Matt Ratza: Stranger

Photo taken by Amanda Emery. Matt Ratza and the Strangers.


Matt Ratza has always been a staple in the Flint music scene. From the beginnings as a young man with a deep appreciation for classical music to bands such as Burnt Toast, The Middletown Project, Heartland, and now his solo projects, it is evident that music is 100% of Matt's heart. The record Stranger is the outpouring of Matt's soul, in the lyrics and the beautiful sound of his guitar, each and every song reaches out to you, each and every song is a piece of Matt. He explains that his songs represent "Everything I have ever wanted to say, to anyone who has ever been in my life." With songs like "Sweet Voice", the song is both haunting and beautiful, with lyrics like "I want you to call but don't know what I would say, I just want to hear your sweet voice again." This is the inside view of this musicians heart.

Seeing Matt play live is always a good time show, his outpouring of emotion and conviction in his shows is the evidence of what his music means to him. Watching the people at the show singing along and feeling the music, to Matt there is nothing better. Playing shows to Matt is a way of life, music is his way of life, but yet every time he plays it is still like his first show. The feelings Matt has and knowing how the people feel that come out to his shows makes what he is doing worthwhile, he makes the music for himself, but it is an amazing feeling to know that something he has written touches people and they can relate to it.

Matt gives it his all, everything he thinks and feels comes through in his song lyrics, listening to Stranger is getting to know him in the most intimate of ways. Stranger is different than anything I have heard, it has a bluegrass feel with a touch of straight rock and roll. Matt has said that he is strongly influenced by Johnny Cash, and hauntingly you can hear that influence through Matt's words. The one thing that Matt emphasized to anyone wanting to get into music was "work at it, do it for yourself, not anyone else," coming from a man that has seen the worst of heart breaks and the best of life, he is what he does, and loves what he does.

You can check out Matt Ratza's music at www.myspace.com/mattratza or check out the record label that he strongly attributes to the future success of Matt Ratza and the Strangers, the record label that is giving him the "chance of a lifetime." Check out Hell City Records for more info and show dates.