Matt Shockley
- Laguna Niguel, CA
- Singing Guitarist
- 14 Verified Bookings
Yessica N. said “Matt was amazing! He has excellent communication skills. He is super friendly and just completely amazing! Everyone at our event enjoyed and loved his…”
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Music is my Weapon started as nothing more than an idea infused with the passion and intensity of a few musicians. During the uphill battle that is life, soothing our own inner demons is one of the most rigorous fights. When we feel that our lives are attacking us, our natural instinct is to arm ourselves and fight back. When faced with the decision of what to arm ourselves with most people go the easy way and choose drugs or anger. In Music is my Weapon we choose to arm ourselves with music and spread our love and support to others looking for their weapon. Because the opposite of war isn’t peace; it’s creation.
I can't wait to hear more! I love it!!!!
Price Range: $250 and up
Gig Length: 120 - 360 minutes
Languages: English
You can expect a very high level of professionalism. We have two complete PA systems and all of our own instruments so we are prepared for any kind of venue. You can expect us to be on time and ready to go. We are all very personable and very experienced with crowds. If you have specific requirements that you ask us to prepare you can expect those things to be prepared and executed during performance. With hiring Music is my Weapon you can also expect to be hiring much more than just a few musicians. We stand for something much bigger than just ourselves. We stand for our music and for the idea that no matter what life throws at you, music can be your weapon. You are able to hire a certain combination of the three of us or any mix. Our usual hourly rate is a minimum of $150/ hour. This is negotiable under special circumstances such as booking us multiple gigs up front or if the musicians are given a complimentary tab for food and drinks at the venue. If the gig is more than 15 miles away there will be a fee added for the travel expenses.
Music is my Weapon started as nothing more than an idea infused with the passion and intensity of a few musicians. Everyone has a past; everyone has a story. During the uphill battle that is life, soothing our own inner demons is one of the most rigorous fights. The world we live in today makes it seem almost normal to lose that fight and, eventually, ourselves. When we feel that our lives and our whole worlds are attacking us, our natural instinct is to arm ourselves and fight back.
It is in reference to this crucial moment when we have to choose what to arm ourselves with that the idea of Music is my Weapon took root. When we are faced with this decision, it is easy to arm ourselves with anger, or drugs, or violence. The purpose of Music is my Weapon is to open a door to a new option to those feeling lost, hopeless, and alone.
We choose to arm ourselves with music. We choose to use music as the weapon that defeats our demons, silences the screaming, and eases the pain. In an unforgiving world full of darkness, hate, and judgment, we choose to use our music to spread light, love, and acceptance. Instead of fighting fire with fire, we chose to fight with passion. Our emotions are not expressed through violence, self harm, or getting high. Instead, we use the music to pour out every last piece of those emotions on stage, and then leave them there.
Whether joining us as a musician wishing to perform and spread their love, or as a member of the audience seeking the comfort of the harmonies, we have a place for you if you choose to use music as your weapon. The rules of this group consist of nothing more than the expectations of love, acceptance, support, and healing. I will always choose music as my weapon, my passion, and my serenity. Because the opposite of war isn’t peace; it’s creation.
The current bands that are part of our movement are:
- Broken Chain (Dustin Downes and Ben Chapman)
- Dustin Downes and Amanda Gilbert
The current individual artists that are part of our movement are:
- Amanda Gilbert
- Benjamin Chapman
- Dustin Downes
My name is Amanda and I am the founder of Music is my Weapon, the manager of all the bands and individuals involved in Music is my Weapon, as well as a singer and songwriter who performs with our movement. Any questions or communications should come through me at my email (link hidden)illi(link hidden). We have all of our own equipment and instruments.
We have hundreds of songs prepared for any gig and definitely accept requests if there are certain songs that you want played at your event! Even if we don't have that particular song under our belts, we will be more than happy to learn it if given enough notice!
Examples of songs we know include:
- Many original songs
- Songs by Matchbox 20
- Songs by Hootie and the Blowfish/ Darius Rucker
- Songs by Three Doors Down
- Classics such as Hallelujah, Walking in Memphis, etc.
And many many more! We have songs from almost any genre including country, rock, pop, soul, etc.
We all have many personal influences from artists and bands that have made an impact on our lives but our biggest influences are each other and the music that we create together. Being a part of this movement had given our music a greater passion as well as a greater purpose.
Performance Area
Proper electrical outlets
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