Daily Inspiration: Meet Matt Clarkson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Clarkson.

Hi Matt, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I picked up a guitar at 16 years old. My whole family played music and above all my father (Scott Clarkson) is who I idolized, and it was he who taught me to play. Once I was getting the hang of singing and playing, I fell in love with writing my own songs. at 19 years old I decided to do an open mic to test my stage fright and that went horribly but the crowd was very polite! I booked small acoustic shows here and there, but it wasn’t until 4 years ago that I ever decided to form a band. Lead guitarist, Kelly Bush, and I had previously competed in a talent show against each other and we are the original founders of MCB. From there we added my cousin William Deckle (Second Lead Guitar), Spencer Barnett (Bass) and Ryan Fyffe (Drums). I myself cover acoustic rhythm and lead vocals.

We started with locals shows and writing our own original songs in year 1. Year 2 and 3 we started to set our sights higher as we were growing a good fan base. This is where we started getting booked to headline festivals and county fairs. Last year we were also officially nominated in four categories for the Josie Music Awards in Nashville, held at the Grand Ol Opry, where we hope to return this year.

As of today, we have released 4 singles and are currently wrapping things up on another to release this summer. We have more county fairs and festivals in the forecast and are competing in 2 battles of the bands in our area. One of which is held at Loris Roadhouse in Cincinatti where the winner will be playing the VOA Country Music Fest with the likes of Carrie Underwood, Hardy, Baily Zimmerman and more. We won our round and will be competing in the Finals June 7th. The other battle will be with Route 4 LIVE to open for Justin Moore. That battle does not start until June 5th.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would be lying if I said it has been completely smooth but overall, yes. We always keep our spirits high. However, knowing what we are capable of and not being given a second thought at certain venues we attempt to play can be defeating but we know it’s all a part of the process and we just need to keep paying our dues.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Unfortunately, music doesn’t pay the bills and a 9-5 is still a necessity. I am a maintenance technician at a factory by day. But I am most known for my music and the music I make with my band mates. I sometimes disagree but I am known for my vocal ability, I am my own worst critic. I get a lot of credit for the band’s talent as a whole, but my band mates are 95 percent of the talent in my eyes.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Nashville, especially in the summer, has an atmosphere that is unmatched. It’s watching the bands do their thing live, seeing artist bolting from one gig to another, and the music lovers at each level of every bar on the strip having the time of their lives. But it’s also the writers rounds at places like the Blue Bird Cafe and the Listening Room. Overall, it’s all in the nicknames “music city” or “guitar town”. Lastly, it’s the deep music history.

What I would say I like least about Nashville is…it’s not closer!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mattclarksonband.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themattclarksonband
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMattClarksonBand/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwNVoPoj5sWExyMUGfogfw