We had the pleasure of interviewing a very unique and talented artist who is one of the Up and coming artists of the year.
Matt Nelson, known as ProblemChildMuzik is 21 year old upcoming hip-hop artist out of Peoria Illinois. He grew up there, spent some time in St. Louis as well when he was in college. He grew up in a beyond decent environment, and made some of the wrong decisions in his later years from 18 until he was 21. He claims to have gotten focused with this music stuff, and it helped him slow his life down and appreciate more around him. He has worked several jobs throughout life and really hadn’t come to enjoy one thoroughly. He claims to have never felt at peace and content with something until the time he started making music in November of 2019. He records with Erik Nelson at Eclipse Studios in Normal, Illinois. Listen to his music, and you’ll understand more of his story. Lastly, he reads all comments and all feedback he receives on his music. Much love and run it up!
What is your background? tell us where you grew up and some information about your upbringing/experiences as a youth:
I grew up just outside Peoria, Illinois. We didn’t have much money when I was really young but It was still made sure I lived comfortably. Life was never really wild until I had turned 18. I got around the wrong crowd, made some bad decisions, and was exposed to different environments from what I grew up in.
At what moment did you know that music was part of your life and what feelings did you have towards making an active impact with your music?
I used to rap in the car with the guys all the time, even when I was young. I never took it seriously though. I was arrested on drug charges for a second time in December of 2018. I started writing music just to deal with my emotions, and didn’t start taking it seriously until around November of 2019.
What artists inspired/influences you and if you could collaborate with any artist (alive or passed) who would it be and why?
I love the way G-Herbo puts his music together. I listened to him coming up. Also, Tupac was a poet with his lyrics. He made people feel what he was saying. On top of that, he spoke on racial injustice and police brutality. It was more than just music. If I could work with anyone at all, I’d love to work with Jaydayoungan, Ynw Melly, and Polo Gl.
What do you think about the current state of hip hop/mainstream music?
I feel it is changed greatly. Soulja Boy made everything digital and most rappers talk about the same things anymore. Pain, drugs, money, guns, mostly things that represent power. It’s shifted away mainly from lyricism.
Currently, what projects do you have in the works that you are most excited about?
I’m in the process of just putting out as much music as I can with my house arrest conditions. Two of my songs are over 10,000 streams and right now my main focus is simply growing my fan base and Social Media pages.
What are your short term career goals within the next 6-10 months?
Point blank period, I want to touch 100 racks.
What are your long term career goals within the next 2-5 years?
Within 5 years, I want to ensure I never have to worry or struggle financially again. If I can truly get on, I want to teach kids the things we write and rap about, doesn’t have to be everyone’s reality. People take this music too seriously and thug out when they don’t need to. The kids DO listen and idolize musicians and public figures.
If you had one song out of the catalogue you have created to show a person what song would it be and why?
I released a song on Spotify called Freak. Even if it’s not my best song, it’s melodic and it’s different. I went outside my comfort song on it and I can’t think of another song even released by anybody that’s similar.
To the person who had never heard of you what is it about your music and story that you would tell them to entice them to be a supporter?
I have a studio in my house, I work jobs and come home everyday to do this. A 9-5 life isn’t for me, it doesn’t satisfy me to live average. I played football in college on scholarship and I’m determined to accomplish what I want to. Many of these rappers get their name big and are still getting arrested. I want to use my future position to promote positivity and peace.
If your music could be described in five words what would those five words be?
Catchy, different, heartfelt, deep, and I would use the word dark.
What do you bring to the game that is unique and different?
There’s only a few white artists in this industry speaking on drill topics, and even fewer of those actually have the credibility to speak on what they speak about.
To the aspiring artist who is considering a career as a musician what lessons or advice would you give them to inspire them or to uplift them in the journey?
I recently watched the Aaron Hernandez show, and he said “If it is to be, then it’s up to me.” It’s all up to you to come up with money for promotion, studio time, etc. Music is a business and you are your brand. If you truly believe in yourself, invest in yourself. Keep going when it seems like there’s no point. WRITE DAILY. Also, have a backup plan. Have a career picked out or a craft you can make a living on in case this doesn’t work out. Very few hit big with music.
What are your social media profiles and where can people purchase/download your music?
What are your final words you would like to say to people that you have left out?
I’m a person to so if you rock with my music and want to connect, run some work, anything, feel free to hit me on the snap at matt_nelson98. Anyone who supports me, you have my appreciation.