We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matt Burke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Matt, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve always been drawn to music, but growing up, I was raised to play it safe—go to college, get a stable job. I started singing really young (somewhere around 2nd grade), got involved with the school band program when I got to middle school, and was jamming in garage bands by the 7th grade. By high school, I was performing around central Florida with a successful original rock band. That band broke up during my freshman year at Stetson University, and I began playing as part of a regular acoustic duo at a local bar. It was during this time when I first starting writing my own songs on the acoustic that I fell in love with being a singer-songwriter. But I was scared to focus on music full-time and pursued a degree to play it safe. I hated having to put my music on the back burner while I worked and went to college because I knew in my heart that I wanted a life of music, but fear held me back.
After college, I moved to Chicago for a job and got heavily involved in the Chicago cover band scene, honing my performance skills on bigger stages. The Chicago blues scene deeply influenced my original music, and I released my first all-original album with the Matt Burke Band in the early 2010s. Releasing original music reignited my passion, but I still clung to the security of my day job.
There’s a saying I like: “The universe will only dangle a carrot for so long before it uses the stick.” In 2015, I lost my job of six years, ended an eight-year relationship, and my father passed away—all within four weeks. The universe was using the “stick” to push me onto my true path, and with no real ties left in Chicago, I moved back to central Florida and finally made the leap into pursuing music full-time.
From 2015-2019, I played extensively in Florida, building a strong following with my band. Tragically, in 2019, the keys player for the Matt Burke Band, a close childhood friend, passed away unexpectedly. This loss was devastating and forced me to reflect on my journey. Instead of rebuilding the band, I chose to focus on building a solo career as a singer and songwriter, and this decision lead me to Nashville at the end of 2019.
To me, Nashville represented the place where all the best storytellers come from. I was raised on 1970s outlaw country as well as more commercial 90s country music, and moving to Nashville felt like coming home. Finding my voice in the Country and Americana music spaces in this town has been incredibly fulfilling.
I know now that my purpose is to write, record, and perform music: it’s the only thing I’ve done consistently and stayed passionate about over the course of my life. Even though my path hasn’t been easy and I’ve certainly gone through some rough spots, I’m grateful that the universe showed me my path and that I finally had the courage to listen to my heart and pursue a rich, fulfilling life as an artist. My goal is to connect with as many hearts as possible through my music, and my only regret is that I didn’t go all-in with my art sooner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m from Florida originally, and I’ve been living and working in Nashville for 5 years this September: I’m officially halfway through the ten-year-town mythos. My musical journey has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, from the 1970s outlaw country my father played, to the hippie rock and soul music my mother loved, and the blues I soaked up during my years in Chicago. This eclectic mix of influences and experiences has allowed me to create a unique sound that I’m really proud of: I write what I like to call “Struggle Country” – music for people who have had to work hard and might not always get a fair shake. Life is hard, and a lot of folks can relate to the challenges and the resilience required to keep moving forward.
In 2019, I made the pivotal decision to move to Nashville to fully immerse myself in the craft of songwriting. Nashville is a city of storytellers, and it has been an incredible experience to be part of such a vibrant and collaborative community. I regularly perform downtown on Broadway, at the Nashville Airport, and around Nashville, as well as in Florida, and the Chicagoland area. I’ve recently begun flying out to Las Vegas for runs of shows and I’m stoked for that to continue moving forward!
Recently, my girlfriend and musical partner, Danielle Beu, and I have been working on an exciting new project. Danielle, formerly of the Beu Sisters, brings a wealth of experience and a beautiful harmony to our music. We’re releasing our first original duo album, “Hookups & Heartaches,” in early August. The album explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, and has already making waves in Americana and Country pre-release circles: we’re looking forward to releasing it to the world!
My focus now is on continuing to write, record, and perform music that connects with people on a deep level. Whether it’s through our harmonies, the stories in our songs, or the community we build with our fans, my goal is to create memorable and meaningful experiences. I invite everyone to join us on this journey, follow along on social media (@MattBurkeMusic), and visit my website (mattburkemusic.com) for the latest updates on our music and performances.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three key qualities have been pivotal in my musical journey: resilience, authenticity, and the ability to connect with others. These qualities have not only shaped my career but have also helped me navigate the many challenges along the way.
Resilience: The music industry is notoriously tough, and resilience has been essential for weathering the inevitable ups and downs. From losing band members to dealing with personal tragedies, the ability to bounce back and keep pushing forward has been crucial. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. Learn from each experience, and remember that perseverance is key. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let temporary obstacles derail your long-term vision.
Authenticity: In an industry where it can be tempting to chase trends, staying true to myself and my music has been incredibly important. Authenticity resonates with audiences and builds genuine connections. I’ve always aimed to write and perform music that reflects my own experiences and emotions. For those just starting out, I encourage you to find your unique voice and stick to it. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and share your true self with your audience. Authenticity will help you stand out and build a loyal fan base.
Ability to Connect: Music is a powerful tool for connecting with others, whether it’s through live performances, collaborations, or social media. Building relationships within the industry and with your audience can open doors and create opportunities. For me, moving to Nashville was a turning point because it allowed me to immerse myself in a community of like-minded artists and collaborators. For those early in their journey, my advice is to actively seek out opportunities to connect with others. Attend networking events, collaborate with other artists, and engage with your audience online. Building a supportive network can be incredibly beneficial for your career.
For anyone starting out, I’d suggest focusing on developing these qualities, staying committed to yourself and your passion, and always be open to learning and growing. Also, get really good at hearing the word “NO”…
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I’m always on the lookout for new collaborations and partnerships. Collaboration is at the heart of what I do, and it’s a big part of what keeps the music scene vibrant and exciting…
I’m always eager to connect with other songwriters who share a passion for storytelling and authenticity in their music. Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or someone new to the scene, if you have a unique voice and a love for creating meaningful music, I’d love to collaborate. The magic often happens when different perspectives come together to create something truly special.
I’m constantly looking for new venues where my music can resonate with audiences. If you’re a booker or a venue representative and think my music would be a good fit for your space, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve played everything from intimate acoustic sets to full-band shows, and I’m always excited to bring my music to new audiences.
I believe in using my platform to support causes and brands that align with my values. If you represent a brand or a cause that you think would be a good match for a partnership, I’m all ears. Whether it’s a social cause, a product that I believe in, or an initiative that resonates with my mission, I’m open to exploring how we can work together.
If you’re interested in collaborating, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with me through my website, MattBurkeMusic.com, or on social media at @MattBurkeMusic. I’m always excited to meet new people and explore new creative opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MattBurkeMusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mattburkemusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattburkemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mattburkemusic
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/therealmattburke
Image Credits
Annelise Laoughead and Chaz Mazotta
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
