A Conversation with Mathew Blue
Get to know Ethan Schroeder (Mathew Blue) who is a 17 year old musician from San Antonio, Texas.
How old were you when you started getting interested in music?
I was about 15 years old.
Were you 15 when you started to make your own music or did you start doing it later on?
I was 16 when i released my first single "voicemail", but I had been playing guitar and bass since I was about 15.
Who are the artists that have inspired your sound? Your music reminds me somewhat of Banes World and Cuco.
Banes World is definitely an inspiration to me, his concert was the first I ever went to. Cuco, is also a big inspiration too. My top artists though have to be Mac Demarco, The Tungs, Michael Slyer, Cosmo Pyke, Joji, Sublime, and Lil Peep.
Those are all great artists and they all have a unique sound! Who are some artists you would want to collaborate with in the future?
Well I'd love to collaborate with this local artist Julian Skiboat as of right now. But for my future "dream" collabs, it would have to be Gus Dapperton, Earl Sweatshirt, Corbin, and Johnny Utah.
Along with collaborating with those artists, what are some of your other goals for the future?
I would love to play a couple shows and play a festival, then I'd love to be able to buy my dream guitar from my music money (If I ever get paid for music).
So is music your overall goal for your career? I know since you are probably in High School right now you are thinking of what career path you want to follow, or possibly college?
Im really hoping my music takes a launch some point near the end of my High School career because I never planned to go to college. But if I do change my mind, then I would like to look into music theory and audio engineering. I'll always be making music, even if I never "make it big" I just enjoy releasing art that people can relate to and turn to when they need.
Thats good! I think a lot of artists these days are mostly in it for the money and making it big and don't actually love what they are doing. Since you are still in High School, how do you manage your time between school, music, and work?
Well I usually have work right after school, then I'll stay up till about 1 AM working on music, then on the weekends I'll usually skateboard then work on music all day or hang with friends. It can get really stressful but it's also super satisfying and fun.
What is the hardest thing about being a young creator?
I can't speak for every other young creator but my main problem is for sure keeping my school work in check and my job in check while also creating and producing music and merch.
What advise would you give to other kids / teens who want to become a musician?
Don't ever compare yourself to some one else, if you don't like your music find out why and if its because it doesn't sound like a certain somebody, then keep it that way because that makes you unique.
Yes I agree, I think that is important for kids to understand. Everyone needs there own unique sound.
Do you have any new music coming out soon? Solo music? Or new music with Pop Stars?
I'll be releasing an EP soon, around June or July. I also plan on releasing some singles after as well at a consistent rate.
Follow Mathew Blue on Instagram here
Listen to Mathew Blue's music here
