Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Sanderlin.
Hi Matt, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working in music when I was 15. Even though I barely knew how to play my instrument then (guitar), a friend of mine and I started a band in high a school, and used low budget recording equipment to make our first EP of original songs. We burned CD’s and sold them at school, and I’ve missed those days of physical media lately.
Through college, I studied music and strengthened both my instrument knowledge (guitar, piano, voice), and my songwriting craft. I performed an original song at my university’s talent show and won.
After college, I explored playing in bands, as well as deepened my understanding of the production side of music. One of my bands – Venture Boi – is still active today, and has been honored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Most recently, I’ve been working on an R&B/pop concept album, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby. The album is called Yellow Cocktail Music.
Yellow Cocktail Music is inspired by my favorite R&B/pop artists – Leon Bridges, John Mayer, and even more classic artists like Frank Sinatra. It features multiple vocalists (taking on different characters’ roles), string quartets, brass ensembles, and woodwinds – as well as traditional retro soul instruments (electric guitar, bass, keys, drums).
The album features many of my talented Nashville friends – my friends in the Brook & the Bluff, bassist Kevin Gift, and vocalists Jessica Coughlin and Jaxson Deno. Together, Yellow Cocktail Music reimagines the story of The Great Gatsby with emotion, romance, and melancholy that pays deep respect to the source material.
Already, the songs are receiving attention for their vocal performances (“In Between Time,” “What You Ask”), production feats (“The Crimson Room”), and lyrical storytelling (“Slow Down,” “Madman”).
As I’ve poured a great deal of time, care and effort into this album, I was discouraged to see that the current musical landscape (streaming, AI artists, etc.) isn’t conducive to a meaningful release like Yellow Cocktail Music. So as a quiet protest against the algorithm, I’m releasing this album exclusively on vinyl (for the first several months). The vinyl will be available October 10 at local record stores like Grimey’s, as well as my website MattSanderlin.com. The album’s lead single “In Between Time” is streaming October 3, as a preview.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The saying goes, something to the effect of – if you work in music, you must really love it. Because you have to be ready to face so many “no”s before finally getting a “yes” in this business.
Another of the many challenges that I face is working a day job and paying bills in a big / somewhat expensive city, while still making ample time for my craft. Thankfully after living in Nashville for 3 years, I’ve found a rhythm that is more sustainable. But if you see me out on the town, driving rideshare (my day job), just know I’m always on the grind and that it’s still a challenge at the moment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and performer. My love for music extends to so many genres, and over the years I’ve amassed a catalog of original material that spans so many sounds – folk, pop, punk, dream pop, R&B. I’m very pleased that a “Matt Sanderlin” song means something that transcends genre to a listener. In other words, I enjoy showcasing variety and versatility, and I think that shines through with each new project,
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In this business, I would say just follow your ears. Whoever is doing work that you like, reach out to them at a show, or on social media. Be ready to make friends, work hard, and not be personally offended if it doesn’t work out the way you’d hoped.
Pricing:
- $25 (Yellow Cocktail Music vinyl)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mattsanderlin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsanderlin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattSanderlinMusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/mattsanderlin
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mattsanderlin?si=FfQzP9mZJ6NLi8WF
