This was taken after I had a massive nose bleed - 32 - January 31,2019 - Santa Monica, CA
This week’s list gets our February started on the right foot. We have some Beach Slang, Daisyhead, Pup and more! Check it out now!
Music saves
-YourFriendMatt
Honeymoon - Arches National Park - Fall 2018 - Shot on iPhone
“What the hell are you scrolling for?” - Us.
This year Jamie and I have committed to less screen time and more us time. This means putting down our phones, turning off the TV when we got get home, and enjoy each others presence for a while. 2018 was a busy year for us. We got married and planned our wedding in Philadelphia from Los Angeles; to say it was a hard task is an understatement. One of us was always on the phone, replying to an email, or just blatantly ignoring the other while mindlessly scrolling through memes on Insty for a bit of relief from all the decision-making we were doing. At the turn of the new year we decided that was enough, we set a goal to put down the tech and enjoy our time together.
We made a couple of easy changes that would give us some of our time back. We looked into an at-home food delivery service. I had no idea what to look for, and really don't know anyone who has used one before, but we figured we at least check it out. After some research we decided that Plated would fit our dietary needs. It seems they have more vegan and vegetarian options than their competitors. By switching to Plated we got back a ton of time we would have been spending in the grocery store or thinking up meals to cook throughout the week. We have all gotten stuck in the spaghetti and taco night weekly dinner loop. Our schedules, like I am sure many of yours, never line up. Between work, time with friends, fitness classes among other activities, it is incredible that we see each other at all.
We made another simple change and try to stick to it. We decided to keep the TV off until we spend at least an hour with each. This gives us time to vent, share funny happenings throughout our work day, and focus on what is important. We throw on some easy-listening and cook together. We even might eat that same meal at the table instead of in front of the TV, what a crazy idea. Leaving the TV off is tough because who doesn't want to watch two different documentaries about Fyre Festival to see if they are just a little different. Side-note: the Netflix one is better than the Hulu one. Between cook time together and no TV, we have gained hours of our lives back, which is what marriage is about right? Loving the person you are with and spending time with them?
I have been told that communication is the key to any relationship. I can tell you from first hand experience that spending a little more time together and putting down the tech for a bit has done us good. Even when there is a new Ted Bundy special, we are learning that it will be there after dinner and we can enjoy it together after we chat for a while. Sidenote: The Ted Bundy Tapes on Netflix is out of control, I highly recommend watching it with lights on in the afternoon.
-YourFriendMatt
Busy at play - Early 2019 - Santa Monica, CA
Happy Friday! This weeks rock-indie-alt playlist includes a new track from American Football, Elephant Jake, Hey Thanks, Point North, LAVE, and Bearclaw Camp! Enjoy!
In a sea of awful releases this week, these bands stick out to us.
-YourFriendMatt
Los Angeles Dive - 2019 - Shot on iPhone
“Holy shit. We are the only ones here. This is awesome!” - Me.
Nothing is worst that pushing yourself through a crowd to overpay for a cheap, watered-down drink at a bar filled with dickheads. First world problem I know, but living in a city with a population of over four million people it is bound to happen. Jamie and I rarely go out because it just isn’t worth it. Trying to find parking is a task all on its own and then paying surcharges for it adds salt to the wound. We needed a local place to go. A “Cheers” type place where you can go, actually relax, and everyone knows your name. So we went on the hunt for it.
Deep down in the trenches of Yelp we found a spot that looked like a mistake. There was barely any reviews, only a few dingy photos, but it was within walking distance so we decided we’d roll the dice. We walked in and it was everything you hope for in a dive. Old leather burgundy bar stools, pool tables that have seen a million 8-balls end games, dimly lit by faded Budweiser pool lights from the 70’s. Wood paneling on the walls and an even darker wooded bar that was lacquered to a fine shimmer. There was a jukebox playing oldies in the corner. The menu hadn’t been touched in decades. The carpet was stained from years of party fouls and puke; no one knows its original color. A true diamond in the rough.
We took our seats and ordered cheap bottled beers from the owner, who also happened to be the only employee. This was a blue-collar bar and we immediately felt a sense of belonging. We were the only ones there and we wouldn't have it any other way. Everyone else our age is out trying to find the next hip bar, over pay for their experience and put it on socials that they were there on opening weekend, but we are fine right here. We have music we love playing and each other. In a city packed to the gills with people, it is great to go out and actually relax from time to time. We danced the night away to Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Roger Miller, Dolly and more. No one came in the whole night, we just sat, enjoyed our conversation and company. It is nice getting out every once in a while.
If you need me in the foreseeable future, I’ll be at the dive.
-YourFriendMatt
Ventura, CA - Early 2019 - Shot on iPhone
The rain is over in LA! ⛈ Here is this weeks rock-alternative playlist to kick off your weekend including Cassettes, Tiny Moving Parts, Timeshares and more! Check it out now!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
Go Birds - Malibu 2019
"Be right back. I have to throw up." - Jamie.
It is the new year, and with that comes all the resolutions that we all make to ourselves. Jamie and I are working on getting ourselves back into the shapes we were when we first met. I join a rock climbing gym and she wanted to explore the possibilities of fitness classes. We are both extremely intimidated by fitness. We have no idea where to begin. She found a beginners class within walking distance of our place in Santa Monica and debated signing us up. After a few days of back and forth debate, she signed us up.
We walked into our 10am class on a Saturday and the gym immediately fulfilled every stereotype I have about gyms, especially fitness classes. There was loud rock music from the 80's and 90's blasting, a sweet smell of over 30-year-old body odor, and a militaristic fitness coach barking orders with a European accent. "Oh yeah, great form, excellent form everyone, three more reps! Sweet it out, honey!" Vlad shouted to a class making their way through a circuit.
Jamie and I signed in, along with our other Groupon inspired fitness newbies, and our class went to orientation. We were instructed to keep a positive attitude, be early, and set measurable goals. Vlad and his assistant weighed us all in and took our measurements. There was only one scale and they asked each of us our ages and goals when we stepped up. I did not know there was going to be homework or that I would be sharing my personal information with complete strangers staring at me as I stood on a scale. Others in our class were mortified when they had to step up, state their age, and goals. I could care less. I found it funny. What made it even more entertaining was when they yelled your weight to another assistant who recorded all the information. "Yeah, this one is 38 and weight 226 pounds! We got a lot of work to do!" One assistant would yell to another. I am here to support my wife so I just made up some bullshit goal of building mass or having the worlds strongest neck muscles. They recorded my weight and then simply instructed, "You should go eat something." I am underweight for my height, bummer.
Once we were all done being humiliated in front of our new class, we got instruction on what this intro class would look like and hit it. We needed to be barefoot, bring a towel, and drink a ton of water. Since neither Jamie or I knew what towels to bring, we figured we would be safe and bring a few beach towels. Everyone else had small hand towels. Whatever. All joking aside, I was sore after. Jamie almost threw up, which is just the icing on the cake for newly inspired fitness seekers. Nothing motivates you more than almost throwing up in front of everyone in your new fitness class. We worked through some strategic and sexual stretches before and after the class that made this already awkward experience, even more awkward. "Make sure your pelvis is fully thrusted forward, good form Gina." Vlad called out. Evidently my pelvis thrust form was not as great, I'll work on it.
The class ended and we walked home and discussed the future of our fitness. Jamie will be back and appreciated me attempting it with her. I will stick to rock climbing, it is more my speed and there is way less pelvis thrusting.
-YourFriendMatt
Pirate’s Lair - Disneyland, CA - Christmas 2018
Happy Friday! Here is this weeks edition of the rock-indie-alternative 6-Pack playlist! Perfect for a break at work, short walk, or vibe on your commute! We have some Pinegrove, Washout, Colourblind, and more! Check it out!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
“Take care of the planet, man.” - Winter 2018 - Ventura, CA
"Fuck you. You'll get over it." - Woman who threw trash out of her car window at me.
Imagine if you will a land in the future. The year is 2019 and although humankind still has it short comings, a huge population of the species strives to leave the world better than they found it. We have the ability to reduce and recycle, smart devices make life more efficient, and modern science continues to take us to further exploration of space unknown. We can do incredible things if we wanted to, and some of use are. Why would you not want to be apart of the solution and contribute to that? There are still some of us that are still lost.
Last night it was raining. My incredible wife, Jamie, was gracious enough to come get me from work because I normally ride my bike. It is dangerous to ride your bike in the rain in Southern California. Rain never happens here so people kind of lose their minds when it does. I work in a heavily trafficked area so I usually opt to meet her a few blocks away at the supermarket so its easier for us to meet up and load my bike in the van. When I got there a woman in a blue minivan was parked a few spots away from where I was meeting Jamie in the supermarket parking lot. As I loaded my bike I noticed the woman, without care, open her car door and throw a crumpled, greasy, brown bag of fast food trash on the ground like it was nothing. Take it to the trash or recycling bin 10 feet away? No, throwing your garbage around the parking lot seems appropriate. I was stunned.
She and I made quick eye contact and I pointed at the trash with a puzzled look on my face so I decided to mouth, "I think you dropped something." Boy, she didn't like that. She responded with an excited, "Fuck you, you hippie! They clean the parking lot nightly, you'll fucking get over it!" I was stunned. She actually believed that throwing trash on the ground was the right thing to do because someone would clean up her mess for her. Folks, there are people on Earth, in the United States, that think this is appropriate behavior. What have we become.
Before I could get another word out my beautiful, yet scrappy, wife lost her damn mind. She doesn't like when people talk to me that way. Jamie replied to the woman with, "Are you fucking kidding me, bitch! Fuck you! Fucking get out of here." The woman sped off. She didn't make it far to the next traffic light. It was actually kind of funny, she talked this big game and told us she was going to kick our asses, then sped off just to have to wait at the stop light. It was instant Karma, she just sat at the light embarrassed. Jamie yelled inside our van, "Wow, you got really far, bitch! Fuck you!" I kept my eyes on the woman, and she did the same, while I walked over, picked up her greasy bag of trash, and put it into the recycling. She flipped me off from the traffic light.
All joking and funny banter aside. We have to do better. We cannot continue to act this way. I don't know what the solve is, but we have to hold each other accountable to a high standard. I hope wherever the woman in the blue van is she is thinking about our interaction and potentially will think about her actions, but sadly, probably not. She will more than like continue to go to Jack in the Box, get something off the value menu, and throw her trash in the streets, which is just an awful way to go through life.
-YourFriendMatt
New year. New camera. Los Angeles, CA - late 2018.
2019! Here is this weeks rock-indie-alternative playlist including Gardenside, Timeshares, Overslept, and more! Check it out now!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
I set numerous goals for myself this past year and have accomplished most of them. I got married, graduated from college, got back into running routinely, worked on restoring our beloved VW Vanagon, did a cross-country road trip, I played music regularly, and continued challenge myself creatively. I am a very lucky individual and do not take what I have for granted. I have appreciated 2018, even when things looked grim, and boy, did some grim things happen this year.
One of the last projects I wanted to accomplish before closing out the year was releasing a short (very short) film. Attached here is a footage from a day off I had with our dogs, Piper and Penelope, when we lived in Nashville. When I finish errands early, exercise, and run out of laundry to do,I find myself getting antsy. Jamie hates it, but I am not really a ‘sit on the couch and relax’ kind of guy. So I decided to take my trusty iPhone, a tripod, and my actors (Piper and Penelope) and come up with something creative for us to do. This short is the end result.
The whole video is less than 2 minutes to watch, but took me way longer to find the footage and edit all the goofy sounds in.
Things can always get worse, count your blessings (or whatever you believe in), and let’s leave this place better than we found it in 2019 (and forever)...and always remember to have fun!
Thank you for taking time for us today.
Please feel free to leave feedback, thoughts, and comments! -
-YourFriendMatt
Macungie, Pa - December 2018
Happy Friday! Here is this weeks rock 6-Pack, including tracks from All Get Out, Kill the Clock, American Football, and more! Check it out now!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
Arches National Park - Utah - Fall 2018 - Honeymooners
FRIDAY! We have some new tracks from Angel Du$t, Locals Only, and a chill one from Philly locals - Sleepy Limbs! Plus new tracks from SHADED, Rarity, and Modern Chemistry. Check it out now!
Music Saves.
-YourFriendMatt
Almond St, Phila, PA - Fall 2018 - Mini Stuffed Buffalo
Great week for music, welcome to Friday! We have some new Crooked Teeth, Can’t Swim, and freaking VALENCIA! This is Valencia’s first release in years and who knows what this means for the near future of the band. We also have some new tracks from Antarctigo Vespucci, Stand Atlantic and Jetty Bones. This week is jam packed with great music, enjoy!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
I recently hit a milestone in personal development. Over the last year, I have done my best to find quiet-time for myself. Meditation has helped me manage stress, focus on what is important, and gain a second (sometimes third, fourth, and fifth) wind to approach the day or problems with a fresh set of eyes. I believe you can not help others, lead a team, or do your best work until you get yourself in order. This past week I hit 365 days straight of finding time to clear my head, and it feels incredible.
Before consistently meditating I had trouble sleeping. I would let the stressors of the day impact my night and even experienced a few night tremors. Waking up screaming and not knowing where you are, sucks. I also let stress impact my personal life by taking out my stress on others or being withdrawn from situations I should have been enjoying. I needed to take control. I spoke with my doctor, ran tests, and very luckily all was well physically. We discussed how stress kills, and how I could take control of it. I decided to give meditation a try. Quietly sitting, getting lost in my own head would be a great start to understanding why I was stressed and under self-inflicted daily pressures. Meditation forced me to start making sense of what was going on in there.
As it is men’s health month, I wanted to share and (hopefully) inspire anyone to give meditation a shot if you are feeling overwhelmed. I know that I can say meditation and breathing exercises have done wonders for me and I believe it can for you too. If you have any questions or need any advice on getting started, feel free to contact me at Matt@YourFriendMatt.com, I would love to help anyone!
It is okay not to be okay, man.
-YourFriendMatt
Telluride, CO - Fall 2018 - Shot on iPhone
Happy Friday! Here is this week’s installment of the 6-Pack. We have some new alternative tracks from Muncie Girls, Gold Route, Linebacker and more! Check it out!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
So many great new jams this week! We have some new Saves the Day, The Menzingers, Roger Harvey, and more! Check it out!
Music Saves.
Listen, enjoy, and share!
-YourFriendMatt
Where you want to go? - Santa Monica, CA - Summer 2018
Friday! Friday! Friday! This week’s alternative-rock 6-pack playlist brings us new tracks from Super American, The Flats, Eyes Eat Suns, and Mom Jeans. It' feels like the 90’s are back, and I am okay with that. We also have some faster-paced punk-rock singles from The Home Team and Single Mothers. Check it out!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
“We are converting the back of the van into a bedroom, how hard can it be?” - Me.
We recently got the idea to reupholster and redesign the back of our van to turn it into a cozy little bedroom. The back bench already folds down flat into what could be a full bed. If we could figure out a way to make the rest of the area comfy we can have a mobile bedroom on wheels.
The anatomy and design of the Volkswagen Vanagon are pretty interesting. The engine is in the back, the battery is under the passenger side captain chair, the spare tire is under the back seat and you check the oil dipstick behind the license plate. It’s been fun to figure out how to configure a routine maintenance plan. It is very different from popping the hood on most American cars and having everything in one spot.
After some quick internet searching, planning, and shopping around for the right comfy cushion for us, we found a peice of memory foam that fit our budget. Most upholstery manufactures and local shops charge triple the amount of what a piece of memory foam cost, it is a weird niche market. After we did some research we felt pretty sure we could do this ourselves. We landed on making our own mattress for our van. Armed with our simple memory foam mat, we made some measurement plans, and were on our way.
Crude, but it worked...
To reinforce our DIY van bedding, we purchased a piece of plywood from our local hardware store. I traced the floor plan on some taped together paper shopping bags (unusual, but worked. Use what you got!). This floor plan template was easy and helped me align both the foam and plywood so they would match perfectly. Work smarter, not harder.
Once we had everything cut to size it was just a matter of making it all look pretty.
Pretty easy project to make any Vanagon or adventure mobile even more comfortable!
Finished Product...time for the beach...
-YourFriendMatt
8 Years - Brentwood, CA - Summer 2018
Happy Friday! This week's 6-Pack is riddled with new grooves, including singles by Boston Manor, Drug Church, and Better Off. We also have some new tracks from the newest addition to Hopeless Records, Stand Atlantic, a weird one from Graduating Life, and a fast-paced, pop-punk single from Midfield.
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
Doodle on iPad Pro - Summer 2018
Happy Friday and I hope your week went well! We have some new Alkaline Trio, WSTR, and The Story So Far to help kick off your Labor Day Weekend! We also have some new Divided Heaven, Roseview, and Young Culture. Most of this week's music is all new to me and I am pleasantly surprised! Check it out!
Music saves.
-YourFriendMatt
