On a sunny morning in late May, I caught up with Matty J and his sweet doggie, Mable. He rescued her 12 years ago, and she’s been his right-hand buddy ever since. We strolled the Boise greenbelt chatting about music, life, and what makes it all important.
Formally known as Matt Jantz, Matty J is an Idaho native singer, songwriter, and performer. Growing up in Idaho Falls, he drew musical inspiration from his oldest brother, aspiring to be a musician just like him. At just 12 years old, drums became his first love and instrument of choice. In school, he played in jazz and pep band while looking up to bands like 311 and Goldfinger. After spending some formative years in Idaho Falls, Matty came to Boise to attend BSU, earning a marketing degree in 2008. He continued to play music as a hobby, and it was during this work/life period that he picked up the guitar. Soon after, he realized he could also carry quite a tune vocally after a few karaoke nights.
In 2018, Matty left his corporate job as a marketing director after some soul-searching and his father’s passing. “Life’s short, and I’m not doing what I want to do. I better get after this.” He set out on a 5-week trip all over the western United States to market his new drumming product, CajonAlone, and figure out what was next. After returning to Boise and dabbling in a few working ventures, he started gigging around the valley. 2020 propelled Matty into booking more venues amidst concerns and hesitations regarding public health. Many venues remained open during the pandemic and needed musicians so it became the perfect opportunity for Matty to take it to the next level.
It takes a myriad of mental gymnastics to simultaneously sing, pick or strum guitar, and play the cajon with your feet, but Matty does so effortlessly. His solo act is unique to the Treasure Valley, offering a dynamic performance with his ability to “Cajon Alone.” CajonAlone is his solo act name and the name of his hands-free cajon invention. It was an idea Matty formed in 2016 when searching for a way to incorporate drums while performing solo. He worked on a prototype to create a hands-free drumming system consisting of an attachment plate, a short bass drum beater, and a long bass drum beater attached to a traditional cajon. The CajonAlone became a major addition to Matty’s style and dynamics when performing.
After playing several solo sets, he realized he could start booking bigger venues with the accompaniment of a full band. Matty J and the Grays formed as a result, and the bigger stages started becoming available. Earlier this year, Matty J and the Grays opened for ZOSO, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, at the Knitting Factory. I was fortunate enough to be there in that electric crowd. When I asked Matty about it, he said, “It was my first time debuting most of my originals; the crowd was so supportive. It also came on the heels of two awful tragedies for me that week, and it showed me a little about my own resilience.” To date, this has been his favorite show. It was the largest crowd the band had played in front of and became a special moment for everyone involved. For solo sets, Matty likes places like Mother Earth Brewery for their hospitality and the Lowman Inn for its remote location and good times.
When he writes, he draws influences from genres that resonate with the 90s: nostalgic punk, grunge, and reggae Sublimish tunes. He likes to layer lyrical melodies with guitar riffs and let it marinate over time with practice and live shows. He enjoys meddling with original songs at band rehearsal, allowing them to take the shape they’re meant to be. Matty has a robust list of well-known covers on his website for song requests during his solo sets. You’ll see him bust out a harmonica for several songs and interact with the crowd as much as possible.
When asked what pointers he would give to someone wanting to follow in his footsteps, he had some sound advice: “Be patient, work hard, put in practice, and DON’T take booking personally.”
Matty is a kind-hearted, humble dude with a lot of heart and practice in everything he does. He is quick to perform wherever and whenever he can and is accommodating to crowds with several song request options. He is a collaborator and enjoys jamming with other local musicians whenever possible. He loves the Treasure Valley. “I’ve traveled the country, and I haven’t met more friendly, amazing, open, sweet people than in Idaho.” I’m biased, but I couldn’t agree more!
Follow Matty J on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also follow his band, Matty J and the Grays, on Instagram or Facebook.
You can also see song requests and buy a CajonAlone HERE!
Check out this awesome Matty J photo gallery from photographer Rick Walters. Subscribe to Live Treasure Valley Music to stay up to date on all of Matty’s upcoming shows!
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Hoping to craft your perfect sound with practice and a supportive community? The Treasure Valley is a perfect setting to do so. Below you will find a comprehensive list of open mics throughout the valley along with their hosts, their vibe, and what to expect.