“Rockstar” Q&A with Matt Brown…
Laying down the groove in 2022.
Photo Credit: Josh Stolberg
Today, I am excited to share a recent Q&A with my friend, colleague, and Toxic A$$ets bandmate, Matt Brown (Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, occasional Rhythm Guitar)!
We explore his life-long relationship with music and some lessons he learned along the way; lessons that I believe offer some helpful ideas and reminders for both work and life. Like a ballad, each of our lives tells a story, many of which share a common thread. As you read Matt’s story, consider thinking about your own relationship with music (or any passion) or how music may have served as the soundtrack to your life.
Thanks for reading!
“Rockstar” Q&A
Featuring Matt Brown a.k.a. “Mr. Brownstone”, “Downtown Matt Brown”
Toxic A$$ets: Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, occasional Rhythm Guitar
“He who layeth down the groove...”
August 2012: Matt having some fun backstage at the historic Gem Theater in Kansas City, Missouri.
Q.
What were some of the earliest songs, albums, music videos, or artists you remember?
A.
The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, and Jimi Hendrix.
Q.
Did you come from a “musical” household?
A.
Yes, both of my parents played instruments. My dad played the guitar and my mom played the piano. My mom also made me take two years of piano lessons, starting when I was in the second grade.
Q.
Who was (were) your biggest, personal musical influence(s) growing up?
A.
My piano teacher, my choir teachers at my church, and my dad, who taught me how to play the guitar.
Q.
At what age did you leave the “aural nest” of your parent(s) or family, to go forth and discover your own music?
A.
During my Ninth-Grade year, when some of my friends and I started a band. We practiced often and played a few parties for our friends. Our setlists often included ‘90’s Alternative Rock songs from Cake, Everclear, and Eve 6. We also played a lot of Classic Rock songs from bands and artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hendrix, and CCR.
Q.
What was the first single or album that you purchased?
A.
Jimi Hendrix Experience (Greatest Hits)
Q.
What musicians/artists influence(d) you most?
A.
Again, probably Jimi Hendrix. I was drawn to his guitar solos, which seemed to incorporate bass lines. RHCP also greatly influenced me. Their playing in many ways was similar to Hendrix, especially the guitar work of John Frusciante. RHCP also had a similar style of using repeating riffs, something that I also noticed in certain songs of Led Zeppelin. I recall an episode of “Late Night with Conan O'Brien” where Jimmy Page played a fairly simple riff that I liked and later used for myself. Another one of my musical influences is the Dave Matthews Band. I learned several of their songs on the acoustic guitar and later incorporated the Jimmy Page riff mentioned above. Again, some of the common links I noticed between all of these great artists and songs, were the use of syncopated rhythm guitar strumming and guitar riffs and solos that incorporated bass lines; my inspiration.
Q.
Have you ever met any famous musicians/artists?
A.
No.
Q.
What were some concerts/festivals that you have attended? Is there a favorite or most memorable?
A.
I have been to several Dave Matthews Band concerts, all of which were a blast. However, for me, the best concert was RHCP in Oklahoma City. They really “brought the heat” and created so much energy in the arena. I really let loose that night!
Q.
Did you sing and/or play an instrument when you were a child or young adult? If so, did you take lessons or were you self-taught (or was it a mixture of both)?
A.
Before learning how to play the guitar, I sang in my church choir during elementary school and also sang in my school choirs during junior high school and high school. My time in choir taught me how to read sheet music and learn classical pronunciations. It also allowed me to catch on to musical themes. Later on, when I started a band in high school, I naturally felt more comfortable singing in front of people. I was also a singer/guitarist in our church youth group band.
Q.
Did you study music theory and composition?
A.
Not formally, but I was definitely exposed to some music theory in choir (See above).
Q.
Do you like to write music, lyrics, or both?
A.
I used to write songs when I was learning how to play guitar in high school.
Q.
When first performing, did you experience stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it or even utilize it?
A.
I got nervous, but I never really experienced stage fright; mostly just the effects of excitement and a surge of adrenaline.
Q.
Have you ever had a song or performance professionally recorded in a studio?
A.
No.
Q.
Do you like music history, musicology, and/or trivia?
A.
Yes. I love music and instruments that remain “outside of time” or timeless. One thing about using organic instruments, such as a piano, is that a piano built one hundred years ago, sounds like a piano built today, and will most likely sound like a piano built a century from now. Arguably, the same cannot be said of electronic instruments or effects; if you only use the latest sound effects, the sounds of today, then tomorrow, they will likely sound “dated and outdated”.
Q.
Currently, what are some of your favorite musical styles or genres? Is there a style or genre that you would like to learn more about?
A.
I listen to a variety of music and like to change up my playlists periodically to avoid hearing the same stuff over and over. Right now, I've been listening to a lot of Praise music and Christian Rock. I also like East-Coast Rap, especially artists with the best beats. Thus, I’ve been tuned to “LL COOL J's Rock The Bells Radio” on SiriusXM lately.
Q:
Is there an instrument that you would like to learn how to play?
A:
Banjo because it sounds like a good challenge. I also want to learn how to scratch, which would give our band an opportunity to play more songs by some of the bands we currently cover, such as Sublime and the Beastie Boys. Plus, if I ever got the chance in a club or venue, I could hop on stage and give the crowd a surprise…
Q:
Are there other aspects of the music industry that interest you (e.g., producing, engineering, marketing, dance and choreography, style and design, artist management, etc.)?
A:
I think it would be cool to learn how to produce songs and albums; perhaps something that I can pursue years from now, post-retirement. I also want to write music again. Years ago, I would come up with a great riff or song verse, and then forget how to play them by the following day. To help prevent this, I began to just hit "record", so I could revisit them later and make them into something more special.
Q:
How has your relationship with music, including performing, helped you in your work life? Any applicable lessons or takeaways (e.g., more comfortable with public speaking or presenting to a large audience, stronger relationships with co-workers, etc.)?
A:
Music, especially its performance, has definitely helped me with public speaking and allowed me to not be afraid to “put myself out there”. Performing helps me to “go with the flow” and to “go big”; I believe that most audiences want to be entertained. Music rounds out my life and affords me a better work/life balance. Most importantly, music helps me to not take myself too seriously. Be humble and enjoy life.
Hey, I know that guy…!
Q:
Has music helped you achieve a better work/life balance?
A:
Yes. (See above)
Q:
Are there any other items or insights that you would like to share or discuss?
A:
Music is definitely a stress reliever. Nothing else can take me “out of my body” and allow me to leave my worries behind. It definitely offers an escape.
In the beginning…
July 2012: “Mr. Brownstone” on the Bass Guitar for Toxic A$$ets’ first live performance at The Blue Room in Kansas City, Missouri.