Music

American Music…

The music:
Matthew Janecek singer/songwriter

Crazytown the Album
"Crazytown" is a story we can all relate to... as the singer, songwriter, and storyteller, I have arranged the whole album to do just that. Country music is a journey that can take you in any direction. "Crazytown " celebrates the idea that when things look their bleakest you still have to "saddle up " and get into the arena. Cowboys don't make excuses. They look for solutions.

After my marriage ended, I found myself in Texas visiting family. I picked up the guitar, and started writing lyrics. The cowboy's spirit combines what I love to celebrate; the power of the individual, a love of nature, and an unwritten commitment to make right what is wrong. There are real cowboys in my life and I'm still chasing that ideal; I probably always will. The heartfelt emotions and simplicity of music from Hank and Marty to Waylon, Willie, Merle, and Cash are just some of my inspirations.

I was fortunate to have a family that lived to love. I was raised in St. Charles, IL and graduated with a History degree from the University of Iowa in '95. While traveling the country for six months, I learned how to play some chords from my long time friend and musical mentor; Mike Mulcahy from Majors Junction. After living in California for a stint, I ended up settling down back near my hometown. From my dad's influence on my musical exposure, the Rolling Stones to Waylon, or my mom staying home to raise my sister and me, both my parents taught us hard work among countless other life lessons. I was also blessed with two awesome kids who I have loved to watch grow.

I have spent the last 20 years of my life as a United States History teacher, trying my best to impart the wisdom learned through our national narrative. I've led students toward their own journey for truth. For me, great music and great songs never cloak the individual soul; they bare it. We all share similar experiences in life and a good tune has the ability to bring people together; reminding us that we are more alike than we are different. We all experience pain and joy, highs and lows, and good and evil. We all see and we all experience in our lives the full range of human emotions. The digital age has allowed us to really tap into others' experiences more; but it can also be a dark place where the individual may be consumed by the mass. Staying true to the basics; God, Family, & great Country Music are my anchors in our crazy world.

Music is the way I have tapped into my story, sharing with others what they have shared with me. These events and these people often show up in my songs. They inspire new songs. The stories of us is what I have loved about traditional country music since I was little. Life can bring anything at any moment. The moment I was at my worst the Lord chose to bless me with my forever lasting love. She is my new inspiration.