Interview with Matt Carlton (DJ Matt)

By Penny (Deaflegacy Resident)

Matt Carlton is a DJ who I was lucky to meet up with for an interview.  Shi is six years and 11 months old in Second Life.  I asked hir how long have she been Djing. "Okay," shi said. "I have been Djing for at least six years. I started on one of my alts, Vulpine Vepper as a classic rock DJ at the Blood Pit and Temple of Chaos, so maybe more like ten years plus ago.  Time flies."

Matt added that shi had also DJed for YIFF, F.A.P. (Furries at Play) and a handful of other clubs before switching to primarily country.

I was wondering what inspired hir to be a DJ.  Matt replied, "Well, I always loved music and used to love singing in choirs as a kid, but was always scared of the crowd.  I once even went on Nashville Star, but dropped out during callbacks due to fear.  I used to hang out with Trevalyn and Kytec a lot at Rainbow Tiger and various places, on my oldest account from 2005, Kavori.  They started to peak my interest in Djing and helped me to learn to use SAM.  Though I didn't start DJing til much later as Vulpine."

I asked Matt if shi continues to plan continuing her account as a DJ because in my opinion, shi is an awesome DJ.  "I do," said Matt, "As venues change or come and go, and friends come and go I may take breaks, or move around as needed, but I still plan to DJ as long as I am able.  Right now I'm putting my time and focus on Djing for RFL events as it's something I have been a part of since I could first walk in real life, with my grandmother. And right now it's one of the few ways I can help."

I was curious about if Matt is planning on Djing at a Relay For Life event.  "I did, DJ once for the Home and Garden Expo," replied Matt, "That was a lot of fun.  Since then Olde has been asking me to take at least one slot for the Fantasy Fair.  I might do so, as it sounds fun a well.  I am also competing in the 2020 Celebrate - Remember - Fight Back Top DJ Fundraising Competition.  My first round is on April 1 at 7 pm in Arinutltra Bay at the Pond Stage.  I was also asked by Jeremy from the SOS group to do a late night set for his team, Relay for Christ, one night in April.  I agreed to do so."

I told Matt that I was wonder that beside being a DJ, some people would consider hir to be a mentor or 'true friend' meaning someone who would support them even in difficult times with hir thoughtful words, what is hir feelings about this.  At first, Matt was confused until I explained to her that there is more to being a DJ than one might know.  "Well," Matt responded, "for a mentor, I would be a bit surprised because I know I may not be the best person to open up to at times due to my mental issues. But I try my best to listen, even if I may be terrible with advice and often seek it myself.  As for a 'rue friend,' that makes me happy, as I think that's rare thing these days.  In these tough times, we need good and true friends more now than ever."

I was also wondering about Matt being an inspiration, like helping out in Relay For Life, and what her opinion is.  "Inspiration, eh?" replied Matt,"I'm honestly at a loss for words to that, as I never have seen myself as interesting let alone inspiring.  Different maybe, odd yes. (laughter) But, if people are inspired by me, that's great, I just hope I inspire them in a good way."

I was very curious to what her favorite coffee is and she said, "Well that comes down to a drink from a local shop called Mudhouse.  I love their Mudpupple frappe, as well as their Frozen Unicorn drinks."

I asked for hir permission to mention that Matt is my Second Life sister and she granted it.  Thanks, Matt!

This had been an amazing interview.  I can honestly say that Matt is one of the awesome DJ.  As the interview ended and we continued talking, I just know that not only is Matt an interesting person, shi is also a caring person especially when it comes to helping fight cancer with the Relay For Life.

Penny

Editor's note: As mentioned in the interview, Matt is part of Penny's SL family. The interview was done in late March, before Matt took part in the DJ competition on April 1.