M. Ward Quotes

Powerful M. Ward for Daily Growth

About M. Ward

Matthew Aaron "M." Ward (born March 7, 1973) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who has established himself as a prolific figure in indie folk and alternative rock genres. Born in Portland, Oregon, Ward developed a keen interest in music at an early age, influenced by the diverse musical landscape of his hometown, which was known for its thriving punk scene and eclectic independent music. Ward honed his skills as a self-taught musician, playing guitar, piano, banjo, and harmonica. He started his career in the early 90s, contributing to several local bands before forming the duo M. Ward & The Transistors with Zooey Deschanel. Their debut album, "Super-Natural" (2006), earned critical acclaim and reached wider audiences, thanks to the single "Chinese Translation." Ward is known for his enigmatic songwriting style that blends elements of folk, rock, and pop with a distinctive lo-fi aesthetic. His discography includes solo albums like "Transistor Radio" (2001), "End of Amnesia" (2003), and "A Wasteland Companion" (2009). Notable collaborations include the Monsters of Folk supergroup with Conor Oberst, Jim James, and Mike Mogis. Throughout his career, Ward has balanced a successful solo career with work as a producer for artists such as She & Him, Cat Power, and Neko Case. His music is characterized by its introspective lyrics, warm melodies, and intricate instrumental arrangements that draw from a wide array of musical influences, from early American folk to 60s pop and beyond. Despite his commercial success, Ward remains a humble artist, preferring to focus on creating honest and personal music rather than chasing mainstream fame. His body of work serves as a testament to the enduring power of intimate, introspective songwriting in contemporary music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The future is not a place we go, but a direction we face."

M. Ward's quote suggests that the future is not a physical destination to be traveled to, but rather a concept or direction towards which we should continually move and evolve. It encourages us to think about our actions today as shaping our tomorrow and emphasizes the importance of progress and growth in our lives.


"A simple song can be more powerful than any force on earth."

This quote by M. Ward emphasizes the profound impact that a simple song can have, suggesting it holds power that rivals any physical force. In a metaphorical sense, this power could refer to the ability of music to evoke strong emotions, tell stories, communicate ideas, and even bring people together. It underscores the idea that simplicity in expression often allows for deeper connections and resonance with listeners, as complexities can sometimes obscure universal truths and emotions.


"I am a musician, and I am trying to make music that resonates with people."

This quote by M. Ward indicates his artistic intention as a musician. He aims to create music that deeply connects or "resonates" with his audience. Essentially, he seeks to touch the hearts and minds of listeners through his compositions, forging a bond based on shared feelings and experiences. In other words, he wants to communicate emotions universally understood by people, transcending cultural boundaries and individual differences.


"There's something about the old songs that makes them sound brand new again."

This quote by M. Ward suggests that there is a timeless quality to classic or traditional songs, which can make them feel fresh and innovative when revisited or reinterpreted in a new context. Essentially, the passage of time does not diminish their relevance or original appeal; instead, it allows for continued discovery and reinvention.


"The music business is like any other business. You have to treat it as such if you want to succeed."

This quote by M. Ward suggests that success in the music industry, much like success in any other business, requires a professional approach. It implies treating the music industry as a serious endeavor, with careful planning, strategy, and consistent effort put into one's craft, career development, and branding. In essence, the quote encourages musicians to view their careers not just as creative pursuits but also as businesses that demand hard work, market analysis, networking, and adaptability to thrive in today's competitive environment.


I find that the time that goes by is actually your best friend when you are making a record. The passing of time gives you perspective on what you recorded and what you wrote. If something sounds good to you 12 months after you recorded it then chances are pretty good that there's something valuable about the part or the song.

- M. Ward

Best, Part, About, Chances

I definitely don't see myself as much of a singer, because my upbringing is really based around the guitar, learning chord progressions and that sort of thing. So the singing aspect of what I do has been a secondary adventure.

- M. Ward

Learning, Singer, Been, Secondary

I got this Christmas gift with the entire Beatles catalog. I had fun trying to duplicate what I was hearing on these records, only using the instruments I had at hand - an acoustic guitar, and that's all. It was endlessly amusing to me to try to imitate John Lennon and Paul McCartney's harmonies using the guitar.

- M. Ward

Gift, Records, Endlessly, Lennon

When you work on a record for three years, it's a great sense of relief when it is finally out in the world. It just feels good.

- M. Ward

Work, Feels, Great Sense, Relief

I'm somebody who doesn't feel the need to be in the driver's seat all the time. I appreciate the perspective of being in the passenger's seat sometimes, and I feel fortunate for that because I've learned a lot from that perspective.

- M. Ward

Sometimes, Need, Learned, Passenger

I don't like the way recording to digital sounds. Most of the time, when I'm recording to two-inch tape, I still have a romantic vision of how songs sounded coming out of the radio when I was younger, and how they sounded coming out of my little four-track cassette player.

- M. Ward

Radio, Out, Recording, Cassette

It's no fun for me to cover a song and produce it the exact same way as it already exists. When I hear that happening, I have to say, 'What's the point?'

- M. Ward

Song, Say, Produce, No Fun

There's a relationship between music and spirituality and inspiration and to a certain extent improvisation that draws me in, because I don't totally understand it. I know that those relationships have been telling me, since I started making records, where to go. What to write down.

- M. Ward

Been, Telling, Extent, Draws

One of the great things about music is that it has the capability of time travel - you smell a certain smell in the room and it takes you back to your childhood. I feel like music is able to do that, and it happens to me all the time.

- M. Ward

Back, Feel, About, Capability

I don't really watch TV series because I don't want to get hooked on them and have them suck up all my time.

- M. Ward

Want, TV, All My Time, Suck

I get most of my inspiration from older records and older production styles, and that ends up rearing its head in the records that I make.

- M. Ward

Records, Production, Most, Rearing

When I first started making music, it was learning other people's songs and putting them onto four-track. Like Beatles songs and stuff. When I started writing, I used the singing side of the production as a vehicle for melody and lyrical ideas.

- M. Ward

Other, Production, Putting, Beatles Songs

The best live recordings capture elements of surprise onstage.

- M. Ward

Surprise, Capture, Elements, Recordings

I always prefer other people's interpretations over my own, so I'm not very quick to make explicit what exactly a song or record is about.

- M. Ward

Song, Always, Over, Explicit

The South of France is one of my favorite places in the world.

- M. Ward

World, Places, South, Favorite Places

I've worked with just as many talented women as I have talented men, and I feel fortunate enough to have that great balance.

- M. Ward

Enough, Feel, I Feel, Talented

I love the idea that I planned my career. I did not. It started out by getting invitations from artists that I really love and respect, to share a stage... I've been very lucky in that I haven't had to create a five-year plan. It's evolved.

- M. Ward

Love, Lucky, Very, Invitations

I believe in working with songs that have personal value for me.

- M. Ward

Me, Working, Songs, I Believe In

I wouldn't want to cover a Hank Williams song in a country-western way. It doesn't occur to me instinctually to re-create productions. I'm interested in re-creating songs. Putting different clothes on them.

- M. Ward

Song, Putting, Hank, Williams

I love the sound of Elmore James, the sound early guitarists like him got just by using minimal means.

- M. Ward

Love, Means, Using, Minimal

I learned a long time ago that fame and money is not a ticket to happiness.

- M. Ward

Money, Long Time, Learned, Ticket

It's a luxury to not have to just be performing with other people to have my music heard.

- M. Ward

Music, Other, Just Be, Luxury

My grandparents are from Mexico, so I grew up with great Mexican food.

- M. Ward

Grandparents, Mexican, Up, Mexico

Certain things you have to stumble on to. They can't be preprogrammed.

- M. Ward

Stumble, Things, Certain, Certain Things

I get most of my inspiration from older records. Most of the records that I listen to were probably made before I was born, and I was born in the mid-'70s. I don't know why, exactly, I'm drawn to those sounds.

- M. Ward

Records, Made, Before, Drawn

I do watch 'American Idol' sometimes. It's not really that pleasurable... I take that back. It is the epitome of a guilty pleasure. Sometimes there's some good singers on that show.

- M. Ward

Some, Epitome, Singers, Pleasurable

I'm somebody who gets a lot of inspiration from dreams.

- M. Ward

Dreams, Lot, Gets, Inspiration

I have a very strong belief in God.

- M. Ward

God, Strong, Very, Belief

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