Yo. I can’t read good...

There ain’t no shame in my game. I went to the reading trailer in middle school. You know, that tan trailer on wheels out back of the ‘real' school where they took the four or five students per grade that were…linguistically challenged. The place I learned how to say and read the word ‘vegetable’ as VAG-EH-TAB-EL. "Short ‘A’ sound Matthew and you almost have it.” The blonde language arts teacher endlessly wearing a navy sweater turtle neck would say. Emphasis on the almost. This was after weeks of work. "I fink I am wewwy startin' to get it." I would say in response as she made a sign of the cross and rolled her eyes. I was brought up Catholic.

I don't hate reading, never have. I actually love it, but when I was younger, I guess it was harder for me. As an adult (kind of) now I try to read as much as possible. There is even an alarm on my phone that goes off daily so I can make a point to try to find a half hour a day to read. Take that brain! And School! You'll never get the best of me!

I recently did an experiment to see how many words I read per minute now as a semi-function citizen of this beautiful America society. I thought it would be way harder to figure out. After googling for about 6 seconds I found a website that offers reading test for free, Staples.com. Sure, why not? The place that sells the Easy Button also provides thorough aptitude test for reading competency...for free? Sure, why not?

As it turns out I read at 237 words per minute. Which, if you can't deduce by the bold letters on the tablet shaped graph included above that clocks me in at 5% slower than the national average. Me can't read good...according to Staples extensive online testing. Welp, there goes the rest of my confidence. That's right, I am worst at reading than an average 8th grader. It says so on the tablet graph above. Go check.

I included the link below if any of you are interested it this the comprehensive analysis. Let me know how you do!

Can you read good? Click here to see...

-YourFriendMatt

When I Grow Up...

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris

Hi, my name is Matt, I am 27 years old and I have no idea what I want to do when I grow up...and that's okay. 

See? What the hell am I doing here?

It is my hope that someone out there read that and sighed with relief. Don't let anyone fool you, most of us have no idea what we want to do. Some of us may think we know what we want to do but I don't know if anyone ever really has it figured out. And if you're reading this and you did know what you wanted and you're so successful please comment below to help the rest of us.

Reflecting on the last year or so I am coming to realizations in my life. First is that life rules. I have countless people in my life that I am grateful for. I live by the beach (let that sink in) in Santa Monica with beautiful girlfriend (and now a tiny pomeranian with a jaw problem; see below), my family fully supports me from 48 states away, I have a job I love and hobbies I love even more, health, and I ride my beach cruiser to work. Even after reflecting on all that I can't help but wonder what's next?

I'm not worried about failing as much as I worry about understanding the chances that could lead to...something. Failure or success. Am I keeping my eye out for opportunities that are right in front of me? Am I doing everything I can to put myself "out there" (wherever that is) to meet new people, see new places and fully take advantage of the world around me. Am I putting too much pressure on myself to "change the world" or should I start by changing one small thing at a time? 

If you have read this far into this post thank you. I hope that you feel relieved that someone in the world feels the same way you do. Hopefully someone feels this way and I am not a total loser...but what the hell this is my blog...fuck it. And...that being said...this is incredibly personal. But...once again this is my blog...so what the hell. 

Let's take a risk today. And tomorrow. And the next day after that. Let's start small by smiling at someone new, take a moment to slow down some careless interaction like buying coffee and look at it from another perspective. Compliment someone's shirt who knows maybe they will offer you a job or be your best friend in 10 years. Take an alternate route to work, school or the store and see what's there. Make everyday count. I have to continually remind myself to live in the moment. Plan for tomorrow but live for today. 

I may not know what I want to do when I grow up but let's have good time trying to figure it out.

Does any of this make sense?  

-YourFriendMatt

Newport Beach...

“Total rookie mistake bringing the car on this ferry.” I said shaking my my head staring at the shoreline.

Jamie and I love to take day trips. We have both recently entered into the next steps in our careers and trying to line up our schedules has been less than perfect. I spend more time with our dog than with her some days. Luckily we had the opportunity to take some time off together around this past holiday season.

We got up one morning, lazily, had a pot of coffee and started bouncing ideas around. Laguna Beach? A bit far. Santa Ana? What is even there? Burbank? Santa Barbara? Can we bring the dog? As we surfed the internet for “best places to visit in - insert SoCal town name here - we came across Newport Beach, CA. It look adorable and not too far. Kind of a New England feel to it. We found out there was a ‘Fun Zone’ with arcade games, ferris wheel and shore snacks…and who doesn’t love corn dogs, funnel cake and other deep friend delicacies. It has beautiful beaches from the pictures we saw and Balboa Island. Which we weren’t really sure what was there but you had to take a ferry (with car, totaled $3…where the hell can you find anything that cheap in Southern California?) which seemed fun enough for a day trip.

We jumped in the car and 40 minutes later we were reading ‘Welcome to Newport Beach’. As we pulled on to the main strip it reminded us of our vacations with family in Outer Banks, NC. Sleepy, quaint, beach-bum vibe that made us feel relaxed. Beach on both sides of us as we pulled up to the Balboa Island Ferry…which only allows 3 cars at a time. I can imagine during there peak season this might be a nightmare but I guess we went on an off day and pulled right on. The ferry took off across the bay and we got out of the car. “Man, is that were we are going? That island is tiny as hell.” I said to Jamie as she shrugged and nodded yes. We stepped out of the car to take a selfie and we were there. The ferry ride took less than 4 minutes. “Welp. Let’s get back in the car.” I said feeling very much like Clark Griswald. 

***BALBOA ISLAND TIP - If you are just heading over there to walk around, sit on the beach or meet up with a friend…YOU DO NOT NEED YOUR CAR. The streets are narrow, parking was hell and it could take upwards of an hour to get back off the island on the ferry. We walked the perimeter of Balboa Island in under 20 minutes. I am not talking about speed walking either. We stopped to take photos, see Christmas displays on the neighborhood lawns and walked an entire dock.

We visited Newport Beach on a perfect day. No clouds in the sky and 60 degrees. Just the right kind of weather to were a sweater or hoodie-vest combo. Which is a fantastic break from anyone who has been living without rain in 75 degree weather for the last year…not that I am complaining. We hitched a ride back on the ferry to see what else Newport had for us. The ferry is located right next to Fun Zone and we found street parking one block way. Told you it was a perfect day. Jamie and I immediately went for the arcade to play as much Skeeball as we could. We grabbed some lunch at Newport Landing conveniently located a on the water near Fun Zone with and upstairs porch to eat on. The food wasn’t that great but the wait wasn’t long and the views made up for it. Their outside seating is a great place to grab a drink, people watch (one of our favorite things to do), look at the beautiful California coast and share a warm conversation.

It’s rare that we get time together, especially for a day trip, but if your in the area or looking for a quick easy place to spend an afternoon with your love give Newport Beach a try. We loved it…just leave your car.

-YourFriendMatt

Hello 2015...

Shit to do in 2015:

-Get passport and get off North America…even for a weekend.

-Play drums for a band at a show in LA…and beyond.

-Post a blog once a week…totaling at least 52 post in 2015.

-Work on next film.

Shit accomplished in 2014:

-Survived Los Angeles for 365 days straight…fuck yeah!

-Fell even more in love with Jamie Cartlidge.

-Got promoted.

-Launched YourFriendMatt.com.

-Adopted our dog Piper from a parking lot. 

-wrote, produced and starred (unintentionally) a short film. ..along with went to Vegas to do a short.

2014,

You were a good year, a great year - a stupendous year! Thanks for holding it down. You will be missed but we have to keep pushing forward. We will build on top of what we started here and strive for better. 

Thanks for everything 2014.  

2015 - don't be a dick. 

-YourFriendMatt

One Year in Santa Monica...

...and we moved...

I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead like a do every morning. The sound of plastic against skin of our deflating air mattress echoed through the barren apartment. I got up to lift the shades and let the warmth of the sun in. She stirred and sat up. I turned to look back to see the nothingness and sterile white walls of our new place as she said "Well, what do we do now?" The excitement of driving across country faded quickly and the realization had set in as I looked back through the window at a palm tree swaying in the cloudless blue sky. 

One year ago today we moved from Delaware County, PA to California.

Home Sweet Home...

We arrived late in the night. I took a deep breath as we made the final turn on our adventure across North America. I have been listening to the GPS for 5 days and now it was time to turn it off. Wild. A journey of a thousand miles (or 3,000 miles) begins with a single step. And we were on our last step. 

Our landlords were waiting on the curb with their 3 boys who, luckily for us, were eager to meet us and help move a few boxes. I can't help but admit there was a moment of complete terror pulling up to the address that was discussed on the phone a world behind us now. After all the searching we did on multiple real estate sites for living arrangements we found this place on Craigslist. I was praying it wasn't a scam. I had promised Jamie’s family I would take care of her, make sure she was safe and took her away with me. (And they also promised to kill me if I messed up in anyway…and they made sure to tell me multiple times, so I believe them). We had no back up plan. And now here we were. All the prep work of getting out truck ready for a cross-country trip, packing, parties, good bye's, teary nights over beers with friends, and all the help we had led to this moment. "Please, don't let this be a scam." I begged over and over again silently in my head as I shot Jamie a suave-confident smile as we pulled into our new driveway. "Thank you." Releasing with a sigh praising the spirits watching over us. It wasn't a scam. We are home. And there are 3 kids here to help us move in. "Thank you." 

Thanksgiving 2014 on the beach...

We have learned a lot about ourselves over the course of the last year. To pseudo-celebrate our year mark in Santa Monica Jamie and I took a walk to the first place we went the day we woke up in our new home this time last year, our local coffee shop. We reminisced about how we bought a bed from the first place we saw selling them. We discussed finding a Target and battling LA traffic to get there…and purchase things we never thought off…like a shower curtain…or ya know, towels…or light bulbs. 

I am Space Ranger 2...

Over the last year we have gone through a lot and accomplished a lot. Like this for example, our truck died a month into us getting settle. We were carless and broke in a new city. Luckily, we have awesome friends, Greg and Rick, who were willing to drive my car I left in Pennsylvania all the way out here so we didn’t have to buy another. Thanks guys! Jamie worked as a visual designer, floral designer and now works for a real estate broker. Go Jamie! I got promoted. We adopted a dog. We stayed in Joshua Tree, went to Disneyland for Christmas and then went again in the summer (why not!), we have hosted her family twice and had more people stay over than I can count…and we loved every single one of you who came out to stay with us! We made it to San Diego, we have hiked all over the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu, I started this blog, we flew home twice for weddings and to play on the radio 104.5 with my friends, we have watched my nephew grow up and learn to walk over FaceTime, I made it to vegas to make a short film, I saw the Phillies beat the piss out of the Dodgers in their own stadium, we made it to Catalina (not for a wine mixer), and made some incredible, lifelong new friends.

Love...

It’s been a hell of a year and I look forward on what’s to come. I am truly blessed and lucky. Thank you everyone who has been apart of our lives, especially over this last year. And thank you to anyone who has supported us in any way during these crazy times. We love and thank you for everything.

See you soon!

-YourFriendMatt

Cough...

“What would you say that flap of skin is?”  The gray-haired doctor said to his assisting nurse staring at my naked body.  “Well, that’s definitely his testicles.” she replied pointing. “Very good, dear.” He smiled.

Today I went to the doctors for the first time in 7 years.

There was a period of my life when I didn’t have health insurance. And that period sucked. I gave up skateboarding, throwing myself into dangerous situations for the satisfaction of my friends laughter and I guess…grew up…at least a little bit. 

Going through my health benefits at work during this years open enrollment it dawned on me “I pay a lot for this shit! I am going to use it!” Not that I am complaining as I knock on wood typing this. It is a blessing I have not had to use any of it but what’s the harm in a little preventative care? Over the last few weeks I have been to the optometrist, general physician, chiropractor, dentist and dermatologist. 

Last week I thought it would be a good idea to head to the optometrist before heading to my physical. Seemed like a good idea and all the scheduling lined up. The only thing I had not factored was they were going to dilate my eyes and that last about 5 hours. For anyone who hasn’t had there eyes dilated or forgot what its like I will fill you in. They put some sort of chemical in your eyes, it may burn, it may not, and then like a snap of the fingers you can’t see clearly anymore. I wasn’t able to see the watch on my wrist…and I had ridden my bike. Luckily the doctor told me I still have 20/20 vision, unluckily I had to ride my bike…on Santa Monica Blvd…to my physical…half blind…good thing I have a helmet.

Arriving to what I believe to be my next doctors appointment I roam around the outside of a building complex trying to read the directory signs. I even asked Siri if she could read for me. She told me she could not very matter-of-factly. Bitch. I called the office and asked for directions and the receptionist seemed very confused with what I was asking. “Are you the tall skinny man standing out front of the office window with a bike helmet on?” She said as she could see me outside wondering around. She then told me to “Just walk in.”  I nodded my head sarcastically, walked into the glass door to the office before an elderly patient woman opened it for me. “Bless you.” She said taking pity on me as I took a seat in the sun-filled waiting room. 

“You’ll need to fill this out before we can see you.” said the receptionist handing me what I think was a clipboard and some sort of medical-legal papers. “Sure!” I said and continued to pick up the pen attached to the clipboard. I can only imagine the look on her face when I handed her the forms back with nothing but scribbles. I think I even tried to draw a pirate from memory on a signature line. 

A few moments later I hear “Mr. Bates? Please come on back.” I picked myself up and made my way to the back. Or at lease I’d hope so. “Okay Mr. Bates. Please remove your clothes and the doctor will be right in.” The careless assisting nurse said closing the door as I muttered “ALL my clothes?” She responded from the other side of the door with “ALL YOUR CLOTHES, BABY!” I can’t be sure but I feel like I heard a faint laugh dissipate down the hallway away from my room as she said it.

...Can people see my name body through this window?...

The doctor came in shortly after and we made small talk before he told me to stand up and cough…

007...

This one time...in Las Vegas...we made a short film...

I moved to California almost a year ago. The transition was rough in the beginning. My girlfriend and I didn't know any one in the state...and it's a pretty big state. We were broke from the expenses of travel across the country and stressed wondering about what the hell we were doing. This is when my phone rang.

Chris called me to let me know he was going to be in Las Vegas (a "short" 5 hour bus ride from LA). This is the perfect opportunity I was secretly looking for to forget about what I was supposed to be doing (setting up my life) and go play with my friends in the desert. We discussed the concept of a Bond-eske short film over an even shorter phone call and when we pulled in the the Vegas bus station Chris was waiting there in a red Mustang. "The rental place gave away my actual car, so I got this!" Not a bad trade off. I threw my bag in the trunk, jumped in the front seat (sorry/thanks Becca) and we drove directly to a tuxedo rental shop off the strip. The film attached is the result of putting ourselves in weird situations throughout the city to create something we wanted to see...and yes...I wore that tux all day...even at lunch.

Please check it out and let us know what you think!

On Break...

“Holy shit, this place is weird.” - Me

All I wanted to do is read a book and relax on my lunch break. I am lucky enough to work a stones throw away from the breath-taking views of the Pacific. This is my place of choice for taking all breaks throughout the work week, an oasis if you will, from the hell-trap on Earth I work in dealing with the silver spoon, brainwashed to keep-up-with-the-Jones’, American public day in and day out. In all honesty I love what I do, no complaints…if only the damn customers weren’t there…but thats a whole other conversation.

Today, I take the long way to the coast to sit on my usual bench to read and decompress from the first half of my shift. I arrive at my bench just at the edge of the tree lines shade at the perfect time of day. As I take my seat there is a man pacing behind the bench on the phone call of his life. He speaks loud and direct to whomever it is he needs to get his point across to on the other side of that mobile device. I do the usual raised eyebrow dirty look towards him and open my book. As I start to ingest the immoral words from my library-borrowed Christopher Moore fiction my new pacing friend ends his call. Good - my eyebrows did the talking again. Victory.

As Pacer stands there I notice out of the corner of my eye another older man, tattered, in every sense of the word, with a sticker-covered guitar case takes a seat on the grass next to the bench. Indian style now he opens the guitar case to pull out 2 drum sticks. Sure. Why not? What? You expected him to pull out a guitar? No, no. This is California, nothing normal happens here. Especially on the cliffs overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica…I really need to find a new oasis…this place is getting weird. Oh - did I forget to mention he has a tarnished, half consumed wine jug with him? My new tattered friend takes his drum sticks, one in each hand, and in no order or musical computation I can make out starts to sing and bang on the guitar case as if it were a drum using his half consumed red-stained jug to accent his nonsensical beat. I slowly raise my head from my fiction in a mix of confusion, frustration and awe. By the time I look over at this tattered man he has pulled out a recorder, the kind of flute-like instrument they hand out in 3rd grade and starts contributing his own horrific, and once again in no music computation that anyone could comprehend or interpret to paper, soundtrack to the picturesque scenery.

At this point I assume you for got about Pacer. I almost did too. As I rip my eyes from the absurdity that is Tatter to my friend Pacer I notice he is in a trance, barefoot, shoes removed and discarded across the grass like litter in a hunched position looking like he is prepping for a human take-off in the vein of Superman or Peter Pan. He springs upright and releases all the air in his lungs like a party favor balloon squeezed of air. It is at this exact moment I notice another man who has sat down on another bench a few feet from me fighting the air in front of him as passerby’s move out of the way of his mighty fists. What the hell is going on today? I sit and wonder then ask myself, "Does this happen everyday?"

Now, I can’t make this shit up. I wish I was this creative and smart but I’m not. I am on break at work and from all sides around me people are going crazy. How in the hell am I going to focus on a book now? And it is now that I realize. If we stop to notice life, just slow down for a minute...the world is a beautifully insane place. Take a minute this week to break out of your 'normal' routine and look to see what the hell is going on around you. Like Ferris said "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around for a while, you could miss it." Or you might find some crazy assholes doing God knows what in all areas around you. 

But then again...sometimes....you have to go back to work.

-YourFriendMatt

Catching up with Brandon...

Enjoying another warm, picturesque morning here on the sunny Gold Coast as the email notification goes off on my phone. Thankfully it’s not another spam email about today’s sales on whatever website that somehow got a hold of my address…this email lets me know that today is going to be a good day…that I’ll soon be speaking with the lead vocalist of Sons of the Sea—Brandon Boyd. Yes, that Brandon Boyd—the same lyricist and mesmerizing front man of the inspiring, multi-generational band Incubus.

Sons of the Sea’s just released a new music video entitled “Lady Black” and features model Lauren Marie Young—recognizable from ad campaigns such as American Apparel, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Fox Racing Girls and Playboy’s cover, and is directed by Brantley Gutierrez. 

The video, a steady-paced rock track—opens with our hero (Boyd) wandering through a gritty, washed out desert. Boyd staggers over dunes under a black veil and discovers a portal. Through it lies Lady Black—everything he’s been searching the universe for and more. When asked about her role Young stated, “I loved being the energy of Lady Black. The momentum really took on full throttle when everyone was in costume. It really felt like living on Mars.” The location, which is only a few hours from Los Angeles, gives the video an otherworldly feel. 

Since his hiatus from musical ventures Boyd has been a busy man with his art projects. Luckily, we were able to catch up and get some information about Sons of the Sea and what we can expect in the near future:

YFM: Was Sons of the Sea something you had always been working on or was it something that evolved during hiatus from Incubus?

BB: Sons of the Sea was a pretty spontaneous reaction to Incubus taking an indefinite period of time off. There was a part of me that was excited about the chance to stay home and just surf and paint, but the reality was that after about two weeks I was being flooded with song ideas and needed a place to unload them. Brendan O’Brien (record producer to The Fray, Pearl Jam, AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine, Bruce Springsteen, etc.) happened to have a serendipitously timed period in between working on albums as well so we decided to finally make good on many years of threatening to write songs together.

YFM: Does Sons of the Sea have any festivals, concerts or shows booked soon where you'll be performing?

BB: At the beginning of this year we played a handful of shows on the east and west coast and it was a blast. It was a really new and fun experience and the audiences that came out very much seemed to embrace the creative leaps that were being taken. I'd love to perform live with Sons of the Sea more, and in different places, but being an indie project has some serious logistical limitations. What I need is a sugar daddy or a "patron" of the arts to help finance a tour. 

YFM: Where and when was the video filmed?

BB: We filmed it about two hours from LA at a very strange but very cool set that looks a lot like what I'd imagine a lunar base would resemble. A lunar base that was built by someone who used to deal drugs, that is. The second day was filmed at Dumont Dunes in California. 

YFM: Was there any theme or vision you and the production team were aiming for and why?

BB: Brantley Gutierrez and I have made a bunch of videos together and as a result we usually don't have much of an idea of what we're going to do heading into our projects. We'll have an idea or an outline, but then once we start that usually gets overshadowed by spontaneous magical interventions. This video was no different. The level of stunning beauty around us that day made it easy to make though, I have to say.

YFM: What is next for Brandon Boyd, Sons of the Sea or any of your art and music ventures?

BB: Getting myself ready for a couple of art shows in support of my newest book So The Echo; most likely in and around Europe. Incubus will likely be writing for another offering soon and maybe Sons of the Sea will impress someone somewhere enough that they'll invite us for a Yacht tour around the Mediterranean.   

Do I smell a new Incubus album sooner than expected? It goes without saying the man is busy and driven with his artistic passions. Do yourself a favor check out the video, pick up the album and grab a copy of So the Echo. And if anyone knows a sugar daddy…excuse me…“patron” of the arts…send them Boyd’s way.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtqcTIf40RE

-YourFriendMatt

While You Were Gone...

Holy Crap! I am so excited! Here it is! We made a 3 minute short film!

I can't believe that I still get to do creative things surrounded by the people I love who in return continue to push me to do more creative things. I am one of the luckiest and richest dudes on the planet. Please watch, share, laugh, hate it, love it and let us know what you think!

Also, if you have not already done so please check out some of the other shorts we have done under the "I Write and Act" tab on YourFriendMatt.com or at our YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/BrokenSoundRecording.

Thank you all for anything and everything you do!

Stay positive. Smile. Have fun and screw 'em.

-YourFriendMatt

Ol' Trusty...Part Two...

“Oh man. No way. This can’t be happening.” we softly uttered as the engine seized… 

Our band had been invited to play an event for a rock radio station in Philadelphia. We hadn’t played together in almost a year, we had no new material to showcase, some of us moved to other states and we would only be able to get one rehearsal in…we went for it. We missed each other and needed a excuse to play music together again. Besides, we are professionals right? We would all remember the lyrics, harmonies and parts after a hour of rehearsing right? Sure - it's like riding a bike - 'we got this' repeats over and over again in my head.

I landed back in Philadelphia to rehearse, caught up over some beers, packed up and we were on our way. Chris and I drove our ramshackle van full of equipment while the other guys went separately due to prior obligations. When we get together we think we are invincible and even at our age, which is closer to 30 that 20, we find ourselves reverting to our adolescent mindsets. Even the worst ideas seem probable after we all convince one another it's possible. Case in point - driving our band van, which is literally falling apart, 20+ miles to Philadelphia. 

Our final destination...if we make it there...

We got this...

Right before we departed there was a (very) quick conversation about the  possibility of the van not making it. Back up plan? Nope. “She is going to make it! There is no other option!” We decided as we all raised a toast to the van that has gotten us around the world and back. “Here goes nothing.” Chris whispered in a moment of clarity “Okay Ol’ Trusty…all you have to do is get us there. We will take it from there.” caressing the steering wheel. I turn and place my hand on the dusty dashboard. "We got this."

There was traffic so we decided to make our into New Jersey and then cut back over into Philadelphia from there. This made sense if you were driving a vehicle that was well maintained and knew it was going to get your to your final destination. In our case though this was a tricky maneuver. If the van died in New Jersey we were screwed. We crossed the bridge from Delaware in to New Jersey and all was going well. As we had reached the crest of the bridge there was a loud, unnerving bang. Where did it come from? Chris and I side-glanced at each other. “Did you feel that?” I asked. “It’s nothing! Ol’ Trusty will get us there!” Chris responded and then it happened - the van shut off. Died. We were motionless at the crest of the bridge like a roller coaster at the top of its track. “No way!” We both barked “Start rocking forward and hopefully we can coast down the rest of the bridge!” We rocked and pushed and then she went. The centrifugal force and gravity started to pull us into New Jersey as we coasted with a dead van full of equipment. “Oh man! Do the brakes still work?” as I turn to Chris who is throwing an open container out the window. He responds “Man! This is probably an awful time to tell you that the van is uninsured!” We both scream held each other and pray for the best as we careened towards the garden state.

Frantically, Chris pumps the brakes as we whiz by a colorful "New Jersey Welcomes You" sign. We were running out of road fast as we see our lane was coming to an end. "Woo! The shit hit the fan quick on this one, baby!" Chris yells and he jerks the wheel steering us into another lane. I could see there was a fork in the road at the end of the bridge. "Aim for that shoulder man! If we can land there we'll be fine!" I point as I pull out my phone to document with a quick social media post...and to send to the rest of our band to keep them up to date with our current whereabouts. What? If we are going down like this I want social media to know we went out in glory. "Already ahead of you!" Chris responds as our ship starts to course correct towards the fork 's shoulder. 

With a screech of the tires, a cloud of black road dust and a touch of luck we land on the shoulder of the road. We wipe the sweat from our brows and slowly turn to look at each other in awe. After a wide-eyed, jaw dropped pause of amazement we slowly crack smiles. "Holy shit! We did it!" Double checking my phone for the video playback. "Damn straight we did. Now, lets fix this beast." Chris motions to me exiting the drivers seat to pop the hood. In a few moments, along with a a lot of cursing, hitting the engine with hammers and readjusting battery connections we were back on the road.

"I don't know? Should we hit it with a hammer?" - Matt & Chris

The rest of the ride was steady besides a few pops and sputters. We made it to the venue in time to load in, sound check and grab a brew together. The show went on and we had a blast seeing all our family, friends and creating memories. See…like I said…we got this.

-YourFriendMatt

While You Were Gone...

I am so excited to announce we are going to be releasing another short film on August 1, 2014! It's under three minutes! We are always looking for new hurtles to jump and to push our creativity. Trying to get a point across in three minutes is a challenge but I am proud of this outcome.

Above is a quick trailer about the film. We submitted this to a film contest here in California and no matter what the result this is another project of love and passion. Create because you love it, you get to make your friends laugh and screw what everyone has to say. Please check it out and let us know what you think! Thank you for everyone's continued support and love! 

The Return of Owls...

Some would say it is about time and way over due. We can all relax now, it’s finally here and fans could not be more excited. Owls have released their sophomore album ‘TWO’after a 13-year hiatus, through independently owned Polyvinyl Records. Back in action and touring the globe Owls is a super group of progressive, emo and pop rock royalty. Featuring Tim Kinsella, Mike Kinsella, Victor Villarreal and Sam Zurick from groups Cap’n Jazz, Joan of Arc, Owen, American Football and The Promise Ring, Owls second album marks a more defined, mature and confident sound.

An hour before the doors a line has already formed for the die hard fans who wish to claim their spot on the standing room only floor, and as they take the stage, the crowd goes ballistic. With a simple, soft spoken “It’s good to be back”from smiling singer Tim Kinsella the band breaks into their title track from TWO “Four Works of Art”—a slow-paced, riff driven rocker that allows the band to groove and fans time to watch Owls musicianship. They flawlessly transition to their single from TWO “I’m Surprised”with Kinsella’s trademark eccentric vocal stylings. The club participates with Owls call and response choruses and metaphorical lyrics.

For the rest of the set Owls transition from one progressive emo track to another showing that their was no rust to shake off from their hiatus. They are as energetic and captivating as they were a decade ago…if not more. Check out Owls in a city near you this summer and pick up TWO as soon as humanly possible if you know what is good for you.

An Evening with Into It. Over It...

Welcome to the one-man show. Catch him slinging his vinyl records, hoodies and t-shirts at his merch stand then transition to social butterfly before hitting the stage to put on a flawless performance of emotional rock songs to which everyone can relate. Is this person a superhero you ask? No. This person is Evan Weiss of Into It. Over It., and Weiss has a long history of performing that dates way back to his high school years in Cherry Hill, NJ. Into It. Over It. has played as a full band but these days primarily tours as solo act.

Tonight Into It. Over It. is solo and Weiss is preparing for the crowd at the iconic Roxy on the Sunset Strip. As the curtain rises Weiss cracks a joke about how he thought it was going to open sideways; before ripping into the intro riff from the title track “New North-Side Air”off the new album Intersections. It’s Weiss’emotion and honesty that make his live shows so damn compelling. There’s an electricity to Into It. Over It. and Weiss commands every lyric, drawing his audience in. When the chorus hits you can’t help but get involved chanting and belting every unforgettable melody. Weiss has a magic about him that allows Into It. Over It. to bring its audience into the inner circle of participation.

After the show, we were able to get a word with Weiss who gave us a loose update on a possible new EP or LP coming out with a member of fellow tour mates OWLS. “I can’t really say as of now because I don’t want any rumors to start but it will be cool,”Weiss said, smiling. Sounds like we should be on the look out…but we’re not here to start rumors either.

Hey! I'm on a Podcast...

On a recent visit home I was able to check in with my friend Paul over at Questlab Podcasts. He was nice enough to think what I had to say would be funny for his show. So what did I do? We all got drunk, got in the studio and you can hit play to see what happened. Pretty sure we discussed my Wawa tattoo, the happenings of my move to Los Angeles and our adventures of the new taxi-like Apps like Uber and Lyft. Check it out, download and share with friends. 

YourFriendMatt

The Squash...

"Man. Fuck this bitch." I said to myself getting cut off in line at the super market.

It's Friday and I am on my bike ride home from work. After a weeks worth of dealing with the American Public it's only right that I stop at the super market to grab some nice beer. An hour from now I will be sitting in the backyard staring at the raise garden I assembled basking in the sun as it turns to dusk. Perfect way to launch into the weekend if you ask me.

(SIDE-NOTE: I don't know if I will ever get use to being able to walk into any supermarket in California and be able to purchase beer, wine, or booze. It's like Christmas ever time I walk into a store. Like I forget and am surprised...again. This makes food shopping, preparing a dinner party, or entertaining so much easier without having to go to multiple locations or the "state store" to get alcohol. That's right my friends...in Pennsylvania we have to go to multiple locations to get booze, 6-packs, and cases...I know, I know...it's insanity.)

Perusing the beer garden at my local super market I see a ton of great deals and want to choose carefully. This is a big decision. As I am standing looking at the variety in front of me I hear a "Uhhhhh." Followed by a deep sarcastic valley girl sigh "Like, excuse me!" Followed by another scoff. A woman pushes me out of the way and grabs her bottle of wine. I couldn't believe how rude she was but I brush it off, pick up a 12 pack variety of local craft beer and make my way to the register. The line is out the door, which isn't a total surprise. "Who cares that the market decided to have one line open to ring out the entire city of Los Angeles?" I think to myself "Just relax, in a little bit you'll be home."

I feel a tap on my shoulder and it's Curtis. (What? You don't know your market employees by name?) "Hey man, good to see you, head to 3 I'm about to open it up." He whispers and scampers off. Man, I love this guy. I turn and make a run for his line as he hits the switch to the light up the 3 indicating he is open. This is great, one item, he'll ring me out in two seconds and I am on my way home. As I turn to greet Curtis ZOOM! A blonde haired, mid 40's, LA snob-devil-she-bitch cuts me off in sporty hiking gear...with a full cart. The same woman who pushed me earlier. Her stupid blonde ponytail poking out the back of her Nike golf hat she obviously took from her pitch-n-putt husband...he is probably a "producer." Ew. What makes it worst is that she knew, she knew what she was doing, she knew she cut me off. We locked eyes and the world froze as our surroundings dimmed black and for a second it was just her and I. She shot me the "FUCK YOU! I CUT YOU OFF AND YOU SUCK! BY THE WAY FUCK YOUR BEER!" look. We all know this look right? This isn't over yet.

The devil-monster places her gluten-free, California locally grown, organic-soy based, animal cruelty free or whatever the hell hippie products on the counter.  The last thing she puts down is a fresh Italian loaf of bread from the store's bakery. I haven't said anything yet and although this has been a tragic turn of events I know I'll get her somehow. Curtis shot me a look of concern. I nod in approval. One final shrug as he silently mouths "Sorry, bro!" and starts to ring up this devils order. As I see her cart full of items jolting towards Curtis on the conveyer belt every market has I take a glance at the fresh italian loaf a bread. Maybe she is making a pasta tonight? Maybe it'll be nice for her devil family...so cute. Welp. Too Bad. Does anyone remember what I am holding...oh yes, a 12 pack of beer. Then it hits me "Man. Fuck this bitches bread." As her last few items were being rung up I make my move. She didn't see it coming. I drop my case of brew on top of this fresh bakery bread flattening it to a fresh bakery pancake. What is she going to do now?

"Hey, my bread!" she yells. Curtis shoots me a look and shakes his head with a smirk. I pretend not to notice she is yelling in my general direction and grab one of the trash magazines the market strategically places in all the lines. "Wow. Curtis did you see Kim and Kanye's wedding photos?" I nonchalantly mention to Curtis paying no mind to the devil-monster yelling and flailing her arms in front of me. Did I mention I am also still wearing my bike helmet during all of this? "Lady! Your holding everyone up!" Someone screeches from the line that quickly formed behind me. "Ma'am would you like to get another one?" Curtis trails off. "I already rung it up and we do have a line." He finishes as I add "Yeah! We do have a line!" I could see the devil fire growing in her eyes and the sweat forming on her brow as she stood fist clenched. I add "Well?" In the most sarcastic-dickhead voice I could muster. "Lady! Move!" Someone else yells from behind me. Frozen for a second and fuming she reaches into her bag pulling out a credit card, swipes to pay and starts to bag her items.

Curtis rings up my only item, I peel the bread off my beer and squeeze my way past her while she is still bagging. "Night Curtis! Thanks man!" I say and exit.

Riding home with a 12 pack in your beach cruiser basket knowing you have nothing but brews and gardening in front of you makes forgetting about that devil-monster-she-bitch all the easier. When out in public...please use your manners. And remember if you are going to be awful...someone might drop a 12 pack on your bread. 

I hope you all have a fantastically relaxing weekend!

YourFriendMatt

Magazines...

I am one of the luckiest dudes alive. I have the most loyal, loving, hardworking and best friends and family who would do anything for each other at the drop of a hat. Like Forrest said "I know that ain't something you can find just around the corner." My friend and musical brother Chris made this video for our upcoming show in Philadelphia for Xfinity and our fabulous friends at Radio 104.5. Such great footage that brings such great memories. I can not wait to fly back to all my family there and hug you all. Please enjoy and share with friends.

Piper the Pisser...

"Man, it's like she is doing this to mess with us." I say with a sigh of depression.

House training a dog is not an easy task. Jamie and I have recently adopted a dog named Piper. She is 9 months old, weighs 6 pounds and her previous owner through her out of a moving car which left her with a broken jaw that she will more than likely never be able to close. Relax, she can eat and drink, everyone calm down, that is usually the first question we get. She kind of uses her tongue to flick water and food pellets into her mouth leaving our kitchen floor a drool ridden, gooey danger zone. This only adds to her adorable-ness (think I just made that word up) needless to say we have done our fair share of coddling, hugging, and saying ridiculous things you would say to a baby in a high pitch voice. Piper is well taken care of. The cuteness is wearing off now though. 

Piper is alone longer during the day when Jamie and I are both at work and no accidents. None. Completely fine. For whatever reason she can't last the 7-8 hours we try and sleep. We walk here right before we go to bed, take away her water to try to get all the pee out of her so we can sleep. It's like fucking clock-work. Every morning there is bound to be a shot glass spill worth of Piper piss on the floor somewhere. Rub her nose in it? Check. Crate her? Check. Use stern voice? Check. And finally my fucking favorite...Puppy Pads? Check...and she laughs at them. These things are the biggest snake oil, joke-waste of money I have ever seen. I swear she pee's around them to mess with us. Perfectly around them.

When we first moved in at our Santa Monica abode we didn't think the concrete floors would be very homey or welcoming. Now they are a damn godsend. If we had carpets this place would smell absolutely awful. How? How is the damn world do you train a puppy? I did it once before with Scoob (my 17 year old dog living with my father in Pennsylvania). Why can't I get this dog trained?! Anyone? Bueller?

Dear Mom...

Dear Mom,

Thanks for always being there for me when I was acting like a dickhead (and still act like a dickhead, I'm still learning). I am the luckiest dude on the planet. Your guidance, no bullshit attitude, and love have molded me into the person I am today. Thanks for always driving us to shows which ultimately led to destroying every car you owned. Thanks for letting us use the basement (and essentially the entire house) as one big rehearsal and jam space for me and ALL my friends. Thanks for being a taxi service. Thanks for buying all those Capri Suns and fruit snacks (Ry and Chris are still sorry they ate all the ones from the 9/11 survival pack). Thanks for letting me host all those New Years Eve parties. Sorry about Ian pulling his pants down and running down the street screaming "Suck my ass!"...we still talk about that and Ry and Bj are still terrified of making you mad. Thanks for letting me play music as loud and as awful as I wanted. Thanks for  taking us to Blink 182 (Bj and I still talk about it to this day) at such an early age, buying me all those instruments, letting me dye my hair orange, blue and pink...and thanks for letting me wear those blue plaid pants in 7th grade. Remember taking grandma into Hot Topic? Thanks for surprising us with The Nightmare Before Christmas that one time I think in third grade. Pete and I were so excited and watched it an estimated billion times that weekend. Thanks for always doing anything you could to surprise us or make something special no matter what. Thanks for being organized and precise with everything we did. Thanks for always caring and pulling all the parents together when we decided we were going to go on our first tour. Just the other day Ry and I were talking about it. Thanks for letting me dress up as Dick Tracy, Bill Wilkins, and Batman when we went grocery shopping. All the birthdays, gifts, countless hours you spent on something I took for granted at the time mean so much to me now. Thank you.

I know a lot was put on your plate when we were young and I want you to know how much I appreciate and love you for being as strong as you are. Thanks for being both my mom and dad when I needed you to be. I know I can always turn to you with anything and you will be there for me. It's days like today I wish I wasn't 3,000 miles away and could give you a hug (I can't wait until you come out for a visit). 

I love you mom and I want you to relax and enjoy the day. Stop working so hard...maybe that's where I get it from...

Love you so much Mom!

-Matt

Growth...

I am told stepping out of you comfort zones is where opportunity is found. Leaving our families, friends and most importantly comfort behind almost 6 months ago (yes...half a year...eek!...where does time go?) I think I want to attest that opportunities are found out of your comfort zones. For better or worst you will grow as a person and find out things about yourself that you never knew were possible. Look at me...I guess I am a writer now? And people actually want me to contribute to their sites and even weirder than that...read what mine has to say. That's insanity. 

You will never know what is out there if you don't take a jump...and that is horrifying. Take baby steps and do something you wouldn't do today. Something small and scare yourself. It's not so bad, reflect on it and work on something bigger next time...but what the hell do I know.