Meet Matt Wheatley | Songwriter, Producer, and Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Wheatley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, how do you think about risk?

Risk taking for me has been a vital part of my success. In 2016 I was working on my 7th year as a meter reader for a power company. It was a good job. Retirement, health insurance, a clear path to a good life I could clearly see laid out. But it wasn’t what I was passionate about, which was making music.

So one day after a long talk with a longtime friend of mine I finally decided it was time to make a change. Music was going to be my career and I wasn’t going to take “no” for an answer to that life any longer. So I sat down and made a plan for saving, building a music resume, and moving myself and my new wife and son to Los Angeles where I would not take any job that was not involved in music. Scared to death, the last thing I did was sell my house and put a deposit on a place in North Hollywood. And together with my family in tow, we took a giant leap of faith betting on my musical abilities and work ethic. Eight years later, now a full time composer / songwriter / producer, I can say that was a defining moment in my career success. Had I never taken that risk I know I would not be where I am today and am very proud of that decision. At the time I have to admit it was extremely scary to do, but necessary.

Now that’s not the path I recommend for everyone, but what I would say every successful person has in common is that at some point they decided to bet on themselves. Go all in. And that’s one of the best risks you can take because win or lose, you laid it all out there. What really drove my decision was the thought of lingering regrets of not taking the risk and never knowing what was on the other side. That weight would have been too much for me to bear.

So risk taking to me is essential, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a calculated risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

What sets me apart from others I think is what I call the “care factor”. I truly care about any project I work on, whether that’s a custom for a movie trailer, or producing an album for up and coming artists. You will be getting the very best of me every time because I don’t know how to do something less than 100%. And that just goes back to the work ethic I have developed over the years and knowing how to get the best out of myself and those around me as well.

What I think is most exciting for me these days is when we get to the mixing stage on a project and we really hear all the hard work being glued together. Those moments where the hair stands up on your arm feels new to me every time and never gets old. That’s what I strive for.

I don’t think there’s many successful people that would say their path was “easy”. And I’m no different. The only reason I am where I am is because I’ve failed enough times to learn how to do better. And I still do that all the time, I’m just quicker at learning these days. And that process never ceases and that’s not always easy, but it’s necessary and really it’s what drives success. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard recently is “You only really fail when you give up.” And I couldn’t find that to be more true. Failure in the typical way we view it, isn’t really failure if you’re learning and improving. It’s just part of the process.

One important thing I think people should know is your success is not dependent upon your God given talents. I have almost never been the most talented person in a room. But what I can promise you is, there isn’t a room I’ve been in where I wasn’t willing to be the hardest worker. And through that grittiness I’ve been able to develop my talents to the level of my work ethic. And I still believe that’s a valid method for finding success in almost anything.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Oh man where to start ? Well there’s a few staples I like to give friends and family who visit.

Most people want to hit Broadway of course and I get it, but I think it’s fair to say if you live here you’ve “been there, done that”. So what I typically say is if they want to hit downtown let’s go to Printer’s Alley and those smaller bars there. I think there’s some great (not so hidden) gems in there. I like to slip in Lonnie’s to watch some karaoke folks from time to time. Oddly enough, I’ve never once sang karaoke, I’m just a fan of listening and watching people sing their hearts out. Broadway rooftops on breezy nights can be fun too.

As a Bengals fan Tailgate Brewery is the spot for football games. The Local Nashville is an amazing venue / restaurant. And I love seeing shows at The Basement. Of course if you haven’t been to the Ryman or Opry for at least one show it’s a must go.

My absolute favorite place to eat would be Edley’s BBQ. The brisket tacos are out of this world good!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d love to give a shoutout to my good friend Todd Nielsen or CTodd as we call him.  He was the guy who really convinced me to bet on myself nearly a decade ago.  We’ve known each other and worked together for over 20 years.  And some of that work really helped launch me into my music career and without that I don’t think I’d be where I am today. He’s also an amazing songwriter + musician in his own right working out of Las Vegas.

I’d also like to shoutout my buddies Ryan Alfred, Max Geers, and Kevin Finkelmeier.  Ryan and Max are extremely hard working up and coming artists who are worth the time getting to know them and their music.  Kevin is a long time friend who is an absolute beast of a drummer in addition to producing and songwriting.  Amazingly talented guys, and even better human beings.

Website: https://linktr.ee/wheatleymusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheatleymusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewawheatley/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wheatleymusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wheatleymusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC63wX3NocMZ1FXX20kTHyEg

Other: https://www.mattwheatleymusic.com/