Local StoriesOctober 7, 2022

Life & Work with Matthew “MD” McCoy

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew “MD” McCoy.

Hi, Matthew “MD,” so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. I came to Nashville in 1999 to pursue a Masters Degree in Theology at Vanderbilt Divinity School. I graduated in 2001 and started teaching as an adjunct in the same year at Fisk University. I eventually became a full-time lecturer and was awarded “Professor of the Year” by the graduating class in 2010 and nominated for the same in 2011. I have also done many other professions.

I was always making music, writing, producing, and practicing as an individual. In 2000-2001 Cobalt Blue was formed (MD and Cobalt Blue now). MD and Cobalt Blue is an award nominated, regionally celebrated live music ensemble that embraces Reggae/Hip-Hop and Soul music as genres rooted in an intentional social consciousness that speaks to our direct experiences, fears, hopes, and aspirations. Over the past 20 years, I have produced 6-7 musical projects. From “Beyond the Facade” to my latest effort, “Thankful/No Doubt.” This musical journey of resonance is undergirded by concepts of thankfulness, identity and abundance through 7 songs.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always challenges, from the clarity of vision and direction to managing personalities and people’s individual lives. One of the biggest band challenges is scheduling and having a life, jobs, families, other commitments, and responsibilities.

Another challenge, in particular as an Independent artist, is learning how to navigate broken experiences with wholistic intentions. It can be challenging applying paradigms of abundance to scarcity mindsets and models in terms of opportunity or resources or bringing high vibrational content outside of the expected “norm” in “Music City.”

I have a mixed tape entitled “Roller Coaster Dreams” that explores the ups and downs of fighting for your dreams and peace of mind in spite of daunting circumstances. Through all challenges the goal is to “Shine!” (Shine! is a song from the latest album.)

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I produce music that is organic from mostly real instruments. I am a composer, an author, poet, musician. The content of my work tends to focus on the experiences of Black and indigenous people. My music is reflective and observant in words and music. My goal is to give praise to the Most High, while exploring the experiences and challenges of Black folk without being defeated or overwhelmed by them. Love is the Root of my music. Love of God, Love of Self, Love of Others. Love of the living. When people say they feel uplifted by the music or inspired; they say they feel better about their day or that there was a moment of refuge or respite from the world’s chaos when entering this frequency/vibration, then I feel as if I am doing my “job” correctly.

I don’t know what sets me apart from others. I am not as concerned with what others are doing as much. I am focused on doing what I think needs to be done or how I feel I should do it to the best of my ability.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My father once told me that life was about choices and chances. You make a choice and take a chance. Not taking a risk is risky. Living life is a risk. Some risks are calculated, some are not. All we have is life. If you’re scared to live it, you’ve already lost it. The reality of some of our greatest dreams and hopes lie just beyond our comfort zones and ideas of risk.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nita’Ann, Captured Moments Photography The art piece Roller Coaster Dreams is a water color commissioned piece done by muralist and artist Jamal “Woke3” Jenkins.

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