MATT THIEN: bio

I've heard it said time and time again, "Home is where the heart is." I'm beginning to believe it's true. I've moved more times in my life than a 3 year old with ants in his pants after eating a bag full of gummy bears (not the sugar free kind). From the California coast to the monuments of our nation's capital (Northern VA counts) I've met a handful of people I don't like and an ocean full of people that I love. Out of all the places my Marine Corps Dad (Semper Fi) took my family, my favorite was wherever we were living at the time (how's that for partiality?). Ok, if I had to pick one place I would say...ummm...California for sure. I loved the weather, the beach and most of all the people.

Growing up and moving around A LOT, I found some truths:

- Change makes the heart heavy, but also gives it life to continue beating.
- Family is who your best friend is at the moment.
- Friends come and go, but you never really let go of the good ones.
- The Marines are hard core.
- Girlfriends were much more fun to have in the 8th grade.
- Sex and drugs were worth staying away from.
- Graduating high school seniors do cry when they leave for college.
- College girls are so pretty.
- Getting a college degree turned out to be worth it.
- Divorce is real, and tough to take at any age.

One thing I figured out early in life was that 'it' happens so you better be prepared. Despite my unique ability to meet people and become the most liked and most hated guy in each school I went to (oh yeah, it's possible) I learned to find a way to express myself that didn't involve alcohol, drugs, fireworks or gasoline (It's OK to laugh).

I wrote songs.

Everything was a song to me. At first I didn't even sing at all. Maybe it was because a doctor had told me after vocal chord surgery at the age of 7 I would never be able to sing (HA!). So, if a musically inclined person can't sing, they pick up the trumpet and play it for 12 years. I actually played trumpet in the high school band (represent, don't hate).

Well, sometimes things happen for a reason (OK, all the time) and my love for creating, sharing and performing music has it's reasons. I know some of them and I don't know a lot of them. I'm not supposed to be able to sing, yet I've been given a gift. I find it funny that out of all the compliments one can give, the most I receive are about my voice. I'm humbled in every way I can be (those that know me know humility is something I work on) when I get an email, text message or comment about how someone just loves my voice. Thank you!

The later years of my life sped up:

Life as a 'grown up' is GREAT! The Navy is a great place to start and possibly finish a worthwhile career. Those that don't know, my full time job is a Naval Officer - here's a breakdown of where the Navy has taken us and what I've done: OCS in Pensacola, Flight School in Pensacola and San Antonio, First flying duty station in Oklahoma City, and now I'm an NROTC college instructor in the Atlanta Region. Being a Dad has proven challenging, but it's pretty much amazing.

Some would say life is like a box of chocolates, but I wouldn't, because I know what I'm going to get. My life will always be filled with:

- People that build up not tear down.
- People that tell you the truth even though it may hurt
- Love that surpasses all understanding (the Godly kind ya'll)
- Grace towards others
- Acceptance of failure but not defeat
- MUSIC!

Shoot me your story, after all, this life is not about me at all - I'm just one dude trying to change the world one positive peaceful song at a time.

Matt

Independent musician, Matt Thien accomplishes more in one day than some people accomplish in a lifetime. That is because he was born to change the world one heartfelt song at a time and is doing just that. Offering hope to all generations, Matt Thien's music crosses generational and racial barriers and boundaries to dig down deep into the souls of his listeners. Attracting young and old, his solid acoustic pop style and catchy songwriting are loveable, fun to listen to and easily remembered.

In his tour de force compilation, Desert Dry, his freshmen EP (in conjunction with Grammy Award-winning producer, Mitch Dane; acclaimed songwriter Randall Goodgame; and Jars' own, Steve Mason), Matt Thien exposes the conflict and juxtaposition that is embedded deep in the hearts of many MySpace-saturated, text-message-laden, Barack-Obama-campaigning young professionals. Desert Dry is indeed an eclectic blend of upbeat ballads and folksy pop beats that reflects nuances both timely and refreshing: uncertainty and love, exhibitionism and vulnerability, joy and anxiety.

"Matt Thien has a wonderful ability to capture one’s attention with his unique voice, then they’re drawn in by the rich lyric and melody. This combination sets Matt apart from the multitudes of singer songwriters out there."
- Mitch Dane, Grammy Award Winning Producer/Engineer

Whether it’s wrestling with being ‘desert dry’ or head over heals in ‘beautiful’ love, Matt Thien’s passion for people to know purpose and meaning in life is second to nothing. Being convinced that the lackluster attitudes portrayed by Christians today contribute to the mediocre feeling of the world about Christ, Matt is determined to change that world one song at a time.

“I’m living this life one day at a time enjoying the journeys that come my way! So far so good!” – Much Love - Matt Thien - MT

Yo!

I'm 28 years old despite those that think I look 18 :)

I write positive songs and sing them to people at least 3 times a week.

In my spare time, I like to cook and relax on the front porch.

I love people.

I wear argyle socks all the time.

I love you even more if you love my music. Even more if you listen AND send me pics of you wearing argyle socks.

I despise negativity and judgemental attitudes, there's no place for it.

I'm not a big deal. Really, I'm NOT.

I'm so laid back that it's hard to phase me - and that comes out in my songs.

My middle name is Curtis.

And I'm tall and skinny. If I block your view at a concert, sorry, just ask if you can get in front of me. I will let you.

My ideal outfit is one that I didn't pick out.

Secretly, I want a professional stylist to do everything for me. Clothes, hair, etc.

I don't cry often.

ChooseAneed.org is the bomb.

Grey's Anatomy and American Idol are my favorite.

I have B-E-A-utiful friends. Be one.

I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world.

She and God are my inspiration on a daily basis.

All of the design work for my first CD 'Desert Dry' was done by a fraternity brother for free. Thanks Joe.

My family almost bought a pig farm when I was little. No lie. Thank God they couldn't stand the stinch.

I'm fascinated by people and pictures. I never meet a stranger. Because you never now who your next best friend may be.

I like people who can be sarcastic and laugh about any situation.

I believe whatever you say because I trust you're telling the truth.

I have an older sister who lives in Mrytle Beach. Vacation ya'll!

I'm an Oprah Winfrey fan. Seriously how can you not be.

I have dreams of sharing the stage with those musicians that have influenced me - John Mayer, Matt Wertz, Colbie Cailat, Dave Barnes, Andy Davis. Oh and Justin Timberlake and U2.

I will never shave my head again no matter what the dare, challenge or circumstance.

There's always someone coming up to me telling me I remind them of someone they know.

I've been mistaken for Tony Hawk, Bill Nye the science guy, Adam Levine (ha!) and some guy on Comedy Central.

I need everything to be un-organized. All the time. Controlled chaos, like a jet landing on a carrier.

I think little kids are awesome. I have two of them.

I'm a thinker and an over-analyzer. I lie awake and wonder why...

I'm a fan of you who is reading this. It takes guts to live this life to the fullest. It takes guts to love.

To anyone who has gone out and bought my CD, or come to a show, or even turned my song up when you're sitting in traffic cause you want the person next to you to hear it, all I can say is THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU!

Oh yeah.. My name's Matt Thien.