Revisiting 'Songs About Jane' with Record Producer Matt Wallace | #5

On today's episode of "Harder to Breathe'', host and founding drummer of "Maroon 5" Ryan Dusick is joined by co-host and actor Brian "Duck" Maillard for a very special in-person conversation with Matt Wallace: the Record Producer for "Songs About Jane".

Ryan and Matt crossed paths at exactly the right time in both of their lives. Maroon 5 was on the cusp of greatness, but they needed someone who could collaborate on a vision for the sound of their first record. Despite being a low paid position, Matt trusted his gut and took the job. Together, their collaboration resulted in an album that would change all of their lives forever.

As good as that was… things weren't always sunshine and roses. Matt struggled in a major way with anxiety attacks, as well as finding time in his busy schedule to be a good father for his autistic son. Finding a healthy mental state and a sustainable work-life balance is hard for anyone, but when you're trying to produce a record for a group of young "headstrong" men like the band members of early Maroon 5, it can feel almost impossible.

Undoubtedly this is a can't miss episode of the "Harder to Breathe" Podcast. No matter your interest, whether in music, mental health, growth, therapy, or all of the above, you'll find something to love in this fascinating and vulnerable conversation.

0:00:34 Introduction & Duck's New Family Member

0:02:29 Ryan's New Year & Navigating OCD Tendencies

0:13:13 Writing our own Diss Track (watch out Joe Rogan)

0:14:46 Today's Guest: Matt Wallace

0:16:40 Matt Wallace Joins the Podcast & Relives his History with Maroon 5

0:27:19 Matt's First Impressions of Each Band Member

0:30:00 Attitude Regrets & Creative Tension

0:34:39 Compromise vs. Standing Firm

0:37:02 Recounting A Tense Moment During Production & Apologies

0:42:37 Prioritizing Self-Care

0:45:49 Managing Panic Attacks & Anxiety

0:53:19 The Upside & Growth on the Other Side

0:55:37 Learning Patience Through an Autistic Child

0:59:46 Becoming a Better Parent Through Experience

1:04:46 Benefitting From Work Relationships

1:06:48 Matt's Deep Appreciation for Ryan's Story & Work

1:10:02 The Gifts That Came From the Struggle

1:13:48 "This Too Shall Pass"

1:17:46 Finding the Part of You that's Worth Saving

1:20:38 Matt's Solutions to Anxiety in Present Day

1:22:13 What's Going On Now & Musical Connection

1:29:30 Musician Based Therapy

1:32:29 Do You Need Pain to Create Great Art?

1:35:10 Wrap Up & Conclusion

More on Matt Wallace:

Official Website: https://www.wallacematt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizardwallace/

Youtube Studio Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/liveatstudiodelux

Ready to Dive Deeper?:

https://www.ryandusick.com/

BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/

Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339/

WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/

Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599

Stay Up to Date on the Podcast: @hardertobreathepodcast

Follow Ryan on Social Media:

IG - @ryan_michael_dusick

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-ma-amft-26460894/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/

X / Twitter - @DusickRyan

Follow Duck on Social Media:

IG - @Newyorkduck

X / Twitter - @DuckMaillard