Matt Vucic’s musical roots are steeped in Pittsburgh Brass Soul, World Afro Pop and Americana. He has performed in bare-knuckle dives and sun-baked amphitheaters. He has survived and his lyrics tell that story. During two decades as a professional musician, he has performed in intimate living room concerts and before beer-guzzling crowds in sweat-soaked barrooms. He was co-founder of the Yves Jean Band, a fusion rock group that opened huge concert venues for the likes of John Scofield, Dave Matthews Band, OAR – that’s just for starters. The 39-year-old drummer and guitarist is at home on stage performing a wide swath of musical genres. “Nothing in the world like it,” he’ll say. “Nothing compairs to the rush when a performer and audience connect.” That was then. This is now. And now is all about songwriting. “I love writing a song then watching it come to life in the studio,” he says. “Hearing how musicians interpret the song then hearing it for the first time.” Matt has taken his songwriting talents and applied them to the entire production process. “I love running the show, having deadlines, a budget, making it all work.” Along the way, he’s forged connections throughout the industry. He can be heard on studio albums including Liz Berlin’s (Rusted Root) “ AudioBioGraphical”, and has written and produced two of his own. The song, “The Card I Play,” from his debut album “The Bull and I,” is featured on a web video starring pro skateboarder Danny Way. Matt will tell you there’s never been a time when he wasn’t involved in music. He started drum lessons at age six and backed several garage bands throughout school. He graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with degrees in music production and business. He became well known around Pittsburgh PA for his work in rock, fusion, country and Americana bands, most notably as co-founder of the "Yves Jean Band." While with YJB, he toured the U.S. and cut two studio albums, "Been Many Days Empty" and "Rise Above Your Surroundings." His Pittsburgh connections led to several recording sessions at the popular Mr. Small's Recording studios. It was there where he forged long lasting relationships with top, musicians, writers, and engineers. From there, his songwriting took off. He wrote and produced "The Bull and I," a soulful blend of rock, pop and fusion in 2005. In 2007, he founded Even Tone Music, a publishing business showcasing his work, and hasn't slowed down since. For Matt, it’s all about total dedication to the craft. “For me it’s not so much a question about focusing on the music as it is focusing on how to spend your days involved in music. It’s always there. I have a simple theory that I have always lived by. If you have a backup plan, you will use it. I don't have a backup plan.”