Meet Matthew Schwartz | Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Schwartz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is extremely important. We live in a world where every object makes noise, vibrates, and/or creates popups, all commanding our immediate attention. Work weeks start at forty hours and extend further the farther up the corporate ladder you get. Being a musician and entertainer I thought it was part of my job to always be available and present, it is not. I have learned that the quality of my work and personal life both suffer when I don’t properly listen to my mind, heart and body. I have had to, over time, build healthy boundaries to guard my time and energy. I think everyone should take time to curate a balance between life’s responsibilities and good mental and physical health. Some people might not like that they have to wait for you, but the people that truly care for you and your well being will respect and even celebrate you for putting yourself first. Your work will show it too; you can’t create anything worth sharing if you yourself are not first healthy and happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer, songwriter, producer and play most instruments. I have been running my own music collective, Pacifico, for twenty plus years. Pacifico has released three full length records, eight EPs, and three singles. I have had music and music videos featured in film, tv, video games, and the radio. I have toured playing shows throughout the US many times. I own my own independent record label called Pacifirecords. I have been lucky enough to have co-written, produced, and released music for other great artists. I have a podcast with my friend and accomplished producer Aaron Sprinkle called Moontraveling, about music and life. It has taken a lot to get where I am today. I have had to figure out how to carve a life for myself, finding out what works and what doesn’t, It has been a lot of hard work, pivoting when things didn’t work out, and a lot of learning to love myself. This year Pacifico will be releasing an EP and full length of new music, Pacifirecords will be releasing a tribute album of artists covering songs by Starflyer 59, I will be producing two albums, touring, and expanding our podcast. I look forward to meeting more Atlanta area artists and hopefully being able to work together on their craft. I want nothing more than to be able to plug in and help continue to build this strong community of artists and musicians.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to each level of the Cleremont Hotel including the rooftop bar and the lounge. I would go across the street and get them the best wings in town at the Local. We would walk the beltline and make sure to stop in Ponce City Market. We would make time to go hiking on one of the many great trails we have around the city. We would go to several of the great breweries we have like, Monday Night, Scofflaw, and Bold Monk , to name a few. We would get tacos from La Fonda, and ice cream from Jeni’s. We would go shopping in Little Five Points. Maybe even go see a movie at the Drive in theatre. Lastly we would see what music and art events are going on and make sure to support this vast and amazing community of musicians and artists we have.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my closest friends; my found family. Those that see me for who I am and still love me. Those that have pushed and challenged me. Those that have loved and supported me. Those people that are there no matter what I need or what time it is. My friends each blow me away with their talents, as well as their capacity to love and care. I would not be who or where I am without them. Thank you!

Website: www.pacificorock.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Pacificorock

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-schwartz-9476a12a

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pacificorock

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pacificorock

Youtube: www.youtube.com/Pacificorock

Other: https://linktr.ee/Pacificorock

Image Credits
Collin Richie, Garin Hyde, Spencer Fitch, Bob Gregory, Eva Caspary, and Marcus Caldwell