When I embarked on The Outlaw Ocean Music Project, I wanted to do something different than what others had before. For me, these tracks weren't only about retelling what Ian experienced through song, but also providing my own rendition of his journey. I wanted listeners to feel as if they are seeing everything through Ian’s eyes — whether it’s those he met on the scenic shores he visited or the moments of high adrenaline he experienced at sea. Although trying to work in someone else’s mind was challenging, reading and understanding what Ian went through greatly impacted my perception of the ocean. Having grown up in a sea village, I always viewed the broad expanse of water as a place of discovery and adventure, however Ian’s reporting has led me to fully grasp how much of a lawless place it can be. 

While I strove to create something different than other musicians participating in this project, one of my favorite parts was getting to collaborate with musicians around the world and create something that collectively worked towards the same goal, but with different perspectives, methods and viewpoints. It’s incredible that I was able to work alongside artists I might never meet and it was something I really appreciated about The Outlaw Ocean Music Project.

YoSoyMatt