Episode 097–Matt Westin “Hey Bro” and “Stomp On” with Bruce Hilliard
Matt Westin was born and raised in blue collar family in a middle class suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. From a young age, he pursued various paths of passions, including academics, sports, acting, and music. After years of searching, Matt found true fulfillment in the creative outlets of acting and singing, dedicating himself to his artistic pursuits, and walking away from a promising career in engineering. With the influences of many legendary artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Garth Brooks, all the way to Frank Sinatra, Matt found his voice. The thrill of live performance fed his passion as he honed his vocal ability in bars and clubs around Pittsburgh for over a decade. His obvious passion and talent quickly won over his family's initial disapproval of walking away from an engineering career, and they became his biggest supporters. Tragically, after a bravely fought battle with Leukemia, Matt's father succumb to complications with chemotherapy in April 2016. As a true family man, Matt was utterly devastated and struggled day to day with the reality of his father's death. After months of depression, instead of self-destructing, Matt decided to honor his father's memory by finally pursuing his music career, as his father had encouraged. Deciding to make a country record in his father's honor, and being introduced by a mutual friend to world class musician/songwriter/producer Bryan Cole, the stage was set. Bryan took on the project as 
producer, believing in his talent and vision and guiding Matt in making a world class country record. Bryan recruited long time friend and mix engineer Doug Kasper to record and mix the record at nearby Tonic Recording Studios. With the right songs, legendary musicians Mike Brignardello (bass) and Steve Hinson (steel guitar), and an amazing up and coming musician Adam Ernst, Matt dedicated an entire year to making the record he and his father would be proud of.
