“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” - George S. Patton. Mathew accepted all his physical challenges and focused his energy towards his passion for music for a successful musical journey. Music has been part of his life from an early age of 3. Even though Cerebral Palsy prevented other activities, Mathew exceled at music and eventually found his true talent as well as the joy of performing for others. Today, he has mastered several styles of music and has rightfully earned the opportunities to perform and record with big names in the music industry. Mathew has also released his debut album Nowhere land and is working on his second album.

Can you tell us more about your musical journey? What is the role of music in your life?M: Growing up I couldn't really play sports as well, and music was my alternative. I was fascinated by sound and I wanted to learn piano.
Ever since music has been at the fore front of my life, and I knew that i was going to have a career in music.

How did you come up with the idea for your debut album “Nowhere Land”? How long it take you to finish this album?M: I didn't really have a singular idea, I more compiled a lot of songs that I had written, and wanted the experience of putting together a record that was simple, something that can be listened to passively. Nowhere Land was based on the idea that sometimes we as humans choose to live in a mediocre life, and we let other people sometimes govern what we think, and we find ourselves in this limbo, (Nowhere Land) that instead of pursuing what we want. I know that isn't always the case, but I wanted to write a song about it.
It took me about 9 months to finish the album, working around being school to get it done.

What kind of discipline is required as a band artist and as a recording artist? Which one do you enjoy more, performing solo or in a band and why?M: Being a musician means being extremely patient, and working long hard hours in order to provide for the family. The biggest myth in the music industry is "getting a big break". You gotta work really really hard to make it. A band artist and a recording artist can be the same thing, depending on the situation. Playing live shows is a lot more forgiving than playing in a studio because when your on stage if you make a small mistake, there is a chance nobody will catch it. But in a studio every single note is heard, every rhythm, every dynamic, and it requires a different approach (at least for me) to get a good take.
As far as performing, I prefer to play in a band and back other people. I love playing a solid groove with a great rhythm section. Fronting solo is tough for me to do, and I love supporting a band on keyboards.

What is your most memorable performance and why?M: I was playing on a stage in Valencia, Spain and I got to open a set for a bunch of different artists from my grad program and the I just remember the mix and the groove and the sound, just everything was perfect and so fun. The musicians I was playing with were very talented and world class players. The crowd loved the tune and everyone was dancing to the song that I wrote called Big City Blues.

If you could share the stage with one of your favorite musicians, who is that musician and which song would you like to play?M: I would share the stage with Stevie Wonder, he is such an amazing inspiration to me. I would love to perform "You Haven't Done Nothin" with him. I love the sound and the feel of that song.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What or who motivated you to face those challenges?M: The biggest challenge was taking on extra curricular stuff and finishing the projects that I was working on while finding time to spend with my wife. She was my biggest motivation to get through both my undergrad and my grad degree. She helped me understand that if I just worked as hard as I could it would all pay off one day.

Who is your inspiration?M: My grandfather. He taught me to go out and just do everything I could to make life work. Put family first and let everything else fall into place.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?M: We play some family games, board games, socialize and watch movies together.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to learn music?M: If you work hard the money will come to you. Don't chase the money. Be patient with yourself and work as hard as you possibly can.

Any special message for our community?M: Taking initiative is the biggest thing for me. If you want something to come your way, make it happen. Don't let challenges stand in your way. Let hard times train you and teach you to be better. You'll come out on top. Everytime.