I recently called over to the UK for the opportunity to speak with rapper and R n B singer youngJ2one. He has such a positive "can do" attitude that is truly inspirational. He was originally born in Lagos, Nigeria. We talked about his background and where he draws his inspiration from. He is also the CEO of HOT BASE TV. He has been focused on his music and production skills since the age of 15. He always interested in learning new things, as well as teaching people that are just starting out. He has a mix tape available now called "definition of music". The tracks "I Keep Hustlin" and "Imma Go Hard" are included with this episode. You can learn more about him at http://www.wix.com/youngj2one/com and
http://www.reverbnation.com/youngJ21.  I can't wait to hear the new music that he is working on.  Enjoy!

David Martinez is a singer/songwriter from Corpus Christi, Texas. We recently had a great conversation about his life and his career. He told me about his approach to writing songs as well as the recording process. He also talked about the amazing producers and musicians that he has worked with. We talked about his recent SXSW appearances, and what he has planned for the future. He was nice enough to allow me to include two of his songs with this episode. I like them both very much, and I'm sure you will too!  I encourage you to look for more of his music online. Learn more at  http://www.davidmartinezmusic.com/. David will be recording again very soon, so check back often to see what's new. Enjoy!

Singer/songwriter Jordan White returns to the Artist Connection Podcast! I first spoke with Jordan eight months ago for Episode 014. It was great to catch up with him. We talked about his new Four Songs EP. Two of the new songs are included with this episode! It is a great collection of songs that shows multiple sides of Jordan's music. He has a very versatile voice that works with many styles. He has a lot of shows scheduled throughout 2012, and I encourage you to check him out. You can learn more about him at http://www.jordanwhitemusic.com/. If you see Jordan, tell him Matt sent you! Enjoy!!!  

The return of Zak Smith! I first had Zak on the show six months ago for Episode 028. I couldn't wait to catch up with him, and this was the perfect time. His new album is being released May 1, 2012. We talked about the recording of the album and talked through a few of the songs. We also talked about his mobile app. I have it, and it is great!  The content is updated often, and it's a fun way to stay up to date with everything going on in his world. Zak and I also have a shared love of protest music, so we talked about the evolution and current state of the Occupy movement. Zak allowed me to include two songs from the new album. After you listen, please buy the album.  It is solid from start to finish. You can learn more about Zak at http://www.zaksmithband.com/zaksmith.cfm. If you see Zak, please tell him that you heard him here first!  Enjoy!

Jenavive is a fantastic singer/songwriter from Calgary, Canada. We had a nice conversation about her life, music, and influences. She told me about the inspiration behind her Underthesheets album and her plans for 2012. She learned to play the piano at a very early age, and still teaches it when her schedule allows. We also talked about the influence of her family on her musical career. You can learn more about her at http://jenavive.com/. Her website includes some great videos, info on her band, and where she will be playing next. She was nice enough to allow me to include some of her songs with this episode. Once you hear them you will want the rest! If you reach out to her, tell her that you heard her on the show!  Enjoy!

I recently called over to London to speak with Danny and Bekki from the band High Heels & Low Lifes. I had a lot of fun with this one. I love their music, and the conversation was fantastic! We talked about the music business, and their recent signing to Red Dragon Records. We also talked about how their sound has evolved over the years, and how they formed the band. Their "Live Fast...Stay Pretty" ep is available at their website http://www.highheelsandlowlifes.co.uk/. They also have music available at Amazon and iTunes. I encourage you to check out their videos. A new one is on the way! They were nice enough to allow me to include two songs with this episode. They promise a London experience no matter where you are in the world, and they deliver!!!! We are going to be hearing a lot from this band in the coming weeks and months. If you reach out to them, please tell them that you heard them here first. Enjoy!

Welcome to the first ever "all music" episode of the Artist Connection Podcast! You will meet some of my old and new friends, and have the chance to sample some amazing music. It was almost impossible for me to pick just one favorite song from each of them. I will share my thoughts on the artist before I play the song to give you an idea of what the artist and music means to me. My musical taste covers a wide range of genres. My collection has a little bit of everything. The same is true for this episode. You'll get the blues, jazz, a little funk, and some rock. The thing that ties all of this together here is the incredible talent from each of the musicians. This episode includes the following songs:

George Hrab - Speak To You  http://www.geologicrecords.net/
Bob Corritore - Tell Me 'Bout It  http://www.bobcorritore.com/index.html
Zoey'z Fallacy - In Between  http://www.zoeyzfallacy.com/Index.aspx
Tali "Icepack" Jackson - Got No Business  http://icepackrecords.com/
Fusion Jazz Trio - Odyssey  http://fusionjazztrio.net/
Mike Dugan - Blues Mind  http://www.mikedugan.com/index.php
BASH.O - Remember (Old Woman Young Man)  http://www.bash-o.net/

I hope you enjoy the music that I selected for this show, and I encourage you to explore the other music that these artists have created. Please reach out to me with your feedback.  Enjoy!

The duo, Jo Nash, is comprised of John Corlis and Ashley Holm. I had the honor of conducting their first ever interview! I had such a great time meeting with them. They talked to me about their music, influences, and how they met. John is film composer, songwriter and producer and plays many instruments. Ashley is a singer songwriter with a knack for writing wonderful lyrics. They truly complement each other, and the latest proof of that is their new album "A Little Strange". I have been listening to it for several weeks now, and I can't say enough about it. We talked the other musicians that played on the album, as well as some of the stories behind the songs. Two songs from that album are included with this episode. I encourage you to buy the rest. Every song on the album is incredible! Learn more about Jo Nash at  http://jonashmusic.com/. If you reach out to John and Ashley, please tell them that you heard them here first!  Enjoy!

I was honored to make a call to Chicago to speak with bluesman Mud Morganfield. He is the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters, but there is much more to the story. He is proudly carrying on his pop's tradition and is making quite a name for himself. We talked about his latest album called "Son of the Seventh Son", out now on Severn Records. He also shared some memories of Muddy and why it is so important that we support blue music and the musicians that make it. He allowed me to include two songs on this episode, and we talked through some of the stories behind the songs. This is a great album. I have been listening to it daily since I bought it, and I encourage you to do the same. Enjoy the interview!

I recently called over to the UK and spoke with the band Lets Go Safari! I had a great conversation with Ryan Wood (vocals), Clive Coats (guitar), and the newest member James Mosley (drums). We talked about their recent signing with Red Dragon Records, and their upcoming single called "Oh, Jane Doe". It will be available on 5/9/12. They also told me how the band was formed, their influences, and the music scene in England. We also talked about some non music topics like the difference between audience expectations in the US and the UK, and our favorite tv shows. These guys were a lot of fun to interview, and I love their sound. They were nice enough to let me include two of their songs with this episode. Learn more about them at http://www.reverbnation.com/letsgosafariuk#!. Enjoy the interview, and if you reach out to them, tell that you heard them here first!