Matt Wertz’s new album, Heatwave, may surprise long-time fans. Its throwback sound is a nod to the days of Bryan Adams and Richard Marx. Heatwave is a collection of songs that embrace the time when “Singer / Songwriter” was synonymous with “impassioned, bold, and expressive.” It doesn’t take long to realize that this sound makes perfect sense for an artist who is known for his no-holds-barred performances.
The songs on Heatwave are far from subtle or understated. They are full, lively and passionate. It’s a natural progression for what Wertz has been doing for years: writing great songs. It’s pretty rad.
NYMM: When did music first show up in your life?
MW: I grew up with a mom who sang as she went about her day. Music was always around. Because I was the only boy with three sisters, my dad and I lost the war against musicals, so I saw The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof dozens of times. When I was fifteen, I traded piano lessons for a guitar. I wasn’t known as a musician until college. It’s about that time that I started writing songs and people connected to it. I love connecting with people, and I saw writing songs was a way to do that. It went from playing songs in the dorm, to open mic nights at coffee shops, to frat parties, even summer camps, and it grew from there. It was all baby steps.
NYMM: When did you decide to do it full-time?
MW: It wasn’t until my senior year of college. It was never really an option for me to not finish. College was an incredible incubator for me to develop as a writer, without having to make a living doing it at the same time. I encourage people to stay in college and use their spare time to explore music.
NYMM: Tell me about Heatwave.
MW: The guiding light for this record has been a sonic one. I knew what I wanted the record to sound like before I knew what I wanted to say. I wanted a late-’80s singer / songwriter sound like you would hear from Don Henley or Richard Marx. When you dig into that sound, you realize that the songwriting was different back then. In order to pay homage to that era, I had to adjust the way I wrote. Some of that is lyrically, with specific words that recur at that time, and some is musically.
NYMM: “Whenever You Love Somebody” is a great song. Where did it come from?
MW: I was writing with Clay Mills, who writes hit country songs. We came up with a lyric that had that passion. It had that come-right-out-and-say-it ’80s style. The song talks about how crazy you can get when you’re in love; how it can be the highest high and the lowest low. In one breath, you’re cursing this person and at the same time you don’t want to leave. At the time, I was feeling crazy in a relationship, so it kind of validated where I was at the time.
NYMM: How have you enjoyed touring?
MW: I got to do a run of shows with Jamie Cullum, at the height of his career, up and down the West coast. It was really special. I was opening with just my guitar and he was performing with a full band. His audience’s response to me was amazing, which was hard to believe. I’m a very emotional player and performer, whereas he is a very technical artist. So it was very encouraging to be well received by an audience that follows his music.
NYMM: Have you had a really validating experience that stands out?
MW: Early in my career, I got an email from John Mayer. I’ve been a huge fan of his for a long time. He said that someone had played my record for him and he loved it. He was really encouraging. At first I thought someone was actually playing a joke on me, but I confirmed it.
NYMM: Does that sort of thing help you keep going?
MW: Yes, they’re fun, but none of those things really satisfy for long. It’s like you’re running a race, and someone’s there on the side of the road to hand you some water as you’re rounding the last mile.
NYMM: How do you know when your life is on the right track?
MW: When I’m connected to my heart, loving myself, and loving others well. I’ve had to boil it down to that, because everything else will change. If I do those things, then I have a greater chance of living a useful, peaceful existence. The mistake is that we’re always looking outside ourselves for what we already have. I’m never going to make enough money, get enough people to like me, or sell enough records to make me happy. If I can be just as grateful to play for people and be present when I’m writing a song, then I’m doing good.
You can find more Matt Wertz here:
Check out the totally rad Heatwave preview here:
Images by Jon Karr
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Pingback: Llaveros Personalizados
view website
June 3, 2015 at 6:31 am
I simply want to tell you that I’m very new to blogs and definitely enjoyed this website. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You certainly have impressive posts. Thanks a lot for sharing your website page.
Adam
June 3, 2015 at 6:01 am
On the other hand, pipes provide a large number of aesthetic
characteristics, and lots of are smoking uses together with works of art.
my website – cheap bubblers for sale (Adam)
read content
June 3, 2015 at 6:01 am
I simply want to tell you that I’m very new to weblog and absolutely savored you’re web page. Most likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You surely come with great articles and reviews. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your blog.
Stacie Milelr
June 3, 2015 at 3:58 am
I like this post it’s a master piece! Glad I found it on google.
guitar repair nyc
June 3, 2015 at 3:57 am
Fans of Van Halen should buy this game. Its fun…and thats why it exist…and that is why Van Halen is the perfect fit for GH! VH is one of the most fun bands on the planet…and Eddie, while an egomaniac, is a Guitar Hero.
Landon Banowski
June 3, 2015 at 3:53 am
It certainly is nearly extremely difficult to see well-educated people on this area, unfortunately you come across as like you fully understand the things you’re writing on! Thank You
ayurvedic medicine
June 3, 2015 at 3:45 am
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
children books
June 3, 2015 at 2:43 am
excellent submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t realize this. You should proceed your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
Pingback: Fabricante de llaveros
directv promotions
June 3, 2015 at 1:32 am
Hi, yeah this piece of writing is in fact good and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging. thanks.|
Anamaria Izaquirre
June 3, 2015 at 12:31 am
You’ll find it nearly unthinkable to see well-aware men or women on this matter, yet somehow you look like you are familiar with exactly what you’re writing about! Regards
Nevada Health Co op
June 3, 2015 at 12:07 am
}
Tamala Chum
June 2, 2015 at 11:30 pm
I just wish to tell you the fact that I am new to putting up a blog and clearly adored your page. Likely I am probably to store your post post . You definitely have fantastic article stuff. Be Thankful For it for giving out with us your domain webpage.
Mozell Dorne
June 2, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just spectacular and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
maximum shred
June 2, 2015 at 9:52 pm
I simply want to mention I am beginner to blogging and site-building and certainly savored this web blog. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You certainly have incredible article content. Kudos for revealing your web site.
ayurvedic medicine
June 2, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
free payroll software for small business
June 2, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my website thus i came to go back the desire?.I’m trying to find things to improve my website!I guess its good enough to use some of your concepts!!|
adt alarm systems
June 2, 2015 at 5:08 pm
What i don’t understood is in fact how you are not really much more well-appreciated than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You know thus considerably when it comes to this matter, produced me for my part consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested except it is something to do with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent. At all times handle it up!|
rental houses
June 2, 2015 at 4:57 pm
{
Sztachety Plastikowe
June 2, 2015 at 4:34 pm
I have been reading out many of your posts and i can state pretty good stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
agen judi poker
June 2, 2015 at 4:09 pm
Wow! Thank you! I continually wanted to write on my website something like that. Can I take a part of your post to my site?
the dentist
June 2, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Hi exceptional website! Does running a blog such as this take a great deal of work? I have virtually no understanding of computer programming however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyway, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject but I simply needed to ask. Cheers!|
Gary Somdah
June 2, 2015 at 3:39 pm
It can be practically extremely difficult to see well-educated people on this matter, yet somehow you look like you know whatever you’re preaching about! Thank You
Erick Gwyn
June 2, 2015 at 3:16 pm
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Dolly Salassi
June 2, 2015 at 2:52 pm
It really is almost not possible to find well-informed visitors on this content, still, you come across as like you fully understand exactly what you’re talking about! Regards
Lonny Cohron
June 2, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, let alone the content!
Numbers Darras
June 2, 2015 at 1:05 pm
It can be almost not possible to encounter well-updated men and women on this area, although you seem like you fully understand what you’re posting on! Gratitude
Sztachety
June 2, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
Daron Kase
June 2, 2015 at 11:21 am
We just hope to share it with you that I am certain new to writing a blog and clearly cherished your work. Likely I am prone to store your web post . You undoubtedly have impressive article stuff. Be Grateful For it for discussing with us your internet site report.
browse content
June 2, 2015 at 9:37 am
I simply want to tell you that I am new to weblog and absolutely enjoyed your blog site. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You absolutely have wonderful well written articles. Regards for revealing your website page.
web
June 2, 2015 at 8:58 am
I simply want to say I’m new to blogging and absolutely savored you’re web blog. More than likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You surely come with tremendous posts. Cheers for sharing your blog.
Caterina Rickert
June 2, 2015 at 8:22 am
It’s practically unattainable to find well-educated people on this theme, even though you appear like you know the things that you’re covering! Appreciate It
ogrodzenia plastikowe
June 2, 2015 at 7:03 am
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your web site in internet explorer, may check this… IE nonetheless is the market chief and a good component to folks will leave out your great writing due to this problem.
maximum shred
June 2, 2015 at 6:39 am
I simply want to tell you that I’m newbie to blogging and site-building and actually loved this website. Almost certainly I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You surely come with superb well written articles. Bless you for sharing with us your website.
willy gabbart
June 2, 2015 at 6:04 am
As the person who has health is young so the person who owes nothing is rich.
one year anniversary gifts for him
June 2, 2015 at 4:18 am
If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.
Bertram Petruso
June 2, 2015 at 3:25 am
It’s near unthinkable to encounter well-aware parties on this theme, then again you come across as like you know what exactly you’re writing about! Cheers
Ogrodzenia z plastiku
June 2, 2015 at 1:41 am
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
ogrodzenie plastikowe
June 1, 2015 at 11:28 pm
You have remarked very interesting points ! ps nice website . “Hares can gamble over the body of a dead lion.” by Publilius Syrus.
Ogrodzenia Plastikowe
June 1, 2015 at 10:56 pm
I have been surfing online more than three hours nowadays, yet I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is pretty value enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the internet shall be much more helpful than ever before.
sztachety z tworzywa
June 1, 2015 at 8:01 pm
The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my option to read, however I actually thought youd have one thing interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix when you werent too busy looking for attention.
find more
June 1, 2015 at 6:50 pm
I simply want to say I am just beginner to blogging and truly liked your web blog. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your site . You certainly have fabulous well written articles. Appreciate it for sharing with us your website page.
good post
June 1, 2015 at 6:05 pm
I just want to mention I am just beginner to blogs and truly savored you’re web blog. Probably I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You definitely come with beneficial well written articles. Bless you for revealing your blog.
ogrodzenie farmerskie
June 1, 2015 at 5:08 pm
I agree with your points , fantastic post.
Washing Machine
June 1, 2015 at 4:04 pm
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content!
maximum shred
June 1, 2015 at 3:40 pm
I simply want to mention I’m new to blogging and site-building and certainly liked this page. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your website . You certainly have awesome well written articles. Thanks a lot for sharing your blog site.
ogrodzenia dla koni
June 1, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Nice post. I be taught something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It is going to all the time be stimulating to read content material from different writers and practice somewhat something from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
academic writing
June 1, 2015 at 1:06 pm
wonderful issues altogether, you just received a emblem new reader. What could you suggest in regards to your submit that you made some days ago? Any sure?
Ogrodzenia Plastikowe
June 1, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.
balustrady plastikowe
June 1, 2015 at 7:02 am
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!
directory
May 30, 2015 at 3:36 am
I simply want to mention I am all new to blogs and actually liked this web blog. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your website . You amazingly have very good articles. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your blog.
Our Website 2015
May 17, 2015 at 11:49 am
Im thankful for the blog article.Thanks Again. Really Great.
french porno
May 16, 2015 at 8:30 am
Thanks for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
Ethan
May 14, 2015 at 6:46 pm
A round of applause for your article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
https://www.fiverr.com/eebest8
May 8, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Thank you for your article.Really looking forward to read more. Great.