Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Matt McDavid of Sausalito

Matt McDavid shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Matt , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I like this question because we all have such a biased view on the people we interact with based on our perception of them. Unless we are in a relationship with someone, people often don’t see us beyond our ego.

I’ve spent the better half of my life being very interested in self development. I have a strong drive to be a better version of myself year after year. We are all shaped by our experiences and if that creates problems in our life then it’s up to us to find skills to change. I listen to podcasts, read books, and go to Therapy. It’s really important to me to live in integrity and show up in a grounded way. It’s not always easy but I take the bumps in the road to heart.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a music producer/recording engineer. Most recently I have the title of Chief engineer at the legendary 2200 Studios, formerly known as The Record Plant in Sausalito California.

This studio is very special and was recently reopened. It is a dream to work here as it just sounds really good and there is vibe for days. The list of influential records that have been made here is vast and the energy that remains in the building is palpable.

I think the qualities that I possess that make me good at my job are the technical skills first and foremost paired with people skills and knowing how to hold space for artists. Multi tasking comes easy to me and I thrive in chaos, so when there’s lots going on I somehow become calm. I understand music on an emotional level and can make decisions based on a feeling. I really love what I do and I know it’s the path I’m meant to be on.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
We’re getting deep. My whole life I’ve had an inner restlessness. I still struggle with it but it has gotten much better. It served its purpose as a drive to achieve what I really wanted in my career, which was to make music. Whether I was to perform or produce I just wanted to make music for a living. In my early adulthood it felt like a panic and while I’m so happy that’s not the case anymore I’m grateful for how that pushed me forward to make the choices I made to make that happen.

The restlessness is starting to subside and a confidence is taking its place. I have the life I’ve strived for in many ways and now my confidence is helping me manifest the rest.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think suffering is a great teacher of gratitude. There have been things in my life that have come somewhat easy and I take them for granted often. When I look at my career there is so much gratitude there because it did not come easy.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the preservation of 2200 Studios. This place is a rock and roll time capsule. I remember the first time I worked here I had chills and I see that when other artists and engineers work here for the first time.

The recording studio business is not such a money maker so there are sacrifices, but so worth it. I want to make music here until my ears fall off. It’s a dream!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
My sanctuary is at the hot springs. When I’m floating around in warm water and cold plunging I feel truly at peace. My nervous system can rest and I can think clearly. Some of the biggest life decisions I’ve made in the last 5 years have been made there, and they were all the right decisions. I won’t say where though 😉

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Matt mcdavid

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