I am excited to finally be working on a new collection of songs to be produced, along with my pal David Mosher, over the next couple of months with the goal of having it in your hands by Spring, 2010. As they say in The Godfather Part 2, “difficult, but not impossible.” I am happy to report that most of this new CD will be original material. As many of you know, songwriting came late for me. I have spent most of my 30 years as a performer (I started young) singing traditional songs and songs written by friends and heroes. It has only been in the last few years that I’ve joined the ranks of those who stare at the blank page until drops of blood bead up on your forehead. Writing is that easy! I LOVE the process. As soon as I finally finish one, I eagerly anticipate starting the next. I think it’s safe to say that I am overdue for a new CD. My last one, Jukebox Folk, came out in the Summer of ‘04. So what has been the hold up? Money. It takes money. Not a lot (by some standards) but enough to make it difficult to put up the cash AND keep a family afloat while supporting yourself as an artist, teacher and radio host. Difficult, but not impossible. My dear friend and fellow songwriter Matt Cifaldi encouraged me to ask the people who care the most–those who have supported my music throughout the years–if they would like to contribute to the making of a new Matt Watroba CD. The plan is to offer all kinds of incentives and then wait for the money to roll in. It’s kind of like supporting the arts one artist at a time…I hope it works. I can’t wait to breathe studio life into these new songs I’m writing. The live response to songs like, “They Used To Play Baseball Here,” and “Yellow Lace” has been encouraging. The chance to work with David Mosher again is exciting. I believe I can pull the whole project off for about $7,500 and then have a big concert party to celebrate. I have set up a website to explain how this all works. In fact, you may have found this blog through that page. If not, check out www.greatlakesfolk.com and keep checking back for Matt Watroba blog updates. If you have any ideas for this blog feel free to let me know. I would love to use this space to answer questions or tell stories about my experiences as a writer, teacher, performer, radio host…you get the idea.
It pays to have teenagers. It was their knowledge that dragged me here, kicking and sceaming into the 21st century. Check back often to check up on my progress. I hope to post some new songs-- soon to be on a new CD. I will post videos and tour information as well. In the meantime you can check out my radio work on WDET in Detroit, www.wdet.org, or my syndicated show, The Sing Out! Radio Magazine at, www.singout.org
