An Interview With The Electro-Dance Pop Singer, MATTHEW SCHULTZ!

Get to the know the Electro-Dance Pop singer Matthew Schultz! Hailing from New Jersey, Matthew has been consistently releasing new tracks, rapidly growing a following on social media, and carving himself out a spot in the music world. His last single “Money or Me” ft. Jim Jones was produced by Armando Guarnera, and garnered nearly 35k plays on Soundcloud, on top of earning him a nomination at the 2013 EOTM Awards, as well as one for Best New Male Artist.

His music has gathered him a huge following on social media, having 115k followers on IG and 117k on Twitter. Most recently, he released a video for his newest single “Promise for Keeps.”

Schultz has been in entertainment since his teen years. After playing guitar in Chris Daughtry‘s first band, Matthew developed a passion not only for music, but for performing and has had several parts in films (including a role in the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises). He has also been partnering with Ali Abouomar to produce and finance a multitude of films in the next five years, ranging from independent to Hollywood films. Now, Matthew has gotten his hands back into his music and has been writing and producing again. He has millions of views on his YouTube video “Money or Me” and has been covered by The Source Magazine, MTV, CNN, Skope, Hype Magazine, Social Magazine, CBS News, MSNBC, Starpulse and much much more.

Learn more about Matthew Schultz in the following All Access interview with him:

Thanks so much for your time! We know musicians are busy people so we appreciate you taking the time to answer a few questions about yourself!

It is my pleasure!  Thank you!

So where does this interview find you today? Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career? What are you most excited about for this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

I am spending most of my time in New Jersey, Los Angeles and New York.  In 2017 I spent most of my time working and expanding my role as an executive with a bank.  I had a lot of sleepless nights in the studio working on new music and recording feeding my passion. Thankfully, now in 2018 I get to enjoy releasing it all the music I worked so hard on. I would love to have my new song “Promise For Keeps” chart on the Billboard Charts and gain Worldwide exposure. I would also love to finish my album this year. It has already Hit #21 on iTunes UK Dance Charts and Top 100 on Beatport.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have? Has music always been a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

I have always loved music, ever since I was 8 years old listening to my uncles and cousins play the guitar.  I decided in high school to start my own band, I had to make it the best garage band in town so I brought in my good friend Chris Daughtry.  It is such an amazing feeling seeing his journey!

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city has influenced them as an artist. How do you think your home has affected you and your music?

I was born in New Jersey, home of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and even Frank Sinatra. It is inspiring to say the least; they brought so much to the music world. I spent some time in Charlottesville VA area in high school where I met my friend Chris Daughtry. I also got to see Dave Matthews Band explode onto the music scene.  That has influenced me greatly!

Let’s talk about your new single “Promise for Keeps.” What was the inspiration for this track and how did you go about putting it together? Where did the Caribbean influence come from exactly on this song?

I wanted to come up with a highly romantic feel good song, with a protagonist pondering idea of my long-term commitment to the love of my life. I wanted the song reflect happiness and the emotions that I felt creating it. The complimenting EDM and Caribbean vibes really helped capture this emotion for me. I really love what Major Lazer is doing out there with Partynextdoor and Tory Lanez.  Even Calvin Harris has a new one out “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready.” I feel “Promise For Keeps” blends elements of EDM and dancehall to create a fresh sounding, cutting edge track.

Do you plan on releasing more new music soon or a full album/EP of new songs? Do you find that you are in a period of inspiration these days?

I feel like I am in an amazing place right now.  I have a great TEAM around me and we are working on some FIRE right now. I am looking to put out 4 more singles this year while hopefully finishing the entire album in 2018.

How do you think your sound has continued to grow and change through the years? What has remained the same about the kind of music that you create?

I have continued to grow, learning from other talented musicians, writers and performers around me.  The more I work with these talented individuals the more I continue to grow.  I have been blessed to work with so many people that teach and inspire me.  I have always said that my music is never geared toward any specific genre. I love all types of music and want that to be reflected in my music. I love to incorporate many different styles and genres that my music and see what the end product is.  That is also the one of the beautiful things of doing songs that feature other artists.

Can you talk about the films that you have worked on with Ali Abouomar? What was that experience like for you? Do you find that you enjoy working on music more than film?

Ali has been my friend for the last 10 years, he got me into acting. We have done several independent films together.  We have had a lot of fun and he made me fall in love with acting and the art of film making. Being featured on Real Housewives of  New Jersey was a lot of fun, people still come up to me and say “Hey were you that fireman on the show” lol. My passion is in entertainment overall but I think music still steals my heart.

Where can people see you perform live next? Do you have any 2018 tour dates yet?

Going on tour is tough with my demanding daytime career in banking; however I would love to do some one off exclusive shows this year.  I want to spend most of my time focused on completing an album.

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

I use music as my ultimate outlet, it totally clears my mind.  I usually get into the studio late at night when I am done working. It allows me to switch gears from number crunching, sales, and analytics to the creative side of my brain.  I have to pay attention to politics because it is very important for me to understand it’s impact on interest rates, the real estate market and the overall economy which has a direct impact on my career. I think that music plays an enormous role in influencing our younger generation to get out and vote, I see more and more artist’s taking a stand in helping educate our youth. As far as hearing it’s reflected music, I think you will start seeing artist express their thoughts and feelings on this subject more and more!

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

I would love to do a song with Chris Daughtry in the future, I think that would be an amazing story.  I have had the privilege to work with Gyptian on the “Promise For Keeps” Remix; he truly is such an amazing artist, song writer and inspiration.  Recording my last single with Jim Jones “We Own The Night” was surreal for me, I was a big fan of his for a very long time!  We met on set of the “Dancing On Me” video that I was in and helped with the video production.

What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I just want them to feel good and also bring them joy.  Hopefully people can relate to the lyrics and vibes of my songs.  Maybe they are in love and they can relate or if they are going through tough times they can listen and take a break from reality. I think music makes the world go round.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself or your music?

The Remix of “Promise For Keeps” came out on Valentine’s Day featuring Gyptian please check it out! I also just want to say thank you to all my family, friends and fans I would be nothing without your love and support!