Mathew Gabriel Gonzales Interview

Featuring is Mathew, a San Josean' with soul deep instilled in helping progress with what is currently happening right now. Here is a take on how life is from a man who searches to help forth with showing the positiveness with showing the world how California Culture really is. Below is a link to a documentary he is currently on and will be helping Substance.

What’s your take on the sound coming out from the Silicon Valley with that of the Bay Area? 

I think there is a lot more variety coming out of San Jose. Artists here have nothing to lose when it comes to being artistic. So the creative process becomes without boundary. In my opinion it makes for better art because everything is more laid back. In bigger cities everyone is competing and vying to become the next big thing. Not to say there isnt competition in the SV, but it doesnt feel like there is so much pressure on the music scene to always produce the next big hit compared to cities such as SF, NY, LA. etc.... The bands and artists here are very diverse and its growing. I feel that this city is lacking the power of numbers and overall vibe like the bigger cities but I can most definitely say that it is growing and doing so in a quick manner.

What have you seen living in San Jose that has been unique than anywhere else? 

San Jose is a big city. Its the 10th largest city in the Nation. And somehow we all seem to be connected in one way or another. Its a big city with a small town feeling. It has it's up's and downs but I think that is one thing that is unique about San Jose. The diversity is so unique. There are all walks of life living here and its really cool to meet someone from another country and learn their culture. And two words. Lowriders Holmes. P.S. "Music In The Park "WAS" unique for San Jose art culture for 23 years.....But that's gone.

How are you seeing Western Influence integrating with outside Culture? 

I just mentioned Lowriders. In Japan there is a huge craze going on right now for lowrider culture. Hip hop is an international movement as well. I think rappers from the west have had a profound effect in the world of hip hop. Cannabis is amazing here. The finest Mary Jane grows from the West. Hands down. Oh and technology.  :)

How do you feel San Jose Bike movement happening at the moment, impact those within it? 

I think its an amazing event that needs to be in San Jose. These are the types of functions needed to build community in this city. I love how it bring all types of people together. Old, Young, Hip, not so hip, male, female, extra cute female etc...... I just really love how its offering people in this city something different to do. And its good exercise!!!!

How would you compare San Jose with that of older cities such as, San Francisco, New York, Boston and Seattle? 

I cant speak too much about NY, Boston, or Seattle. Ive never been. SF is a very diverse city. Its big and has lots of things to do. They have it made when it comes to nightlife. Places dont close til late and the cops arent harassing you every 5 minutes. It seems like cops in San Jose are everywhere you go. The whole art movement is flourishing and building in San Jose right now. I recently started filming a documentary called "Scene's are temporary, movements are forever" It focuses on the current art renaissance that is booming at an impressive rate. There is so much talent here that goes overlooked. We have done almost 15 interviews from artists of many mediums, and gained amazing insight about what could be possibly fueling this surge. I think soon we will be able to enjoy a thriving art culture that would attract people from all over the world and compete with the bigger cities. 

What’s your favorite pig out spot?           

Kazoo. Japantown. Nuff Said.

What do you see happening for San Jose in the next 5 years? 

The world ends in 2012. DUH!!!!!!  If it doesnt then I would say that the Mayor of San Jose would be Dionne Warwick and we would "ALL"  know the way to San Jose. 

Other Info: Check out my bands

The Blank Manuscript: http://www.reverbnation.com/theblankmanuscript

Anya and the Get Down: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anya-the-Get-Down/268384336515832

Raul y Mexia: http://www.facebook.com/RaulyMexia

Find more about the documentary here: http://satmafdoc.tumblr.com/