What Am I Making Podcast

What Am I Making
What Am I Making
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Music
  • Updated Weekly

Hey there. I’m 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 we’re living in age where musicians have to give their music away, content is around every corner and we don’t 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, I’ve 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. That’s a terrifying endeavor, but it’s also incredibly exciting. I’ll 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. I’ll 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. Let’s 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 really matters to people right here and right now, and they are willing to do to invest in our culture. Thank you so much for being here. It’s wonderful to have your support. https://whatamimaking.substack.com whatamimaking.substack.com

  1. 3d ago

    WAIM 178: Charlotte Cornfield

    Charlotte Cornfield was raised amidst culture, music, and art in Toronto. Born to a pair of artistically inclined parents, Charlotte was immersed with classical, jazz, and folk albums from birth. She fell in love early with Joni Mitchell, and the deeply involved stories that lay beneath Mitchell’s gorgeous voice. Eventually, Charlotte began playing and writing her own songs while also exploring the vast history of roots music and the legacy and influence of Canadian greats like Mitchell, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen. By high school, Cornfield was leading a band and performing her own songs. Over the intervening two decades, Charlotte has refined her songwriting and honed her sonic approach, culminating in her newest full length record, Hurts Like Hell. The album is Cornfield’s first release since the birth of her daughter in 2023. During our conversation, we chatted openly about the challenges that Charlotte faces as a mother trying to navigate the world of indie rock. She shares the story of the touring mothers support group chat that she is a part of, which has provided her with a huge network of resources and support since her daughter’s birth. Charlotte and I also talked at length about the ways that she approaches storytelling in her own songwriting, and we geek out over the gloriously awesome Canadian power pop band Sloan. We also talk about the rising tide of so many talented women right now in the world of alt-country and roots music, a phenomenon that Charlotte suggests is largely happening due to the influence and example of the great Lucinda Williams. There is a lot to unpack here. Let’s get into it. Cheers,Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Charlotte for joining me. You can find out all about her music, find tour dates and more at her website https://charlottecornfield.com/ 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

  2. 6d ago

    WAIM 177: Independent Filmmaker Tommy Nickoloff

    Tommy Nickoloff never set out to be a filmmaker. Growing up in the narrow world of Lorain, Ohio just outside of Cleveland, the arts were something other people did in other places. In Lorain, you worked, you took care of your family, and you did what was expected. Nickoloff’s childhood friend Jason Molina refused to accept that path for himself. From the get go, Nickoloff remembers Molina as something of a different breed, possessing a rare bravery that allowed him to chart his own path. In high school, both Nickoloff and Molina were encouraged by teachers and counselors to go away to college and get out of Lorain. Nickoloff set off across the country, while Molina commuted just a few miles down the road to Oberlin College, which might have been geographically close, but it was a cultural haven miles away to a boy from Lorain. Jason Molina would go on to lead the bands Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Company, which were both anchored by his titanic songwriting. For close to twenty years, Molina cranked out some of the most literate rock and roll of the last half century, until his untimely death at the age of 39. Despite such an early exit, Molina left behind a massive catalog that includes more than 15 studio albums as well as a slew of singles, EPs, and live recordings. Encouraged by a friend to tell Jason’s story, Nickoloff set out to recapture his youth with Jason Molina. The new documentary, You F*****s Figure It Out is an intimate look at the youths of Molina and Nickoloff. The film paints a vivid portrait of growing up in the post-industrial landscape of northern Ohio at the height of the Reagan era. Tommy and I began talking so quickly that we got ten minutes into the chat before I realized I had not yet hit record. Because of this production gaffe, we missed some of our initial conversation that sets up the relationship between Tommy and Jason. Additionally, we will talk about Jason’s first band, The Spineriders a few times, but the context for that was also lost in the un-taped segment. Regardless, this is an amazing conversation of how Tommy Nickoloff set out to honor the story of his friend and in the end wound up finding his own purpose and path as a filmmaker. Art breeds art, my friends. Let’s get into it. Cheers,Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Tommy for joining me. You can find out all about his new documentary at https://www.yffio.com/ 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

  3. Aug 24

    WAIM 176: Kevin Kinney of Drivin’ & Cryin’

    Kevin Kinney has been singing for himself for more than forty years now. You are welcome to sit and listen, but Kevin will still be singing songs, even if no one else is there to hear them. Kinney first formed Drivin’ & Cryin in the mid-1980s, on a foundation of jangle, grit, and honest storytelling. Kevin describes the band as a “quasi political self help garage rock band.” Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kinney fell hard for rock and roll at an early age. As a teenager he co-founded a local music zine called The Shepherd Express, and began playing in various bands around town. By the time high school had ended, Kinney was looking for options outside of the confines of Milwaukee, and made his way down to Atlanta where he would eventually start Drivin’ & Cryin’. After more than four decades as the head of Drivin’ & Cryin’, Kevin Kinney is just now learning to get better at being himself. He no longer feels the need to prove his worth to others in the industry, saying, “I am not f*****g auditioning anymore. I am presenting.” This newfound confidence has been borne out in the form of Drivin’ & Cryin’s terrific new record, Crushing Flowers. During our conversation, Kevin and I chat about his long career, including many of the big names with whom he has collaborated. We cover his Wisconsin childhood, the evolution of his songwriting, and Kevin even shares the beautiful story of the song on the new album about his mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s. In addition to a tremendously thoughtful and fulsome discussion, Kevin even shares a brand new song that he wrote for a veteran’s group to help prevent suicide amongst military vets. There is a whole bunch packed into this one. Let’s get into it. Cheers,Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Kevin for joining me. You can find out all about his work at https://www.drivinncryin.com/ 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

  4. Aug 21

    WAIM 175: Kerry Alexander of Bad Bad Hats

    Kerry Alexander takes full advantage of being out on the road as a touring musician. Despite nearly fifteen years touring in her band, Bad Bad Hats, Alexander is still always on the lookout for the next grand adventure, or seeking out a meal worth remembering. Alexander and her bandmates see touring not just as an opportunity to see America, but as a chance to genuinely experience this country and all that it has to offer. Although she was born in the Twin Cities, Kerry Alexander spent the bulk of her formative years in the south, splitting time between Alabama and Florida. By the age of 13, Alexander had begun teaching herself guitar, an endeavor which quickly led to writing her own songs. Kerry returned to the Minneapolis/St. Paul region to attend school at McAllister College. While at McAllister, Alexander began sharing her songs on MySpace, leading to her to meet Chris Hoge, a fellow sophomore also sharing his original songs. Almost immediately, the pair began collaborating musically, and struck up a romantic relationship. Alexander and Hoge, now married, still remain the creative center of Bad Bad Hats. During our conversation, Kerry and I covered her early forays into music and songwriting, including that first MySpace encounter with Chris. We discussed the ways to find joy and excitement while touring the roads of America, including how Bad Bad Hats make the most of their tour rider funds to sample the best cuisine that each city has to offer. We also discussed the intimate glory of house concerts, the wages of online self-promotion, and we even looked at how Alexander runs her band just like a business. Let’s get into it. Cheers,Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Kerry for joining me. You can find out all about Kerry and her work at https://www.badbadhats.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

  5. Aug 17

    WAIM 174: Singer/Songwriter Laura Veirs

    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 Credits Thanks 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

  6. Aug 14

    WAIM 173: Artist Wayne White

    Wayne White knew he had an artistic gift at a very early age. By the time he was in first grade, White had begun making drawings of The Beatles and selling them to kids for a portion of their lunch money. At six years old, Wayne White had made his first dollar in the art world, and in many ways he never looked back. While Wayne was certainly blessed with innate talent, growing up in rural Tennessee meant there were no outlets for a creative kid. Wayne tried his best to play the role of athlete, largely to impress his father who was also a coach, but his athletic prowess was mediocre at best. Eventually, by middle school, White began engaging fully in his artistic inclinations, making a path for Middle Tennessee State University as soon as he had finished high school. The University offered little more than a basic arts program, but for Wayne it was the first time he had been around a group of people who were also motivated and energized by visual art. After finishing his degree and then working in the Nashville advertising scene for a year, White set off for New York City to try and make a name for himself. For more than three years, White worked day jobs while scratching out creative work on the side. He helped to make ends meet by performing underground puppet shows at events and parties. Eventually, this work dovetailed perfectly with a new kids show that was in production for CBS. Wayne White would go on to be a key member of Pee Wee’s Playhouse, building puppets, set pieces, and other ephemera for the entirety of the show’s run. In addition to his puppetry and his work on Pee Wee, Wayne White has become legendary for his thrift store word paintings, where he takes a second hand painting and adds hand lettering, often with satirical or snarky messaging to create a whole new piece of art. White initially thought that these paintings were nothing more than a lark, until he staged a show at a local cafe, which in turn led to a proper gallery showing, and eventually a full show and a massive retrospective book called Maybe Now I’ll Get The Respect I So Richly Deserve, which was done in collaboration with the designer Todd Oldham. With a cache of incredible visual work in his catalog, Wayne White was even the subject of the 2012 documentary, Beauty Is Embarrassing, a lovely portrait that is a combination of White’s personal and artistic journey as well as his artistic philosophy and workflow. During our conversation, Wayne and I cover the allure of used things and we dive into the beauty of junk. Wayne shares his battle with overthinking things, and he even shares some advice on listening to the process when doing creative work. Let’s get into it. Cheers, Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Wayne for joining me. You can find out all about Wayne and his work at https://www.waynewhiteart.com/ 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

  7. Aug 10

    WAIM 172: Queer Country Crooner Andrew Sa

    Andrew Sa grew up under the spectre of country music. Growing up in Fremont, California, some of Sa’s most intense childhood memories revolve around the family crammed into his father’s F150 pickup listening to Top 40 country radio allowing him to soak up the likes of Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. Sa’s grandparents kept a collection of cassette tapes at their home, and Andrew always found himself gravitating to the saddest songs in the Patsy Cline collection. Something haunting, yet alluring lay within the grooves of those records, and Sa was fascinated to find out the truth about it. As an adult, Sa followed the path of love to find himself in Chicago where he set about taking classes at the famed Old Town School of Folk Music. In Chicago, Sa began to invest himself deeply into the art of songwriting. He also found himself developing an intense bond and friendship with country singer and songwriter, Patrick Haggerty, a trailblazer in the world of queer country. Haggerty’s early 70’s LP Lavender Country served as a major influence for Sa, who was also shaped immensely by Haggerty’s experiences and advice. Andrew Sa’s debut record, American Rough was issued in late June on Bloodshot Records. That album is a culmination of years and years of work and rework. Sa was deliberate in the release of his album, taking a full year to shop it around and find the perfect home for its release. The record itself is a gorgeous, seemingly timeless affair that recalls notes of Roy Orbison, KD Lang, and The Everly Brothers. During our conversation, Sa and I talked about the immense impact his collaborators have had on the album. We talk at length about the contributions of the album’s producer H.C. McEntire who helped to shape Sa’s songs into a cohesive sonic piece. There is also talk of the queer country scene in Chicago, including Sa’s own Lavender Prairie Fest that he has spearheaded for the last several years. Let’s get into it. Cheers, Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Andrew for joining me. You can find his new album, American Rough 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

  8. Aug 7

    WAIM 171: Singer/Songwriter Johanna Samuels

    Johanna Samuels’ terrific new album, Sorry, Kid was anything but a straightforward endeavor. After recording and then scrapping eight songs, Samuels considered walking away entirely. Filled with frustration and uncertainty, Johanna attended a New Year’s Eve singalong at the home of producer Jonathan Rado and his wife Jackie. Between piano renditions of Ben Kweller tunes, the idea of recording together surfaced organically. Samuels already had the songs. Rado, who has produced albums for Weyes Blood, The Killers, and Father John Misty had the right instincts to build a sonic world around them. Sorry, Kid culls from twenty years’ worth of Samuels’ songwriting life. While the album includes brand new material, it also features reworked tunes that had germinated as early as 2007. With Rado at the controls, and with contributions from pals like Madison Cunningham, Courtney Marie Andrews, and Tyler Ballgame, Sorry, Kid stands as a testament to the glory of making records with your best friends. During our conversation, Johanna shares details of her life growing up in a Hollywood family, and we unpack some of the connections she has to her Jewish past. Johanna talks about how she learned to give herself permission to follow in the steps of heroes like Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen, gradually learning that dudes were not the only ones that could write a great song. We also cover the incredible cache of talented women currently working in the worlds of alt-country and folk music, many of whom Johanna counts as friends. Let’s get into it. Cheers, Matty C ------------------------- End Credits Thanks so much to Johanna for joining me. Her new album Sorry, Kid is available on August 14 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

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About

Hey there. I’m 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 we’re living in age where musicians have to give their music away, content is around every corner and we don’t 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, I’ve 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. That’s a terrifying endeavor, but it’s also incredibly exciting. I’ll 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. I’ll 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. Let’s 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 really matters to people right here and right now, and they are willing to do to invest in our culture. Thank you so much for being here. It’s wonderful to have your support. https://whatamimaking.substack.com whatamimaking.substack.com

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