In this interview spotlight, we chat with Matt Westerman about his newest release, challenges, working with Marty Rifkin and more.

Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Don’t Give Up On You below.

Matt’s new album, Life Out Loud, is now available.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

Hi! I am from Los Angeles (the valley). I like to call it singer-songwriter indie/folk/pop, but those are way too many words to say when someone asks. I am a singer-songwriter at heart.

Your new EP focuses on a message of hope and encouraging people to take positive steps in their life toward a certain self-realization. What led you to take the “leap” into music and what motivates you to stay the course?

When I started playing music it just gave me so much joy. I used to love to come home from a day of school, leave whatever drama and homework behind and just play music. It was very cathartic. What motivates me now is to get these songs that mean so much to me out to as many people as possible with the hope it affects them in the positive way they affected me.

How is this debut EP different from your previous material? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific or different this time around?

Umm… it’s the same style! I guess these were just my favorite of the songs when I was recording. I feel like it does a good job explaining who I am as an artist. I just wanted to make it as good as possible.

What are some of the main challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?

It just takes a lot of time to market and promote yourself in the digital realm, so the problem is it takes away from time I could be writing songs or practicing. It’s helped me reach people all over the world I never would have had the chance to reach without it. Overall I think it’s a good thing- just in moderation.

What was it like to work with Marty Rifkin (Bruce Springsteen)?

He is so awesome! It was really fun to just sit back and watch him work his magic. I felt like my song got so much better after we tracked with him.

Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?

I am everywhere! You can find me on Instagram (@mattwesterman), facebook/youtube (@mattwestermanmusic), and twitter (@Matt_westerman). I’m also on Spotify, iTunes and all the digital stores just under my name “Matt Westerman”

Anything else before we sign off?

Thanks for the interview! Be sure to check out the new EP, Life out Loud!!