music was at least competitive. I used that to have a sense of confidence, which you have to have in this business. We can’t be afraid of that. I was able to develop my skills through networking with other artists/musicians and performing, performing, performing! I landed a residency at a bar-lounge in downtown LA a few years after moving here in 2009. Those years performing taught me about working a crowd and also gave me a chance to really create experiences first hand. I took that energy and new knowledge and put it into recording new music. The more life experience I got, I’d put that into my music as well. Doing all of this definitely wasn’t easy. The hardest thing about overcoming as an artist is getting out of my own head, and trusting your own voice. This comes through having failures and learning experiences. We can’t be afraid of those — i’ve had plenty! So much comes from the mindset of remaining a student, meaning never feeling like you’ve “arrived”. I want the world to know that Matthew Jared does his best to create, inspire and make authentic music from the heart. I know that R&B and Soul music has connected with people for so many generations and it’s had so much influence on a lot of the music we love today. I’d love for anyone reading this to connect with me and be along for what’s to come. I have so much more to share!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is such a unique and vast place! I feel like there’s always something new to see, which is one of the things I love about living here. One of my favorite areas for it’s city vibe and delicious food is Koreatown! Of course there’s amazing korean BBQ all over the place and also some of the best bars in town. When I have friends in town, mornings have to start with coffee — I’m huge on coffee. Koreatown has amazing coffee shops like #Sharp Coffee and Alchemist. For lunch time, my favorite diner spot is Cassell’s Hamburgers in that area. Not only do they have good food but you have try their pies. If you’re into karaoke, there is no shortage of spots to check out in this area as well. Some honorable mentions would have to be doing breakfast at Malibu Farm pier and gazing at the ocean. Weekends in LA are mellow and usually less traffic during the day. I love discovering LA through hiking. I love taking LA newbies to hikes in Griffith near the observatory. The views at the top really give you a sense of the landscape of LA. To me, LA isn’t just about shopping and Hollywood Blvd. When I’m hosting, I love to show people more of what us locals like to do, and they usually have a blast.

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?
My first shoutout has to be my wonderful mother. Her undying support has helped me in many aspects of my life so I have to mention her first and foremost. In addition, I have an amazing circle of friends that I’d like to highlight. I’ve kept them close since the beginning and they’ve been my family when family wasn’t able to be close these last 11 years in LA. Big love to Anthony, Colby, Dedan, Troy, Mike G., Ryan, and Tiffany. Without you guys, I honestly don’t think i’d be this far along. In the music and film biz, you meet a lot of people so it’s crucial to have loved ones you trust and can lean on. This is my squad right here! Love y’all.

Website: https://show.co/rEQs2Ce – Click here to check out Matthew Jared’s newest single “Good Run” available now everywhere
Instagram: @matthewjaredmusic
Twitter: matthewjared
Facebook: @Matthew Jared Music
Youtube: MatthewJaredMusic & MatthewJaredVEVO

Image Credits
Joel Lopez Jared Grimble Connor Mccauley