Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Matt Bridges: I heard of Exposed Vocals from my fellow artist, Diverse Marley, who advised me that this would be a great opportunity to create an outlet for current and future compositions.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Matt Bridges: I was born on the west side of Chicago(Humboldt park), raised on the south side(Harvey& Matteson) I’m the 2nd eldest of five children. I developed my passion back in high school. I’ve always had a love for music, but once I received great feedback from my first recorded track, it only fueled the fire.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Matt Bridges: My stage name is actually my government name as well(Matt Bridges). For the longest I tried thinking of something unique that describes me and my music, until someone told me that Matt Bridges was pretty catchy and easy to remember, I agreed and ran with it.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Matt Bridges: I love online music sharing! I feel it’s the best way for independent artists to gain the needed exposure. Yes, I always give it out for free. I feel you need to build a brand before expecting others to pay for it.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Matt Bridges: Seeing as how I’m still start up phase myself, I’d say work hard, stay humble and use every avenue possible to get your work out there.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Matt Bridges: I’ve definitely made mistakes in previous performances. At the end of the day, the key is to keep it moving and keep rocking the stage.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Matt Bridges: I’ve never toured before, but I’m certainly looking forward to doing so in the future.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Matt Bridges: My inspiration comes from my life’s events. I take what I’ve learned and witnessed and incorporate it into my music.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Matt Bridges: I don’t have a band website. I currently use Audiomack as my platform, but I’ve also used soundcloud, reverb nation and hot new hip hop.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Matt Bridges: I honestly embrace everything I listen to, so I can’t say I’d be embarrassed from any particular song on my playlist. But I do keep my horizons broad. I listen to it all, R&B, jazz, country, rock…..you name it.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Matt Bridges: I’d continue feeding my passion (music) and make sure my family’s good. Those two things are critical to me.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Matt Bridges: I currently don’t have personal studio equipment. All my work is recorded professionally by engineers.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Matt Bridges: I use all social media outlets when promoting my music. In this day and age I feel it’s the most efficient way if reaching the masses during my building phase.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Matt Bridges: Kanye, Kendrick, Cassie veggies, Drake, Talib, Common lol man the list goes on. I’d work with these artists and more because of the messages of their music. They compose music with substance and consciousness.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Matt Bridges: I recently dropped an EP entitled V.I.N.Y.L (Vision Is Not Your Limit) earlier this year. I’m currently working on dropping my next, entitled E.A.R.L.Y (Ears Are Really Like Yard work)
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Matt Bridges: If I weren’t making music I’d probably be focused on computers engineering. I enjoy technology and the way things work when they come together.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Matt Bridges: The first album I purchased was Juelz Santana’s From Me to You. All I could remember is the bass in his productions and the way he vividly told a story while being creatively lyrical.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Matt Bridges: I’ve honestly been trying to grasp a balance between the two. In doing so, I find myself writing whenever I hear or see inspiration and once I’ve composed a complete track, I record and give it my all.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Matt Bridges: Look forward to hearing and seeing the name Matt Bridges more often. I’m working!
