The Sky’s the Limit: Matt Von Roderick Discusses Jazz, Creativity, and ‘The Perfect Storm’ - Atwood Magazine

      Expansive and creative, Matt Von Roderick’s newest album ‘The Perfect Storm’ merges spiritual elements with experimental sounds, transforming jazz into a deeply imaginative and healing experience. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the acclaimed trumpeter, vocalist, and composer discusses his artistic philosophy, the profound intentions behind his music, and how innovation, connection, and purpose shape his work.

      “The sky’s the limit when it’s in your imagination… and then it’s about making it a reality.”

      For Matt Von Roderick, this idea is more than an artistic philosophy; it is a practical approach to his craft. The award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, and composer has devoted his career to reimagining the language of jazz, blending traditional lyricism with bold sonic exploration. His latest record, The Perfect Storm, represents the pinnacle of his journey: a comprehensive work that links the spiritual to the experimental, the timeless to the contemporary.

      Recognized by The New York Times as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” and lauded by JazzTimes as “a top-tier trumpeter who sings like an angel hidden behind a storm cloud,” Von Roderick exists in what he defines as “the rarefied air of innovative jazz trumpeter and heart-centered crooner.” His performances, which balance meditation and exploration, have taken place at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and The Kennedy Center, offering audiences a glimpse into his thoughtfully crafted soundscape.

      Throughout his career, Von Roderick has collaborated with an impressive array of artists, including Brad Mehldau, Kenny Werner, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick, and The Saturday Night Live Band. His trumpet work can be heard on shows like Saturday Night Live, The Ellen Show, and events featuring Marianne Williamson. He has received accolades such as first place in the Independent Music Awards Jazz Category, a finalist position in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, and recognition as a Vilar Global Fellow – an honor described by The New York Times as “the Rhodes Scholarship of the performing arts.” What distinguishes Von Roderick is not just his technical skill but his commitment to purpose. His music weaves together trumpet and vocal multiphonics – techniques that enable simultaneous playing and singing – along with rich harmonies, ambient sounds, and spoken word. The outcome is a sound that is both ethereal and immediate, welcoming listeners into an emotional and expansive realm.

      “It’s one of the best feelings when you’re adventuring in a new place, and the music and the audience’s connection become a new home in a sense… I live for that.”

      As he takes The Perfect Storm on tour across North America, Europe, and Australia for his Celestial Heart World Tour, Von Roderick continues to break down the barriers between performer and healer, virtuoso and visionary – each note serving as a reminder that art’s greatest strength lies in its ability to inspire something luminous within us all.

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      :: stream/purchase The Perfect Storm here ::

      :: connect with Matt Von Roderick here ::

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      Matt Von Roderick © 2025

      A CONVERSATION WITH MATT VON RODERICK

      Atwood Magazine: Your fusion of trumpet, vocals, and technology has yielded such a fascinating, unique sound. Was there a particular song on the album that acted as the spark for this sonic universe?

      Matt Von Roderick: Ultimately, the sonic landscape I’ve crafted comes from thinking broadly, maintaining an “anything goes” mindset, and envisioning an exciting world of possibilities. The sky’s the limit when it’s in your imagination… then it’s about bringing it to reality. This has developed over time, but if I had to choose one song on THE PERFECT STORM album that ignited this journey, it would be ‘Coexistence’. That track captures an exploratory spirit and incorporates many influences at once.

      As a composer, it seems you draw from numerous sources. Who have been your most significant influences, and what were you listening to while creating this record?

      Matt Von Roderick: My father is a classical violinist and my mother was a classical pianist—my exposure to their instruments from a young age has made classical music a major influence. Bach, in particular, captivates me for his intricate musical structures, which convey a deep sense of yearning and catharsis. Then I discovered Jazz, as I think many artists seeking genuine freedom of expression eventually do. In Jazz, I found inspirations like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Blue Mitchell, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and Keith Jarrett… and I began to blend these influences with artists that resonate with many today—like Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Björk, Keane, Coldplay, Elliot Smith, and Nick Drake.

      Although it may sound grand, I create music to remind people of