Meet Matthew Colombini | Musician & Creative

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

Hi Matthew, why did you pursue a creative career?
I just want to take a moment before we begin to thank Shoutout, and Megan Davis who emailed me with the offer to be participating in this opportunity today. I appreciate being invited to answer some questions, and hopefully can provide some value to you all in getting to know me and what I do, as well as the people, places, or things that have helped to shape me along the way. So now that we’ve addressed the prelude, hello! My name is Matthew Colombini, I go by “Call’em bini” when I make music, and I am undoubtedly a creative.

How did I come to this conclusion you may ask? Well, it took quite a long time to see clearly within myself that this is what I believe to be my purpose. I don’t entirely believe I chose an artistic or creative career, but rather the career chose me. Don’t get me wrong, at a certain point I did have to consciously make the decision to pursue this fully; but the decision was a lot easier once I understood how to listen to/trust my gut and saw for myself what I could create with an unbiased view and not restricting myself or my ideas.

I grew up like many creatives who knew this in the core of their being at an early age. Some people know they want to be teachers, or physical therapists, or doctors, lawyers, farmers, and so much more; but I wanted to be a musician, a creator, someone who could help to educate as well as entertain. I faced a LOT of adults, teachers, and elders who told me to be more realistic and chose a career that would provide a better chance for me to “succeed” in life; and even though I felt I should’ve doubled down and had faith in myself, my skills, and my intuition, unfortunately I listened to others instead. I spent over 10 years trying to find something I could do that felt right; even tried other jobs with a musical element outside creation/performance, but still nothing really took. I regularly think of Hobo Johnson’s song 3% when I ponder these thoughts, it resonates with me so much and shows that in a certain light, it’s all but a matter of perspective. Just as some will say that creatives have only a 3% chance to succeed or “make it” in the industry as a professional; other people work jobs they feel that they don’t belong in everyday and take that chance themselves too in a sense. From my perspective, Hobo Johnson expresses this by saying people who work those jobs and resist their natural calling have a 3% chance of being happy in what they’re doing. This is sooo true and such a clever way to address the point. We all take chances everyday; and even though we live daily depending on an income to survive and enjoy life in our modern world, our natural talents will still shine through constantly. Whether we embrace or disregard them, we cannot quiet those impulses and desires completely, for they are a big part of us all.

It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in my late 20s that I finally saw things clearly; this is what I always have been, a creative. I am capable of anything like all of us here on this planet; but creating, writing, making music, and other ways of artistic expression were/are my past, present, and future. Ever since that day of personal enlightenment, I have been creating constantly; making/releasing project after project not out of pressure or obligation, but because when I wake up, making music/working on creative projects is all I can think about. So I continue to follow my perceived purpose, through ups and downs, good and bad days, and no matter what am always working towards the goal of becoming not only a better person, but a better, more professional creative and musician over time. All of this is in the effort so that one day I can worry not about work or happiness, but live the life that I believe we all deserve; one of inner peace, purpose, natural joy, and financial stability. No matter what though, I believe this is my calling and I don’t plan on turning my back on that knowledge ever again; but rather supporting and helping it grow. So in the future, not only my dreams, but my true self can be fully seen, realized, and set free.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At this moment in my life, I lean 90% of my career efforts and energy into creating music of multiple genres; the other 10% is dedicated to practicing other avenues I’d like to pursue in the future, such as writing in other mediums like short stories, and a couple different genres of books. I even have an idea for a board game I’ve been working on slowly; creation has no boundaries or timeline, our only limitations are those we set ourselves.

Although I primarily make Alternative Hiphop projects in sound and lyric, I also play Acoustic Guitar and make Singer/Songwriter type music, as well as dabbling in whatever directions may interest me at the time. I have Logic Pro X loaded with numerous software instrument emulators of instruments from all over the world and over 20,000 royalty free loops, so any kind of genre or fusion I want to create is literally at my fingertips. Creation as a whole truly has great power to relax and soothe me, some of you reading might even know precisely what I’m talking about. Whether I’m writing, making music, drawing, painting, crafting, really any method of creative self expression, it produces a similar feeling for me. I am incredibly blessed having so many ways to create because I can go with what I’m feeling that particular day/week/month, and use whatever energy I’m dealing with to help propel me forward, positively.

Music has got to be my main squeeze though, and has been for the last decade. Every morning I wake up ready to work on projects and release new music, I don’t even know where it comes from really, I just keep doing it; sounds a bit silly haha But I believe this is how we find out what we truly love to do; an activity we repeat over and over again that continuously keeps us coming back for more. From what I’ve learned, the key to becoming a career musician takes many things, but one in particular is consistency; and for the last few years I’ve been able to maintain that in releasing music. I put out at least 2 monetized albums every year on streaming platforms through a distributor called Distrokid ( https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/708971 ), and add to my YouTube catalog pretty regularly with exclusive songs/albums/versions you can’t hear anywhere else. I also have a Bandcamp page where I post music created only by myself, usually at a more discounted rate than what it is priced on iTunes, including purchasing the full Bandcamp Discography even cheaper.

Currently I am an entirely digital musician; this is not referring to my musical style, which is actually pretty digital in terms of most instrumentation, interface, and audio workstation haha but is a reference to how I release my music. I do not have much of a budget to work with, so I don’t press physical copies of my albums or singles. I don’t perform shows anymore due to physical limitations, so there’s no need to have stock to sell at physical events. I made the decision years ago to just release music digitally to cut down on costs going forward and it seemed as if music was heading in this direction anyway with audio streaming platforms taking off such as Spotify, Apple Music, and many others. I believe greatly in these platforms as a consumer and creator of music, and even though sometimes I do disagree with certain directions these companies might take in regards to how they handle, treat, or pay different kinds of creators out there, I still know what I felt back then. Streaming is a wonderful way to bring more music to the listener at a more affordable cost, while also helping the creators make continuous annual income and in turn potentially build a career that will keep giving as you keep giving. It has such greater potential than what has been seen so far, and I just hope we get to see that potential shine bright in the greater future to continue benefiting not only the listeners, but the many creators out there too.

I have a few releases planned already for next year, and I’m really excited about them! I hope that any of you reading who find interest, connection, or curiosity in these words today will reach out from your platform of choice, have a listen to my music, and stay tuned for what’s in store next; ya never know, might find some songs ya like to finish off that perfect playlist you’ve been working on. Either way, I’m going to keep making it, so stop by anytime to see the same, what’s changed, or what new projects and ideas are on the way! A link to my Linktree is at the end of this article containing all of my current music, platforms, socials, special projects, and much more; check it out after reading this if you’re interested in hearing/seeing for yourself what I do.

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.
Interesting question! I think I’ll reply in an interesting format.

Itenerary for a week:

– Every morning, we have breakfast at the Busy Bee restaurant in West Side Marietta; a great local establishment that’s been around for what seems like all of time.

– Then, drive into town and pick up a hot brew at Stoked Coffee on Pike Street. Regularly voted the best in the area, it’s my personal favorite too. A nice tall mocha latte for me, preferably with almond milk, or a simple and delicious hot chocolate for the non-caffine drinkers; they will accommodate.

– Head to the studio at home, make music everyday! There isn’t a lot to do in my area honestly; there are some cool historic sites to visit here and there on a morning walk but it wouldn’t fill up a whole week, a few days though for sure. So we go with the flow and pick what direction to go based on that day.

– Lunch at the Harmar Tavern for special occasions throughout the visit, their cheese fries with bacon is a must try (be sure to use the cup of ranch dressing). When eating at home it’s always light; fruit and salads, nuts and seeds, at some point everyday to maintain the diet. There’s jello for desert though! Or Door Dash also delivers almost every fast food place, lot of that here lol

– Afternoon is spent hitting all the best cruise roads from Stanleyville to Gilchrest off of 550, some terrific scenic views especially in the Autumn season. There are so many, we could take a different route everyday and not see the same place twice. I found out in High School and the few years thereafter, there are many roads that lead to the same place, literally in this instance. So many nice places to see and visit if ya have time and gas to spare on some nature views. We have a lot of that here too, trees and farmland for days.

– Late Afternoon/Pre Dinner Coffee Break at Jeremiah’s Coffeehouse on Front Street in Marietta; hopefully some local musicians will be playing! I’ve played there myself before, and last I checked they still like to have acoustic acts play small sets with sound/equipment ran by other local musicians. Team effort over there, really love to share what they do with others; a great business and environment for anyone… Who enjoys coffee, baked goods, and local music that is haha

– Evening/Dinner is buffett style food at my parents house with the extended friend family, the Colombini’s definitely know how to throw a get together! Anything from a Taco Bar, Polenta Feed, or an Appalachian BBQ; there’s no shortage of variety and good vibes. Great food, good people, and lots of laughs; in the true Mediterranean fashion. My parents have always been those who feed everyone, it’s an incredibly noble quality that I’ve watched them fulfill time and time again all of my life; and am proud to have as well. Hard to explain with words, it just feels right to make sure everyone is fed and happy, we’ll call it one of the good family traits.

– Late Night at each days end, we kick back and watch some anime/South Park/whatever the guest wants to watch from the library that is too large to list, play some Nintendo, or make more music! Either way, the adventure always ends in a good nights sleep each day, for after busy days strung into a week like that, I think anyone would be exhausted yet satisfied. Also, since we make music everyday, they leave for home with a fresh musical perspective and a new collab project we get to release and monetize; which in time will allow us to do it all again in the future. The circle is indeed one of the truest shapes there is, once it gets going, keep it moving and you’re set.

Well, now that we’re coming to a close for today, I just want to give a few more Shoutouts in closing. Thanks again to Shoutout for the opportunity to share these words with you all; also to Megan Davis who initially reached out to me with the offer. And of course a huge thanks again to all of those out there still reading right now, whenever or wherever that may be. I hope our time together today brought you some entertainment, enjoyment, value, and/or new perspectives/thoughts you can take with you into your own day to day lives. I truly appreciate that you chose to spend your time here with us today and hope you’ll seek out my music/projects in the future to hear and see them for yourself, as well as checking out more from Shout-out and the many talented, hardworking people they feature. Because don’t ever take my word or anyone else’s for it, experience things with your own senses to develop your own thoughts and opinions; we are all similar in ways yes, but are still indeed all different and unique individuals. Sending much good energy to you all today, tomorrow, and in the upcoming holiday season!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hmm, that’s a tough one, if I wrote about everything/everyone that’s coming to mind right now we’d be here for weeks! haha So much and so many people have impacted my life in creativity, it’s hard to choose; but I suppose I can start by telling you about my Nonno (grandfather), Richard Italo Colombini. One of the only musicians in my family, he played accordion and sang on the bus with his fellow teammates to and from their college football games.

I was born in California and moved to Ohio before I was one year old, and have lived in this area since. Almost all of my Dad’s family lives in that state, so being roughly 2,500 miles away, you’d think it’d be hard for him to impact my life and creative journey; maybe consistently, but he always found ways to show support and believe in me no matter the distance. Honestly, most of my setup for making music was bought with money Nonno sent me for Birthdays and Christmases over past years. Not only that, but his encouragement to never give up on myself and keep up the great music vibe always meant so much. He said I was a late bloomer, and had great faith I would blossom in my own time; I can never thank him enough for this.

When my back went down in 2017/2018, communication and visitation became scarce from friends and family. It’s surprising that when you become physically limited, how many people can just walk away, stop calling and coming by, or just plain can’t handle it and ghost you one day. I don’t fully understand why this is and don’t know if I ever will, but that’s okay. At that time in my life, I had very little and not many people to truly share it with; but where others buckled, my Nonno reached out with love every time, and it always meant a lot. The busiest man in the family, and he still made time for me of all people; he made me feel special, worthy, and above all, not forgotten.

We communicated through email throughout the year, and I’d keep him updated on happenings in my life and send him links to music I created; even sent him a printout of my first VoyageOhio interview. From what family out in Cali told me, he showed it to EVERYONE that holiday season, and was so proud; I wish so much I could’ve been there in person to share that with him, but just knowing how much enjoyment he recieved from such a simple act, will continue to stay with me for the rest of my life. I also have him in part to thank for the boost to my musical education after High School. Between him, my parents, my Mamaw, and cashing in all the stocks I had since I was young, I was able to attend RECW or The Recording Workshop’s 5 week Core Program in Chillicothe Ohio back in October/November of 2016. Happy 7 year graduation anniversary to me and my fellow Late Fall ’16 allumns this month!

And that leads me to the other Shoutout I’d like to address, one to all the Staff and Students, past present and future, at the Recording Workshop. I was told about this audio engineering oasis by a family friend Dave George, who has been a part of and helped me along my musical journey quite a few times over the years. Once I did my online research about the place, and took a visit to tour the facility, I was hooked and just had to go! So I collected the tuition, signed up, and by October of 2016 I was living with 3 strangers for the first time in my life, in RECW’s House #4. Luckily, I was at a music school, and by the end of the first night I got to know these young men like family; Adi, Hunter, Eric and I seemed to have a lot in common, but we didn’t even know the half of it yet.

It was sooo wild being in class there, the way they do things is so unconventional, but in the BEST of ways; it was like every class clown from all over the state/country/world got together in the same room. Lectures regularly paused and turned into a platform where it seemed like everyone was working on their tight 5 for standup on the weekends, which made learning fun, and believe it or not, assisted my focus. I’ll never forget one of the instructors laughing with us, not as a teacher, but as equals, and all he’d say is something along the lines of: “if you guys wanna be here till dark keep the jokes flowing, but if you want to be out of class on time, you should probably tune in for a bit longer” haha truly some of the BEST teachers I’ve ever had in my life; sorry guys, but Foster is still #1 though! And that’s a story for another day.

It was truly wonderful to finally be with others like myself, something I rarely found growing up in my own school system back home; and this whole 5 week experience helped me to rewrite or override most of the not so great previous school experiences that lingered in my memory. Twas indeed my best overall school experience ever; I can’t thank everyone at RECW enough for this. They not only gave me knowledge and direction for my future, but Staff and Students alike helped me overcome the awful experiences of my past in education. Where once was pain, low self esteem, and isolation, now resides knowledge, self-appreciation, and quite a few solid relationships I still have to this day, 7 years later.

I’ve included a link at the end of this article that leads to the Recording Workshop of Chillicothe Ohio’s website if anyone is curious for more information, or wants to contact the facility for a tour or an application to attend. It’s a wonderful choice for the independent musician on a budget that needs more than just YouTube videos and message board forums to grow and improve their audio engineering/music production skills.

Website: http://linktr.ee/callembini

Instagram: https://instagram.com/callembini

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@callembini

Other: https://therecw.com/