MATT THIEN:

So, after watching Crimson Tide today I have thoughts of never setting foot on a nuclear submarine EVER again. It's true, being in the Navy one may never have the opportunity to set foot on such massive powerful war creatures, but I have been luck. I've had the pleasure of being 4 days underway on such power. It wasn't too long ago I can remember playing endless hours of backgammon with a Chief I had the pleasure of taking the journey with. Chief Hanson, that's right, Hanson was his name I think (great Chief). Such beauty, grace and power all packaged nicely into something so incredible that can hide for months on end blows my mind. Back to Denzel (you're welcome ladies) and the movie Crimson Tide. Where do we get off as people of power? Why do we feel the need to do right ALL the time? When we do wrong, can we admit it? Even in the face of humility?

I got to thinking after the movie was over, not only of my time underway, but also about how we treat people. Do we honestly treat people how we want to be treated? Or do we just treat people how we feel it to be in that very moment? Some very candid moments were shared between Denzel and Hackman, XO and CO,. Some appropriate and some NOT appropriate. Most of what was said and felt was true, but at what extent does feeling outweigh truth. If knowing the truth can set us free, then why are we bound by our past?

I've finally taken the dive...and joined NoiseTrade.com

This is a way for you to easily tell people about how much you adore me (and my music). It's simple: You either pay what you think the music is worth, or tell 5 of your friends about me. Easy enough? Try it out...

This week has been a tough one with a friend of the family passing away late Wednesday night. I always search deep within my heart (pray) about the songs that need to be heard for Sunday's early service at Smyrna Pres in Conyers, but this list was difficult. I know people will be grieving and dealing with death in only a way that their heart can stand. There is one thing for certain in this life and that is death. We are all going to die one day and the question is where will we go? Heaven? Hell? Better settle this today!

Here's the set list for Sunday's music:

1. Holy is the Lord
I start with this one because it's so important in corporate worship to proclaim the holiness of God. When we sing, "Holy is the Lord, God Almighty" there is so much power in that. We are coming together and saying that yes, God you are holy and I'm here giving of my morning, life and heart to tell you that.

2. Here is our King
This Crowder song has POWER! Every time the band does this one I'm moved so much that I can't stand still! David Crowder writes some quirky songs, but I LOVE every one of them because he writes when he is inspired not because he wants to write another worship song. After the Tsunami in Sri Lanka, Crowder wrote this song to remind us of the awesome power God has over this earth. "The ocean. Is growing. The tide is coming in. Here it is!" Wow, here is our King, he's in the earth everywhere. Our tragedies our triumphs, death and life. Just look!

3. Let the Worshipers Arise
Christie, my wife, LOVES this song and it's been on my heart to sing it for a while now, but I haven't felt the time to be right...until now. NOW is the time for us to rise up and worship our God more than ever. Times are tough for our church, Smyrna Pres, right now. We just had our youth pastor resign, we are still searching for a pastor and a long standing rock in our church has passed away this week. The worshipers have to and need to arise to get through this time. God says, "If you don't worship me the rocks will." I don't know about you, but I'm not going to let a rock out worship me!

4. My Savior My God
Aaron Shust a local to the ATL took the CCM charts by storm with this powerful song a few years back. If you haven't done this one in church yet, GET ON IT! It always has a way of creeping into the hearts of God's people to call them to action. "My savior loves, my savior lives, my savior's always there for me!" God is there even if we don't see him. We sometimes aren't "skilled to understand" His every move, but we trust that He is there to help us through, not around, our circumstances.

5. I will lift my Eyes
Ahhhhhhh, just say the name Bebo Norman and peace floods your soul. No really try it...ahhhhhhhhhh :) If this isn't a song that says, "I can do it with your help God," then my name's not Matt Thien. Bebo writes to the church to say, "Look, I can't climb this mountain, I can't calm this raging wild, I can't heal the hurt I hold inside, but I know YOU can God and I will lift my eyes to YOU! This is the closing song for a reason. That reason is we need to realize that this life is TOUGH sometimes and despite how great we may think we are, we're not! So, lift your eyes to the one who can climb your mountain, calm your raging wild and heal the hurt you hold inside. It will be worth it.....ahhhhhhhhhhhh peace...

Here's the crazy thing. Did you know you can get a divorce online in the state of GA? WHAT? Are you kidding me?

Where have we gone in all of this? Is the fact that getting divorced is so easy that it makes people want it more? Personally, Christie and I have removed that word from our dictionary. IT'S NOT AN OPTION!

Recently some of our best friends dropped a bomb on us and said they were getting a divorce. We were shattered because honestly they were the LAST ones we thought would drop that kind of bomb. After trying to give them our 7 years of counsel marriage advice we find out the plot is thicker than what was led on.

I say this to say marriage isn't easy. Love is a choice and when our nature is selfish it makes it even harder to to be married and put someone else above your own needs at times.

It just put me over the edge finding the website allowing people to get divorced online. I mean you could print the forms and everything. Shouldn't there be a law that makes you get a years worth of counseling before you get divorced? Better yet, how about prior to getting married.

Thanks for listening!

MT
838 - Pray - Love- Hug

So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I must say, I'm fatter now writing to you then I was last time I was sitting at my mac jotting thoughts down. That being said, Christie and I are still getting our 'sexy on' at LA Fitness. I can thank my bro in law, Steve (Ratone) for rustling me out of the bed to go on runs early in the morning.

There are a few things that MUST get accomplished when friends/family visit. Conyers is not famous for much, but in my eyes it's famous for two things. One being Tokyo Japanese Restaurant and their super crunch roll sushi. A must have in my opinion and my bro in law agrees...the best! Second thing Conyers is famous for is Frontera mexican grill and it's 'Big Beer'. It's 32oz beer mug filled with your favorite draft beer can't be beat for 5 bucks! This moment happened tonight, which has spurred me to write. Plus, my sister in law Miriam's macbook is much cooler than mine so I had to use it!

Discipline. Baylee, our 4 year old has needed a lot of it lately. I wonder if she is treating us (her parents) like we treat God sometimes. The frustration that I feel with her is probably the same frustration God feels with me.

So, the deep question beyond the fun shusi and big beer is how do we/you treat God? With respect or with malice? I am reminded daily with Baylee how to treat people. I want to strangle her neck, but know that won't get me anywhere. I'm sure God wants to strangle my neck too sometimes, but knows there are better ways to 'get me to obey'.

The challenge/thought is out there....ponder it.

Love, peace and yumminess to you all!

Matt

Danced on moonlight, stars filled your eyes
holding on to you, holding on to you tight

Whispered melodies our pulse rise
holding on to you, holding on to you tight

Believed your words, your actions pursue
Hold on baby, I'm holding on to you

The world may not notice our one becoming two
Hold on baby, cause I'm holding on to you
Hold on baby, cause I'm holding on to you

You're giving in, I'm giving out
You're giving in, and I'm giving out

Check it out. Want to keep up with me and see what kind of stuff I get into throughout the day? Then follow me on Twitter...trust me you will become addicted (in a good way of course) to wanting to receive updates and make updates yourself. Keep an eye out for pictures and random commentary from yours truly! Follow me now at http://www.twitter.com/mattthien

So...Christie (my smokin' hot wife) and I have decided to 'hit the gym' and start bringing sexy back. It's going to be a lot easier for her I think cause she just looks good ALL THE TIME! How does she do that anyway?

So, stay tuned as to how sore I am and how many times I fail to go to the gym.

If you want to join me or just want to snap a photo of me getting my sexy on (HA!). We'll be at various LA Fitness gyms throughout Atlanta :)

Wanna join me? Bring it!

--Working out is motivating early in the morning.
--I love healthy competition that involves endurance.
--Hanging on the rim never gets old.
--Short shorts look better on fine woman.
--I love getting out of the office for lunch.
--I believe that Jesus died for my sins.
--Love ya'll, -MT

Can you believe this guy has the EXACT same name? And he's sportin' a MT logo T! Does it get any better?

So as I'm waking up this morning I'm realizing something. I was born for this. What is 'this' that I'm born for you ask?

MUSIC

I had the chance to play in the Augusta area last night at Brandon McGuiness' CD release show and had such an unbelievable time. I met too many cool people that made me feel like family. Bruce, Tami, Megan and Brandon - Thank you for letting me be part of your family for the night.

I'm actually laying in bed right now (the most comforable bed I've ever been in) posting this blog from my Samsung Instinct phone (iPhone ish but better - did I just say that?)

There were so many pics taken so I hope they get sent to me (pics@mattthien.com). One I can't wait to see is me with like 50 (ok, 6) BEAutiful young ladies who are going to help spread the word about Matt Thien MUSIC and their new favorite way to pose for the camera - The Matt Thien Point (MTP)

So Till, Bri, Chels, Aud, Meg and Gab I wanna see the MTP show up on your college and high school campuses :)

Who else did I meet? Way too many to remember but I'll try...Haylee, Patrick, Aaron, Chris, Deborah, Sydney, Raquel Monkey, Claudia, and this really awesome dude that kept giving me hugs. (838ing)! I know I'm leaving out so many. That means we'll have to do it again!!

Go check out Brandon McGuiness! And special thanks to my good friend Hannah Miller (go buy her new record too, it will make your heart happy) for singing some smokin' hot harmonies on BEAutiful. Also, Patrick thanks for letting show off my beatboxin' skills, that was cool!

Enough for now. I have new family and friends in Augusta and can't wait to come back. I'm tired of 'typing' on my phone :)

Love ya'll - 838 Matt

Im sirry if tnere r typos, its tough to pot a bloh om thjs thing :)

It's going to be a great day!

Go ahead and say that out loud right now...DO IT!

"It's going to be a great day!"

You should feel much better, I do :)

Now go out and do whatever it is that you do!

Praise ON!
Matt

So, it's official (even though it took longer than 10 days) I have busted over the 1000 'friends' barrier on myspace. For real I have to thank a few people that have stood out in this competition:

Project Child Smiles - YOU GUYS (and gals) ARE AWESOME! Matt Thien style it would be A-W-E-some!

Jessica (you know which one) - Girl, you must have sent over 20 of your close friends to my site. THANK YOU!

This is what Matt Thien is all about...people coming together for a common goal (I know, what value does 1000 'friends' on myspace hold?) Well, it's the fact that the more people that hear about Matt Thien and his music (there goes the 3rd person talk again) the more the world has the possibility to change for the better. So, keep sending your circle of friends my way, who knows, maybe one day Oprah will friend request me, and invite me to play live on her show...then the whole world will find out what ya'll already know...MATT THIEN (and his music) IS WHAT THIS WORLD NEEDS (OK, so the world really just needs LOVE)!

Love and LOVE some more!

Matt

PCS and Jessica, send me a message with your address, so I can get some stuff in the mail to you :) Yes, free stuff!

So, if you can tell me where this picture was taken (the two that were with me can't play) then you will get a free autographed picture of yours truly (just what you've always wanted huh?). I'll give you a hint, this picture is forshadowing (big word, I know) the future of Matt Thien (ya'll didn't know I had skills like that did you?) For real though, I'm standing close to the entrance of a very historic music venue that many greats have played.


Think you know...post your guesses via the guestbook! First one right wins!

Peace!

Matt Thien

So, a lot of you are asking me about the competition I'm in (The Twinkie Awards), so here's my attempt at explaining it a little better. You know what? Just click HERE to read all about it straight from the source. Afterall who really wants to listen to me babble anyway?

OK, so I'll babble a little for those that are dying to hear me babble (I don't know what that means either...)

A 'Twinkie' is defined as a small snack of complete yumminess (great for your health of course)...but we're not talking about that kind of twinkie. This kind of Twinkie has to do with earning extra money on the side because you've got skills (you know, nun chuck skills, bow staff skills, etc...) $20 bucks a day to be exact. So the question is, "What are you doing to earn your twinkie?"

My twinkie is my music...although some days I don't think I make $20 bucks :)

So, check it out and make sure you inteact on my blogspot going up on my page soon!

Matt Thien OOOOUUUUUUT!

lights, camera, action!

So it's official, my first Newspaper article dealing with my music will hit Rockdale County doorsteps and businesses Saturday April 19, 2008.

Imagine with me for a moment...

A photographer showing up at MY house to take pictures of ME! I didn't pay him, I didn't set up the shoot, I was just me (feeling like a pop star)! Humbling really considering it's only been about 3 months since we've gotten Matt Thien MUSIC going.

After the photographer was done shooting (a really cool photo by the way) I received a phone call from the writer. she was super nice and we had about a 30 minute conversation (that I pretty much dominated - I need to work on that, well maybe not since it WAS about me!) I digress often...sorry! We talked about life, love, music, the CD release show coming up Saturday May 3rd at CLUB 908 and girls in green sundresses (it's true we did, and hopefully that makes the article - very pivotal moment in my life :)

I can't give too much away becuase I want you to read it for yourself. I am excited to be featured in the weekend edition of the paper. My prayer is that people will read, be inspired and come out to the release show. I would love to revitalize the music scene here in Conyers, GA!

Matt Thien's road map so far:

NOV 2007: Recorded 'Desert Dry' in Nashville with Grammy Award Winning Producer Mith Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman)

DEC 2007: Mastering of 'Desert Dry' by Vance Powell, Grammy Award Winner (Martina McBride). Finalization of CD artwork design by Joe Bland (a Grammy award winner in my heart :)

JAN 2008: Oasis CD Manufacturing put the CD to press and delivered, more than my money's worth, 1000ish CD's to my front doorstep. Launch of mattthien.com

FEB 2008: Unofficial release of 'Desert Dry' - and Matt Thien T-shirts for sale! 'Beautiful' featured on Valentine's Day radio spot on Star94 - a national pop radio station here in Atlanta!

MAR 2008: 'Desert Dry' officially released for digital download on Apple iTunes (a huge thing for an independent artist!)

APRIL 2008: Over 100 CD's sold in the first 3 months. Music featured on OutBoundmusic.com (online radio). First Press photoshoot and article written (Rockdale Citizen) Saturday April 19 in religious section. Contacted by 3 record labels! Met Dave Barnes and Andy Davis (some of my heroes!). Participating in The Twinkie Awards ( http://www.thetwinkieawards.com )


Looking ahead to MAY 2008: Official CD Release show Saturday May 3rd at CLUB 908 in Downtown Conyers, GA. Purchase your tickets in advance ( http://www.mattthien.com ) for $10, $5 discount for any student. $10 dollars at the door.

I have a new Matt Thien quote - "It's...what I can do for others, NOT, what can others do for me!"

LIVE ON, PRAISE ON, LOVE ON! YA'LL ARE B-E-A-Utiful!

Matt Thien

Just because I want to toot my own horn (ooooo, that feels nice). Matt Thien's 'For the Love' is now playing on OutboundMusic.com radio - your link to independent music!

Yeah for me!

Matt Thien - MT

check it out here http://www.outboundmusic.com/MattThien

The question posed to me the other day was "How have you been?"

This is how I answered...

Yeah, things have been going well. I've found myself really trying to connect with God again. I hate that it's so cyclical but sometimes we forget that He is our source, strength, and EVERYTHING. It's easy when we have everything we 'need' or can just go to a store and get it - gotta love Target right?. You know what I mean? I've just really been forced (through some issues at church regarding worship) to re-evaluate what worship is, means, and how it's done. So, I've been renewed and my eyes have further been opened to the way in which we should 'ascribe to God his worth' through worship (not that He needs me too, it's the fact that I need to). It's really about NOT being selfish and just worshipping Him regardless of what style of music, preaching, etc...is being presented.

What's going on IN my head:

I'm a little discouraged at the moment despite the encouragement that I'm getting from strangers and friends alike about how they "love" my voice and songs. Sometimes (specifically at Starbucks Saturday night when I played) I just wonder

"What am I doing this all for, is it worth it?"

I know typical questions, but ones that needed to be answered. I always wonder if there is a better way? I guess, even though I'm not at that place yet, I would really just love someone like a record label to do all the 'work' for me. I'm getting a little tired and 'busy' doing it all and trying to do it all well!

It's like, maybe every other month play gigs, then the months I'm not giging do some marketing...who knows...it's not a perfect world although sometimes I wish it were! :)

Don't get me wrong, I'm doing great and loving where I'm at right now...I just sense I'm ready for a next step...although I don't know exactly what that means??? or what that would look like! Ahhh.....sigh....

Here's the thing. EVERYONE that hears the CD LOVES it...strangers, friends, radio DJ's, etc...How do I turn that much of a positive response into something huge? It makes no sense...although it makes complete sense.

I look at a guy like Josiah Leming (the guy from American Idol who was 'living' in his car - yeah right, OK maybe I believe him) America knows about him now...???

So, marketing to the world...that's kinda what's been on my mind lately...how can I do it smarter, more creative, better than it has ever been done before? Lofty I know, but there's gotta be a way!

Thanks for listening, and I would love to 'hear' your comments!

Matt Thien

This morning a huge Atlanta, GA pop radio station STAR94.com - 94.1 played a part of my song BEAutiful on a Valentine's Day radio spot! It was only a spot, but it was well received (I'll keep telling myself that). So well received that some (OK, lot's of people emailed and called the station to ask about it - the DJ's were pretty upset actually (I might have sent an email out telling everyone to call and email...ooooppssss) I didn't think they would get upset, but I learned a lesson that I deep down already knew, but this reinforces it:

Radio DJ's get told what to play, when to play and they cannot deviate from that plan. I get it...so, being independent for now means no MAJOR radio play...I can live with that I guess!

After a few emails back and forth from the DJ's at the Star94 station everything is cool.

Serious thanks to all that supported this short lived idea to get my song out to more people! Didn't think my 'fan' base was that big, but turns out it was big enough to ruffle some feathers at the station! I hate it for them, but it just shows me how loyal ya'll are! Thank you!

Regardless if it was just a short radio sopt, hearing BEAutiful over the airwaves was a HUGE moment for me!


I love all of you!

Matt Thien
www.mattthien.com
You can purchase the new album HERE if you want (just do it!)

There is a song called 'Beautiful'. Who wrote it is NOT important; but what IS important is that it gets played.

It's not just any song, but a song the world needs to hear. This song can heal the world if given the chance.

Amidst all the negativity in today's world about beauty, vanity and low self esteem, it's about time we start telling people they are beautiful.

There is, despite what some people might say, something beautiful about every single person that walks this earth.

So, think about it for a second and figure out who in your life needs to be told they are beautiful and forward this song and message (add your own story if you like) for them to hear.

It's one of those 'feel good songs' and one that will be on your mind, heart and soul when you wake up in the morning, go about your day and lay down at night.

It's hard to not sing, 'B-E-A-utiful!

Tell someone today that they are beautiful! listen to 'BEAutiful' HERE It will automatically start playing on this page. So, close your eyes (don't read any words on the page) and listen to this song that can bring healing to this world if given the chance!

What does my song Beautiful mean to you? Seriously, I want to know...tell me stories, thoughts that you've had involving this song! If you haven't heard it yet go listen to it! It's the very first song on my myspace player! If you want to read the lryics just click HERE
Give me it all hold nothing back! The most memorable will be featured in an inspirational blog written by me!

I love you guys!

Matt Thien

Comment back for the whole world to see or message me if you want it for my eyes only!

I know, I know a very wierd subject line...but if you were in my car on the way into downtown Atlanta this morning you would have been inspired to write this blog as well! Read on my friends, read on.

So as I was driving this morning (among the crazy Atlanta drivers) I was listening to the new 99X which used to be the old Q100...so confusing especially for a new guy to Atlanta. There's deep history to that change I know...but anyways, on the radio, the Bert show was interviewing NE-YO the coolest singer/songwriter in Atlanta right now.

I could not believe how down to earth this cat was! The radio DJ's were asking him some seriously tough questions and he was just answering them geniously.

It got me thinking about my own writing and performing skills (don't worry, I didn't for a moment compare myself to NE-YO, although I wanted too - "hold back Matt, hold back!") and I was inspired. If I hadn't been driving, I probably would have written my next hit single!

Listening to NE-YO talk about his popularity, I saw a lot of what I would be like given the situation of stardom (not that I want that...OK, sometimes I do, just because I want the world to be changed by my music!). He always puts others first. His fans are number one...after all without them, he says, he wouldn't be where he is today. I see myself in NE-YO and I LIKE IT!

So, all this to set up my last inspiring thought...

How do I get to NE-YO? How do I get someone like him to listen to my music and think, "I would love to help Matt Thien out and let the world here his songs!"

I know, I'm a dreamer, but, "From dreaming, dreams come!"

Thanks for reading my nonsense this morning!

If you know NE-YO and would like to make my dream come true...HOOK A BROTHER UP!!!

Matt Thien

Purchase CD mattthien.com Myspace Matt Thien's BLOG

So you're looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

LOOK NO FURTHER! The following idea is specifically targeted at guys! Girls, you've got this Holiday down pretty good, but if you like the idea, I'm sure your man would appreciate it too!

So, GUYS!

It's that time of year again when we get to act like we love spending our hard earned cash on things that won't last like flowers and chocolates, maybe even some edible unmentionables...You get my drift...

So I have an idea, follow me here!

I have the perfect Valentine's Day song Beautiful to let your girl know how much you care about her and how beautiful she is (guys, if your girl is not beautiful, this might be a good time to either
A) lie, althought I don't recommend that
B) Find a new girl, a beautiful one this time or C) Dig down deep to find the beauty in her!

Before you brush this idea off hear me out! This is totally FREE and won't cost you a dime. All it will take is a little bit of time and a minimal amount of courage and creativity to blow your girl away (I will go out on a limb and say there's a 10% chance she might even shed a tear)! That would be a welcome change from the silent cold shoulder you normally get from her because you forgot to do something special for her!

So, here's the step by step plan to a successful (remember 10% chance of her crying in a good way) Valentine's Day surprise!

1) Go download Beautiful at any of these sites (there's tons, so no excuses...you can do this)!

Myspace (make sure you allow pop-ups)
ReverbNation click the down arrow right of the song
Virb SonicBids click the audio tab at the top
mattthien.com
2) Either burn it to a CD or put it on your mp3 player, ipod, whatever...you know how to do that right? If not, there's seriously NO HOPE FOR YOU TO PULL THIS OFF! I'm just kidding, stop crying! Just figure it out!

3) Optional step, but HIGHLY recommended - sit down alone and think about how/why she is beautiful to you! This is important because women like you to show emotion (which most of us guys are REALLY bad at). This is the point at which you will write a poem or just a simple list of how/why she is beautiful to you. Take your time and make it meaningful!

I'll let you in on a secret - ready? It doesn't matter how good or bad the poem or list is, your girl will love it! Why you ask? Because it came from you which shows you took the time to think this out (don't tell her you had a step by step plan that outlined all this, then we're both screwed!) and you're showing emotion (remember women love emotion).

Once again, the poem or list is optional however, highly recommended! The chances of her shedding a tear increase to 50% if you take the time to write a poem or list and read it to her after you play her the song! Still with me? Good! Let's move on...

4) Decide when and where (make sure you have the CD, mp3 and poem or list available) you're going to woo her and make her cry (remember emotion boys, show real emotion, not that fake stuff we're so good at showing)! This doesn't have to be 'the perfect place' - just make sure you have her full attention, so lock the kids in their rooms (I meant dogs, sorry) and make sure the TV is OFF!!! NO DISTRACTIONS! Ready to put on your game face? Let's finish this thing!

5) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP GUYS! DON'T MESS THIS ONE UP!

-Sit her down and tell her that you have a surprise for her.
-Tell her you stumbled upon this song and thought it told the story of exactly how you feel about her
-Play the song (just watch her, she'll love it knowing you're staring at her deeply)
-After the song is over tell her you have another surprise for her
-reach in your pocket and pull out your poem or list (make this dramatic if you can)
-Tell her that you wrote her a poem describing how beautiful she is to you (this is where she might start crying)
-Take a deep breath (just do it for effect even if you're not nervous!)
-Read her the poem (deliver it in the realest way you've ever done! Really mean what you're reading!)
-she'll probably beat you to this step, but if she doesn't...after you're done, embrace her and hold her tight and give her a kiss (if you're into that kinda thing)!
-Last step! Secretly message me and tell me your story of how it all went! I would love to hear back!

Good Luck - you'll do fine!

Valentine's Day Expert (yeah right!)

Matt Thien

If you want to buy the whole album visit mattthien.com

So, it's Thursday and I'm thinking about organizing my weekend. Organization is one of those tasks that just takes so much time to do...sigh! Funny I know, but how do I get so unorganized. I guess compared to others I may be super-organized, but I don't 'feel' that way all the time...which is what I'm striving for as I write this blog! I'm not making too much progess am I?

So, there are so many dilema's that are on my mind at the moment. I've found some very early success with the new CD (that hasn't even arrived at my doorstep yet btw - expecting 1000 copies today!!!) and all the new tracks...I'm wondering...do I even have a clue as to what could happen with this music? I mean, as an artists who creates songs and hooks, I dream about the day I hear my songs on 'public media'! The other day I walked into a coffeehouse and my CD was playing! It was so sureal...I have always thought secretly this question (I think every artists would concur):

WHAT IS MY MUSIC GOING TO SOUND LIKE ON PUBLIC MEDIA?

I'm not going to lie, I spin (translation = play A LOT) the snot out of my CD in my car, my house, my iPod, my computer...virtually EVERYWHERE, so I think it's 'hot' but what will it sound like out in what I like to refer as:

'THE PEOTWTRM?' - "PUBLIC EARS OF THE WORLD THAT REALLY MATTERS!"

As I walked into that shop and took a 'double listen' - I said to myself (swelling with pride - unfortunatley it's in our nature - so ugly at times...) "That sounds really, really good!"

I felt like I had graduated from pre-school! Somebody liked my record enough to take the time to put it in their shop CD player for their customers to enjoy!

Elementary School here I come!

Love you guys...and gals! Have a safe and B-E-A-utiful weekend!

Matt Thien

So, here it is my attempt to wear the 'life of my heart' on a sleeve.

I've heard people say that journaling soothes the soul, so I figured I could use some soul soothing. Afterall, who couldn't nowadays with all the traffic jams and smart people on the roads...by smart I mean, crazy...and by crazy I mean ridiculous...and by ridiculous I mean idiotic...you get the point! Another thought for another time...

I received a phone call and email yesterday informing me that my CD's have shipped and I should receive them this Thursday. It was a great phone call, given that they weren't supposed to ship out until Feb 4! So, I am super pumped to have them for my show at Perk Up Coffeehouse in Old Town Conyers Friday night. It's going to be sureal actually selling a product I am so very proud of!

Speaking of Perk Up Coffehouse. Last night they kicked off their first ever open mic night and wow, there was a solid turn out. I know what you are thinking (I think the same thing) open mic = sucky music! Quite the contrary last night. I was impressed with almost all the acts, at least the ones I got the chance to hear (had to get the kid to bed).

I'm so excited to be the first Friday night performer for Perk Up. It brings some interesting emotions out. I'm sure you know the feeling of being at the right place at the right time...you know that feeling where everything just seems right? Well, that's the way I feel about this coffee shop. Let me tell you how I met the owners and got this gig.

Here you go:

So, it was roughly 2 weeks time ago that I was in the mood to do what I like to call 'musician cold visiting'. You know, how telemarketers do 'cold calling' to random phone numbers? Well, I was going to visit and introduce myself to some 'prospective' places to play in the Old Town Conyers area. So, I noticed a while back that Perk Up Coffeeshop was new and had recently opened its doors. I said my usual (sometimes selfish) prayer of, "Lord may this go well" and continued into the coffee shop, my first stop of a planned three stops.

As I entered the coffeeshop I was surprised at how it had such a sophisticated 'homey' feel to it. It was definitley set apart from the usual Starbucks that I have so frequently frequented lately (I can't help that I'm addicted to grande caramel machiatto, extra shot, extra drizzle, stirred - even if it does cost me about half an hours worth of work). Moving on...

Perk Up had an amazing feel to it...it was like 'outside meets inside' and 'coffee finally meets earth tones'. I loved it from the moment I walked in! Anyways, as I order my caramel latte, I ask the standard question, "Do you guys ever have live music?" Well the lovely lady behind the counter said, "Well, we are starting to put together the idea, why, are you a musician?" Hook line and sinker, she took the bait just as planned (this is a good thing, just the question I secretly wanted her to ask, seeming I'm always looking for places to play and hone my music skills).

I followed up with a humble, "yes!" A Sincere one at that (sometimes I catch myself doing the opposite of humble).

TANGENT - For all the musicians out there, tell me why it's one way or the other. Either a musician is humble or really cocky! Why does it have to be that way? I guess there's that secret 'faux humbleness' that lingers in all of us, but I think that's what keeps us driving on! I welcome comments on this one...

So, there I was planning my next words and come to find out after further conversation I have a lot in common with the owners of this place. It was like divine intervention (translation = I couldn't have planned this any more perfectly)!

After exchanging business cards thus the relationship began...

I look forward to seeing all of you Friday night at 7pm at Perk Up Coffehouse in Old Town (Downtown) Conyers!

Mucho Love,

Matt