Meet Matt Wheatley | Songwriter, Producer, Mixer, and Composer

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

Hi Matt, what do you attribute your success to?
The ability to learn and adapt is probably one of the most essential tools to have in the music business because it changes quickly and often. I’m a self proclaimed nerd that loves learning new tricks or ideas to use for writing or mixing. And I also understand that the learning never ceases, so it’s important to always be vigilant about staying up to date with what’s working in the industry and what’s not. It’s also important to remember there are no rules!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart, and really anyone in the music industry I think, is my taste in knowing what is good vs. what is GREAT. And good is the enemy of great. Good is a starting point, great is the finish line. The distance between the two is often much bigger than you’d think, but it makes all the difference in what succeeds and what falls short.

Almost anyone who’s been successful in music will tell you it takes a whole lot of failing before you even taste any success. My story is no different. But how you learn from those failures is what will make the difference between becoming a success or ultimately giving up on your dreams. And the easy way to never truly fail is to simply never quit. And ever since I decided music was my future I’ve had that mentality, and it has yet to steer me wrong.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have friends who visit often from out of town and get this question regularly. So one day I finally put together a list of things I love in Nashville that I’m happy to share here too.

Broadway:

1. Second Fiddle if you want to do something on Broadway and still be able to move a little bit and get a drink
2. The Stage – Broadway if you like it packed and usually really good bands playing (duh it’s Nashville). Good rooftop spot too.
3. Printers Alley – great little group of bars off the main drag but walkable from Broadway. Good place to go if Broadway is too crowded
4. Lonnie’s – old school karaoke bar that’s always fun

Fav Nashville venues

1. The Local – not the main part of downtown but a great smaller spot that has a lot of the best songwriters play and food is pretty good
2. Ryman Auditorium – typically bigger acts but amazing venue
3. Ascend – outdoor venue usually for bigger artists but almost no bad seat
4. Brooklyn Bowl
5. The Listening Room – great atmosphere
6. Bluebird Cafe – smaller place and historic to Nashville known for hosting famous songwriters
7. Kimbro’s Pickin Parlor in Franklin- super cool place to check out if you have time

Food and Drink

1. The River House – downtown and probably the best steak you’ll ever have
2. Edly’s BBQ – highly recommend the brisket tacos
3. Sam’s Sports Grill – on the east side away from downtown and on the water (lake)..
4. TennFold Brewing
5. Scoreboard bar and grille – on the lake on the east side
6. Tailgate Brewery – downtown but not on Broadway – great spot to watch games

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife certainly deserves a shoutout for sticking by my side for 15 years and counting through all the good and bad. Moving across the country TWICE with a toddler in tow, long work days and nights, and sometimes not knowing how we were going to pay the next bill. But her belief in me and our shared journey together has been paramount in what I would call OUR success. We’ve always viewed ourselves as not just husband and wife, but as a team. Having that person to always have your back means everything in a tough business like the music industry.

Website: https://mattwheatleymusic.com/

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