Exploring the Musical Journey of Matteo Palmer

Seasons 2, Episode 12 of Shambhu Sessions features a deep dive into composition, collaboration, and creativity with guitarist and composer Matteo Palmer.

A St. Paul-based composer and musician, Matteo shares his journey from a young guitar enthusiast in Vermont to a multifaceted artist creating music for albums and video games. In this episode of Shambhu Sessions, he reveals the influences that shaped his sound and the evolution of his artistic voice.

Early Beginnings and Inspirations - Matteo picked up the guitar at the age of nine, inspired by a musical environment fostered by his parents. However, he initially put it down, returning to it at thirteen after discovering classic rock riffs through friends. This rekindling was pivotal; it opened doors to new musical landscapes. Matteo reflects, "When I was young... I didn't really care about stuff at that point. But once you hit middle school, you start to figure out the things you're interested in."

His father’s influence and a chance concert with Alex De Grassi deepened his passion for music, steering him toward the Windham Hill label, which became a significant part of his musical foundation.

The Transition to Composition - Matteo’s journey in music composition took flight during college, where he explored orchestral music and video game soundtracks. He notes, "I always had a passion for [video games]... especially the soundtracks that come with it and how the music is composed."

This passion led him to create music for popular games like "Geometry Dash", "Exark", and "Melvor Idle 2", showcasing his ability to blend genres and styles.

The New Album: Keepsakes, Volume One -- Matteo's latest project, *Keepsakes, Volume One*, serves as a reflection of his artistic journey. He describes it as a collection of meditative ballads, a retrospective of his work over the past fifteen years, with fresh recordings of older pieces. "...to them it's new music anyway. And for my old fans, they love to hear some new renditions of everything too."

This album not only highlights his evolution as an artist but also his resilience in overcoming personal challenges, including injuries that impacted his ability to play.

Crafting Music - When it comes to writing, Matteo relies on improvisation rather than pen and paper. He emphasizes the importance of melody in his creative process: "I've always felt like I've had a good sense of melody... melody has always been something that just kind of flows."

His approach allows for a natural unfolding of ideas, creating a sound that is distinctively his own.

Matteo Palmer's journey is a testament to the power of music as both a personal and communal experience. As he continues to create across various genres, he invites listeners to join him in exploring the spaces and stories that music can evoke.

Matteo and I have recorded two songs together. I played on his song “Safe Haven,” from The Minstrel’s Return. Matteo later joined me on “Infinite Eyes,” from my album Heart Awakening, where he played a fantastic electric-guitar solo.

For a deeper dive into Matteo’s creative process and to hear his latest work, check out the full episode of Shambhu Sessions.