This week, Matt our Chief Business Development Officer (and coding ninja) is sharing his playlist! Because Matt needs to be in the zone when he’s working on custom code, he often listens to the same song on repeat. It’s like a meditative chant that brings out his inner coding magic. Luckily for us, he uses headphones, so we don’t have to hear “Shot Gun” by George Ezra 817 times in a day. We have top 40 radio for that kind of repetition!

Chances are, if you’ve worked with Ocreative, you’ve worked with Matt. He’s excellent at creating a sound marketing strategy, and he’s always helping our clients find great ways to improve their marketing plans. And while he’s all about coding and business development, Matt is a creative guy, too! If you ever have the opportunity, check out his office where you’ll find hand drawings and figurines from his favorite movies. Read on to check out his interview and to try out his playlist!

Why did you choose a career in marketing & advertising?

Growing up, I’ve always considered myself creative. However, it wasn’t until senior year of high school when I decided to pursue art for a career. Going to college for multimedia design provided a creative outlet and onto a path leading me to web development. I fell in love with the web as it allowed me to flex the analytical side of my brain with technical coding and use the creative side of my brain to find solutions that were visually appealing. I enjoy employing these skills when working with people to help grow their businesses and organizations.

Katie Ricard Photography
Katie Ricard Photography

What drew you to Ocreative?

Let’s just say it was meant to be! When Andrea started Ocreative back in 2003, I was working full-time as a multimedia designer at a large equipment manufacturer. As Andrea grew the business with her amazing designs, I found myself spending several hours a week working on web projects with her in the evenings.

After about two years, I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and become an Ocreative employee and work alongside Andrea full-time. It is truly a dream-come-true to spend every day working alongside my wife and best friend while meeting and helping so many amazing people, businesses, and organizations.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I really do listen to songs on repeat, sometimes for days on end—no joke! I find it comforting to focus on the repetition of a great beat. Often, I’m always so focused on the beat when I listen to a song on repeat, I still never know the lyrics, even after days of listening to that single song!

When do you find yourself listening to music the most and why?

Whenever I’m coding, writing, or working on something that requires heavy focus, I like to use music as a mental backdrop to drown out distractions and allowing myself to zone into what I’m doing. I strongly believe the beat and tempo of the music helps streamline my thought process and increase my productivity.

What influences your musical taste?

My early tastes in music evolved through years of influence from family and close friends. Thanks to the infamous CD clubs in my teenage years, I expanded my tastes through a sizeable collection of diverse music. This diversity went deeper as streaming music services helped me identify related music based on my existing interests.

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As an adult, my musical interests encompass an eclectic expanse of both genre and generations including folk, classic rock, alternative rock, rap, techno, and pop music. I find myself often drawn to particular songs based on the words/meaning, the artist’s tone, the beat, or even the “out there” music video. Once I find something that speaks to me, I usually immerse myself in it.

Katie Ricard Photography

What inspired you to create and share this playlist?

Though it was tempting to create a playlist of my current song on repeat, I have instead put together a list of my favorite songs that are a columniation of my “go-to” favorites that I listen to regularly while working.

What is your favorite song on the playlist and why?

Probably my favorite song of all time is Hallelujah. This song has always stirred my emotions and speaks to me on a deeper level. The lyrics and instrumental movements generate a sense of calm within me, allowing me to center myself and focus on whatever task lays before me.

About Us

Ocreative is a Milwaukee marketing agency, with expertise and broad experience in developing digital marketing strategies, and growing their online presence, for their clients. The company’s core values include offering the highest level of customer service, award-worthy quality, and performance that surpasses client expectations. Ocreative is located just outside Milwaukee, and works with clients locally, nationally, and globally. Their clients have access to some of the most fun and knowledgeable professionals around – ones who inspire, educate, and problem solve. The agency provides marketing and brand strategyadvertising and designwebsite design and social media, and video expertise to their clients, fulfilling their desire for business growth, and their aspiration to make a mark on their industry.