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What Am I Making PodcastAn exploration of making a life in and around music and art in the 21st century. Author: Matty C & His ADHD
Hey there. Im Matty C. For the formally inclined folks in the crowd, the official designation is Matt Carlson. I am a 50 year old musician, songwriter, and graphic designer that's spent the Covid era pondering deep and meaningful questions about music, film, literature and art in the 21st century. It seems as though were living in age where musicians have to give their music away, content is around every corner and we dont seem to really value much of any of it the way we used to. What is it really like to make a living pursuing a life in the arts these days? Why are we seeing a lower percentage of artists in the workforce than at anytime in 100 years? Now, Ive reached a point of massive change in my life and I am preparing to spend more of my time, and hopefully, generating a portion of my income from my creative endeavors. Thats a terrifying endeavor, but its also incredibly exciting. Ill be discussing these ideas and a whole lot more of my own curiosity and creative endeavors on this platform using the written word, videos, podcasts, music and probably some other assets I learn along the way. Ill be seeking out smart, and fascinating creatives as they build their own lives while fighting an ever-growing series of new challenges and opportunities. All of these journeys and detours are an effort to share my exploration of culture in the modern world, and to help shine a brighter light on the work I have been doing for years as a musician, designer and podcaster. This discussion is at the very center of our civilization, what it means to be human andhow to find a meaningful way to connect through that shared humanity in the form of artistic expression. Art is at the core of the relationship. Lets explore it with that context, and that incalculable value, in mind. If you enjoy what you hear on the show, please subscribe to my Substack where I also I post this podcast as well as a variety of essays, video and recordings regularly in my search to find out what art real Language: en Genres: Music, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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WAIM 174: Singer/Songwriter Laura Veirs
Monday, 17 August, 2026
As Laura Veirs set out to make her new album, Temple Songs, she committed to the idea of making a record with no masters. She chose not to use a producer and opted to play and record all of the instruments in her home studio, The Temple Of Bloom. Unsure if she had the chops or the technical acumen to pull off a full record of songs completely by herself, Veirs pieced Temple Songs together one take at a time, using a set of guidelines that would help to keep her work focused and grounded. The result is a resplendent album of gorgeous folk tunes that play as much like a family photo album as they do songs on a record.Veirs was powered to take this bold artistic leap after a difficult divorce and an unexpected love affair that led to her second marriage. There was even a time when Veirs saw herself never getting married again, but life has a way of surprising us. Day to day life at the Veirs household is a somewhat chaotic affair with a quartet of teenagers living with Laura and her husband.With a new record in the can and ready to roll, Laura Veirs is about to hit the road for several weeks of touring across the UK and the US throughout the summer and fall of this year. Laura and I discussed the realities of the road in 2026 as costs for gas, food and lodging all continue to creep northward. We also talk about the beauty of the simple house concert, and we cover some of the harsh truths of living on the road for long stretches of time.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C-------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Laura for joining me. You can find out all about Laura and her work at https://www.lauraveirs.com/ and you can snag her terrific records wherever you get your music.The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at whatamimakingblog@gmail.com. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe
