Matt VanGasbeck

Birthdate: 11/30/1984
Hometown: Waldorf, MD
Paper or Plastic: Paper.
Matt's shirts:

What is the first work of art or design (painting, album cover, cereal box, etc.) that you remember having a significant impact on you?
I was really into vinyls when I was younger. I would dig through the hundreds my dad had and find the most appealing covers and throw them on. A few I remember vividly having an impact were The Allman Brothers "Eat A Peach" and Led Zeppelin's IV.

Which designers, artists, or creative people do you look up to or are inspired by?
My favorite modern artist is a guy named Chuck Anderson, www.nopattern.com. I've watched him and his work for years trying to figure out how the hell he creates these compositions. Musically, If I could seamlessly switch lives with anybody it would be Daniel Johns from Silverchair. He keeps getting cooler and putting out better records, Its fun to be a fan.

If you could single-handedly be responsible for creating a new genre of music, what would it be called and what would it sound like?
I think very visually when it comes to music. I write songs that take me on a little mental voyage whether its walking down a narrow path in a scary forest or floating down the mississippi. So I think my genre would be called "AV" short and to the point.

What are 3 things you can't live without?
I got pretty good at living without a lot of material possessions. BUUUT, I really like mexican food, It has to be authentic or as close as you can get in DC. I went a really long time sleeping on a variety of couches, floors, motel beds, and cubbie holes so having a comfortable bed is something I've grown to appreciate and (dare i say) cant live without. Lastly ill go cliche and say a guitar.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would revamp the public schooling system to include a curriculum in entrepreneurship. I don't think kids really know that they can make money for themselves and be their own boss. There is just a focus on safety and getting a cube job with benefits that will really only get you so far. In turn it allows the large corporations to get even bigger and eventually destroys our economy as we've all watched the last few years. I believe teaching kids from a young age that the current method isn't the only method and learning the steps involved in building a business plan and filing for a tax ID might be a little more beneficial to their future than a sugar coated history of glamorized crooks.

If you were reborn as the lead singer of a glam rock band, what would the name of your alter ego be and what would you call your first single?
Eddie Winslow, Hurrricane

What 5 albums have had the most influence on you?

• Jimmy Eat World - Clarity
• My Morning Jacket - Z
• Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary
• The Get Up Kids - Something To Write Home About
• Jeff Buckley - Grace