MATTHEW WHITAKER-NOW HEAR THIS
Smooth Jazz Magazine
|November - December 2019
“Here’s a fun fact, on the first day of recording the music in the studio, my manager and I were thinking about it, you know, and it just came. It’s like, “’m out the box now, what can I do? I want people to hear what I wanted to musically say."
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Matthew Whitaker is a rising young star in the music industry. From his legendary appearances on Ellen,” “Apollo Live and at the “Playboy Jazz Festival to his debut album entitled “Outta The Box,” Whitaker has been gaining momentum in recent years. He is not letting his youth or disability of being blind stop him from achieving his dreams. We had a chance to talk to Matthew as he’s recently released his second solo album, entitled “Now Hear This.”
SJM: Hi Matt how are you?
Matthew : Great, thank you!
SMJ: So first of all, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. I've listened to the album and its great.
Matthew: Wow. Thank you so much.
SJM: Before getting into the album, let me ask you this question. How have you been able to juggle touring and going to Julliard?
Matthew: Its been great. I just came back from South Korea, and I didn’t have any homework! (laughs) But the people have been awesome and supportive, I’m still getting used to getting around the building but the support has been super since day one. I’ve also made new friends and just enjoy playing music.

SJM: That’s great. I listened to you first album as well and I liked it. When you compare your debut album (Outta The Box) and the new album (Now Hear This), what do you think is the biggest transition you've had when thinking about the two?
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