Matthew Sweet
Matthew Sweet
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Matthew Thomas Sweet is a renowned American musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Thirteenth Floor Elevators and as a solo artist.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on October 10, 1960
(Note: There is no recorded information about Matthew Sweet's passing, so there is no death date listed.)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American musician, singer-songwriter, record producer
Matthew Sweet has had a successful career spanning multiple decades, with various roles in the music industry.
Early Life and Background
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Sweet grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he developed an interest in music at a young age. He was heavily influenced by 1960s psychedelic rock bands and began writing his own songs as a teenager. After moving to Austin, Texas, Sweet formed The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, which gained local attention for their unique blend of psychedelia and garage rock.
Major Accomplishments
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As the lead vocalist of The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, Matthew Sweet was instrumental in creating some of the band's most iconic songs. Some notable achievements include:
"You're Gonna Miss Me", a song that has been covered by numerous artists and remains a fan favorite to this day.
The band's debut album, _The Psychedelic Sounds of the Thirteenth Floor Elevators_, is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.
As a solo artist, Sweet has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Girlfriend, which features the hit single "Sick of Myself".
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions by Matthew Sweet include:
His album _Blue Sky on Mars_ (1997), which features a mix of power pop and alternative rock sounds.
Collaborations with other artists, such as Jennifer Connelly, for whom he wrote the song "San Francisco".
Impact and Legacy
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Matthew Sweet's music has had a lasting impact on the music industry. His contributions to the psychedelic rock genre have influenced countless artists, including The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
As a solo artist, Sweet continues to release new material and tour extensively, maintaining a loyal fan base.
In recognition of his achievements, Sweet has been awarded several accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Matthew Sweet is widely quoted or remembered for his unique blend of psychedelic rock and power pop sounds. His ability to craft catchy, memorable melodies has made him a beloved figure in the music world.
In addition to his musical talents, Sweet's commitment to social causes and environmental issues has earned him respect from fans and peers alike.
Overall, Matthew Sweet is an accomplished musician with a rich history of contributions to the music industry. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Quotes by Matthew Sweet
Creativity is much better when it’s free. Someone can take it and sell it if that’s what it needs, and from that standpoint, you have to have a label. If you could make your music and just give it away and somehow make a living – that would be the best scenario.
When I did the record, I was coming off a time when my contract had been sold and the music industry had changed a lot. I didn’t understand how to make records for big labels. I was waiting for a new kind of record label to emerge.
I wanted Kimi to be a Japanese record with a Japanese title. I wanted it to be for them. They appreciate things on a different level, and take their art very seriously – that’s special if you’re an artist.
Back then, we could drive a mile from home and there was nothing. Now it’s grown in every direction and is populated and modernized. I guess I have mixed feelings about it, but I’m not someone that thinks everything should stop growing.
The openness of rural Nebraska certainly influenced me. That openness, in a way, fosters the imagination. But growing up, Lincoln wasn’t a small town. It was a college town. It had record stores and was a liberal place.
I went to a rare live Van Dyke show and met him there. And then he came to a show of mine and we spoke back stage. The third time was at Brian Wilson’s birthday party.
I’m not in for killing another man, defending my holy land, as if there’s a god who would understand.
Girlfriend and 100 Percent Fun were my two peeks, around ’92 and ’96. The reality is that the times I had the most media success, sold lots of records and played bigger shows, I had the least control of my own life.
So it helped me to just let go of all my tensions and feelings about that world and say ‘OK, this is for my fans in Japan. They’ll be nice and get into it and have fun.’ And it was the first record I made at my home studio.