Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff - Episode 10 - Matt Smith

In this episode, Neal talks to Matt Smith of the band Theocracy about start off as a musician/ writer, performing at Morsefest and... sweet tea!
Audio version available on iTunes, Spotify and all major podcast networks.
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[@donnasmith625]

I'm Matt's mom. Neal, you are one of Matt's heroes in the music world, and you have influenced him in the most positive way. I hope that one day I can meet you. Thank you for including Matt in this series.

[@thereaper7682]

Matt is gifted and I like him bringing the word of God to life in the music. God bless him.

[@MournfulMystic]

That's great! Been a fan of Neal's & Matt's work since 2003.

[@jonathanvorster8621]

This is a cool comment!

[@marinamarchese6748]

@@thereaper7682 Matt is a very humble, sweet soul , although extremely and wonderfully gifted , as well as Musically innovative and bright . But, I am afraid I don't feel of saying the same thing about Neal Morse. I mean , with all respect to his Musical knowledge and talent , I can't think of him as a " humble Man " like Mtt Smith is, though! I am sorry but that's my very thought. God bless them all , anyway ! :)

[@timharrison1158]

@@marinamarchese6748 I know exactly what you mean, but we mustn't confuse humility with an introverted nature. Neal is certainly not introverted and who knows, he may struggle with humility, but I think he deals with all the praise he gets quite well.

[@thereaper7682]

I'd love to create Mirror of Souls to a short animated movie.

[@thoroughbredautobrokers4755]

I grew up on Petra and Stryper. They are Legends. But I gotta say Matt Smith/Theocracy is the PERFECT band because they combine the solid and deep Theology I love about Petra with the melodic Shredding I love about Stryper... Its like the two bands had an adorable baby. I would love to see Theocracy live.

[@brucefell8092]

Can’t wait for new Theocracy material!! When will we hear it?

[@ElementiaYT]

It’s time.

[@Aeonblade10]

I'm not a believer, but I really enjoy Theocracy and Neal's music. Been digging into Christian metal lately. It's sort of an isolated scene aside from a few odd bands that have managed to appeal to the rest of us. Even if the message doesn't hit me in the same way it would a Christian, I appreciate the passion these guys have for it.

[@4themusicman]

Awesome. What Christian bands have you been checking out? It's a shame so many bands have been overlooked because they are Christian. I mean, I get why. But there are lots of them that deserve to be heard. I'd love to mention some for you to check out. You may have already found plenty on your own.

[@Aeonblade10]

@@4themusicman The bigger names ones would be stuff like Tourniquet, Bloodgood, Sacred Warrior, Rob Rock, though I haven't deep dived into their discographies other than Tourniquet. And picked up CDs from some more recent projects like In-Conquered, and Crowned in Sorrow. Have a black metal release or two as well. I'm sure I have some more stuff in my collection, but those are the ones that come to me off the top of my head.

[@georgeearl7568]

Well this seems to be the place for 52 year olds! I am one myself. Anyway, I grew up loving heavy metal, but when I became a Christian at 17 I had to chuck a fair amount of it aside. I got a bit tired of the 80s metal....I wanted something richer and more complex. Enter Dream Theater in the 1990s and I was blown away. I longed, however, for bands that could tell God's story and still have a good polished sound as DT. When I heard Neal's work and then later Theocracy it was like the best of both Christian and Progressive Metal (and other elements of course). I have really enjoyed the depth of lyrics and the musicianship, orchestration and over all joy their music brings. Other bands are out there as well doing some great stuff. Thanks again guys.

[@Hallow334]

I recently discovered Theocracy and Aegis Project when I asked in a Christian Metal group for recommendations. Wow! Amazing music. Theocracy is the Christian metal band I have been looking for. Looking forward to the new album. I just bought their discography tonight. Matt is such a talent.

[@GMSirLawrence]

Matt is a real genious it was such a pleasure meeting him in Milan. God bless him and his Theocracy.

[@alexcaceres9399]

Matt is a genius as I would like to meet him some day but that is impossible I admire him a lot as a musician he is my inspiration to make music God bless him greatly

[@rafhendrix]

Neal and Matt are my biggest recent musical influences. I always enjoy to see these two together.

[@kingcrim]

The first time I met Matt we were sitting beside each other at the first concert for Testimony 2 in TN. Matt was with his wife and we heard he was a singer. About halfway through Neal's set I noticed Matt was gone and he appeared up on stage singing a duet with Neal. I was blown away. Good memories.

[@Renkaru]

Matt Smith is one of my favorite metal musicians!! I hope you guys will collab more often!

[@superlaser5]

Also, when is the next Theocracy coming out?

[@elsymirj425]

Thanks to both of you for this interview. I don't remember how I found Theocracy, but they are one of my favorite bands. Theocracy led me to Neal, and I have really enjoyed his work also. My 2-year old daughter absolutely loves the Project Aegis collaboration song (And the Rest Is Mystery). I am so excited that another Theocracy album is in the works!

[@davidadamsmusic]

I think both of you are incredible talents. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Making a career out of music is no easy task especially because the source comes from creativity and artistry. The business side can be a drag. Glad you are both still in the game.

[@Elusime]

Great to hear Matt talking about the Elements of Rock Festival in Switzerland. Lots of great memories in all those years since the start of this festival, including the Theocracy Show.

[@KiyoTsukiko]

56:37 I just cannot get enough of this short sample... the lyrics are so on the point...

[@Aqua-pl8qw]

This is actually a cover of a song by Neal Morse. The full song is "The Separated Man" and can be found on the album "One".

[@guymartin763]

Yes!!! New Album from Matt

[@melkatts]

Having Neal & Matt on the same podcast just melted my computer from the amount of talent radiating from these two. Thanks guys, you owe me a new PC. lol :D

[@brucefell8092]

Neil. It would be great to see you do a podcast with Michael Sweet hes a coffee nut. & i would love to listen to you talk with Leah. What shes up to & about her musical journey.

[@abrahamtorrespulgarin8464]

Matt es un genio!!!increible compositor Musico y cantante🙌

[@israeltenoriooficial]

WE NEED MORE OF THIS !!! Thanks guys!

[@WhaleBluePRS]

30:15 Geddy Lee (my personal favorite bass player!) once said there's nothing "noble" in what he does but I couldn't disagree more. The impact you can have on another person's life as a musician is incalculable and so valuable. I teach my own students all the time, "Music is a relationship." When God is at the center of it, it is also a deeply spiritual connection. ie: a relationship.

[@mikeywankhar7855]

Wow..with my most favorite singer..love it! Thanks Neal..👍God bless..

[@taztherocker1]

It was a good interview. Thanks Neal and thanks Matt, God bless you guys.

[@WillemFolmer]

The best singer and the best composer I know! Thanks for all, you both helped me out a lot, plenty of times.

[@Hmbldzy99]

Man, this is so good, thanks for turning me onto Theocracy, wow, great music and fantastic lyrics! You guys are right, although I am a man of faith I don't subscribe to any particular religious outlook but I can listen to Neal Morse's music and feel the sincerity and heart he puts into everything. His dedication to Christ is inspiring and I don't necessarily have to be a Christian to relate to the subject matter. It's all about the heart. I feel the same way hearing Matt and Theocracy. I can feel the power, heart and belief. It's cool! Incidentally I do cover versions of "Wind At My Back", "June" and "Bridge Across Forever" at various solo gigs and open mic nights and I'm always spreading the word about what a truly world-class songwriter Neal is. "You've gotta check this guy out!"

[@matthewneedham4804]

Oh my gosh, I thought this was one of Matt's infamous April fool's jokes at first!! I've been a fan of Matt Smith's since he gave me a 3 song demo he recorded. That was over 20 years ago now...

[@wesdyck1936]

Matt: Awesome to hear about the new album and a little teaser at the end. Great work on "And the rest is mystery" - my favorite Neal vocals yet. The best Christian music is now!

[@tjflash60]

Great interview. As well as the Neal Morse projects I am a big Theocracy fan. Even though he does not drink coffee, yet, I am a Matt Smith music fan.

[@thereaper7682]

Can't wait for the new theocracy album.

[@IAmisMaster]

Neal releases like three albums per year...and Matt is over here taking his sweet time every five years as we all wait patiently 😜

[@rebelmetal4233]

It is excrutiating to wait...there is not a lot of good music out there right now, and you know the new Theocracy will be incredible...hurry up already!

[@c.l.aguilar846]

I am a Christian indie writer and prog lover. Big fan of NMB and Theocracy! This interview encouraged me so much, especially with two major points... 1. God multiples the gift, even among creatives. 2. Integrity/quality draws respect. Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@sez11a]

That was a surprise there at the end....

[@jaywright34]

Matt, You should try adding some Amaretto syrup to your sweet tea in place of the sugar. So smooth and palatable you may just never go back to the original. And even better brewed as “Sun tea”. Great interview from both of you! So admire both of your gifts from God and am encouraged as well as a fellow musician.

[@mylesmilliman6166]

Theocracy freaking owns. Some of the best music written and performed in the last 30 years. Even more so now. While we have mediocrity and downright drivel shoved down our throats as "hot", and the pool of legitimate art seems to be shrinking at a breakneck pace, Theocracy stands poised to save the world from musical oblivion. Ok kind of dramatic.......but I think that Matt's compositions are brilliant, stellar, and worthy of so much more attention on the planet.

[@thereaper7682]

You bet. Mirror of Souls sounds like it would be at the top of the charts for another 10 years.

[@BanBanChi]

Interesting interview. I paused it and searched some Theocracy music, since I've never heard of them before and was pleasantly surprised. They remind me of some of the 80s and 90s Japanese metal bands. Matt seems to be a very pleasant and quiet guy off stage. That made the interview a little awkward but still very enjoyable in my opinion.

[@d.p.doughathensga2478]

Hey, Matt! I've seen you around town a couple times but didn't say anything. One time, It was a mexican restaurant and I think you were picking up food! -David

[@tatischisback]

Awesome interview! Especially enjoyed the fanboy part! I've found Theocracy after hearing Matt sing in JCtE and it didn't disappoint. Does anyone know what is the version of the Separated Man that is playing in the end of the video?

[@michaelfrancis1]

Insight! Write from your heart. The loaves and fish... This is what I have, THANK YOU GOD, period. And of course, God does more than we could ever imagine! So enjoyed this! M

[@garyi8837]

Emil rules!