Matt Masie is a percussionist on the faculty of Hungry Monk Music in North Charleston. A former member of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, he has performed with many ensembles in the Lowcountry, including the North Charleston Pops!, Charleston Stage, and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Courtney and I have been married for almost five years. We live in West Ashley with our two cats (babies), Mister and Spock.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love being a self-employed musician and enjoy the freedom in getting to choose my hours. I teach private music lessons mainly in the afternoons. This gives me time in the mornings to focus on things that help bring balance into my life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Neon Tiger and Annie O’ Love’s Cookie Cafe. It’s all vegan!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
It will be twenty years in September.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Rev. Dr. Jeremy Rutledge of Circular Congregational Church
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. I play an instrument called the rhythm bones, and they have an annual rhythm bones competition in Abbeyfeale that I would love to compete in someday.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite tv show is a toss-up between The Golden Girls and The Incredible Hulk. My favorite movie is probably Raging Bull.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Know your worth. I’m still giving myself that advice!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To learn every Beatles song on the bass guitar.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Um, The Beatles.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Charleston Coffee Exchange. I’ve clocked in many hours as a customer and employee there.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Paul McCartney—do I have to give a reason why? We would meet at Neon Tiger. He’d be buying.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The architecture in downtown Charleston. It’s beautiful. I could live here forever.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Asheville
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I almost joined the military in my twenties. No joke.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I spent a summer in Santa Barbara when I was in graduate school. The weather was amazing. Seventy-two degrees every day and no humidity!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November in Charleston has the best weather of the year. It’s also the month with my favorite day and holiday—Thanksgiving!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The coffee at Charleston Coffee Exchange!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Courtney.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pepperoni pizza. I don’t eat it anymore because I’m vegetarian, but I still enjoy smelling it!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Courtney, Mister, Spock
