By Elle Collins —
Though I have several creative talents, being musically inclined is not one of them. In fact, not only can I not command any kind of instrument to make a melodious note, I, also, most certainly cannot sing, as anyone who has ever worked with me can attest.
I do, however, rap. Not well, I assure you, and it”s not like I”m going to quit my day job. There are those who have enough talent they afford to commit their lives to making music.
Matthew Wilsey, 21, of Clearlake is one of those people.
Wilsey, known to fans as MATIC, has been making and recording music for roughly a year now. You may have even heard the edited version of his original song “Blow the Fuse” on Shannon “Ace” Nailor”s The Checkered Flag Talk Show in Ukiah.
MATIC spent the last 20 years in Clearlake and is trying to use his music to represent the lake in a positive way.
“I”m influenced by my community and my life. Growing up here, it”s sad. You”re expected to lose. You”re expected to be a drug user, a low-life, trailer trash and that”s not it. Lake County is a beautiful place. We have a story to tell and I”m just trying to tell it …”
MATIC is in the process of making a mix tape, “Trailer Made,” produced by Ante Up Records. On it MATIC raps about what it”s like to grow up and live in a place like this, among other topics.
Though, MATIC claims he is open to collaborate with any true artist of any music stature, he has no intention of changing record companies. “I”m currently and permanently with Ante Up Records. If I make it, they make it. If they make it, I make it.” Making it big isn”t something that will make MATIC forget where he came from. He has Clear Lake tattooed on his arm and says he will represent the Lake (707), no matter where his music takes him. MATIC said he”s worked with some big name artists, but would like to keep their identity a secret until his mix is released.
For now, though MATIC is here in Lake County, writing and recording music with a crew that is more like family than friends, the A-team, MATIC, Tylah Tossy, Big Tef, Carlo Sauce, Young Short and J.M.B. (Josh Brown of Lucerne).
MATIC expresses strong emotions toward the members of the crew, especially his uncle Big Tef who MATIC recognizes as the man in the “driver”s seat,” and the one who has opened many doors for him on his journey to becoming an artist. The A-team functions with good group dynamics. Each of the members treat the others as equals and support one another in aspects of life that transcend professional connections.
That unconditional support was tested when MATIC”s “little brother” Young Short, 17, was arrested in June. The remaining members of the A-team banded together and started the “Free the Kid” campaign to raise awareness and funds about his legal dilemma. The crew put together a mix-tape of individual and group songs they recorded with Ante Up Records. It was sold for $5, with all proceeds to help the family hire a lawyer.
Eventually the family and the A-team were able to get secure a lawyer.
The teen was released on July 14, but was arrested soon after. The A-team will continue to support Young Short through music and raising funds for his release.
Though MATIC and other members of the A-team perform at live events, most of the fan base and support is a result of homemade music videos posted on Facebook and YouTube. The man behind the camera is a MATIC”s childhood friend Jj McFly, better known as Jessy Johnson. MATIC does the majority of the work for the videos himself.
Not only does MATIC write his own lyrics, but he also directs and edits his own music videos. He often uses extras from the community.
“My favorite part of being a recording artist is sitting in the studio and putting my emotions to paper. I feel whole, like I have a purpose.”
In my opinion, MATIC is a prime example of a small town, wrong-side of the tracks, stereotype-breaker. He doesn”t see aspects of his life as a handicap, but instead as inspiration to himself and for others. Perhaps his life is best summed up with his favorite lyrics, “I”m not perfect and I refuse to be/ all that matters is I”m better than I used to be.” — Tylah Tossy
MATIC is grateful to his family for his success, his mother and father for making him “not normal,” his grandmother whom he loves and his uncle Big Tef who helped and supported him in his transition into the music industry. He gives a special shout-out to all his brothers on the A-team and all his homeboys (the real ones).
For more information on the A-team or Ante Up Records visit MATIC at Facebook.com/Matic707 or follow him on Twitter on @Matic707. To watch videos view YouTube channel TRAILERMADE707.
If you know someone who deserves to be noticed email Elle Collins at elle.a.collins@gmail.com.
