It was like a gazillion years ago that I stumbled upon The Matthew Show. I was Googling Fred’s Cafe and somehow was directed to Matthew’s site/blog. At the time, Matthew was living and performing in New York, and I became quite the addict to his adventures in the Big Apple. Then when I read he was associated with such Fine Line favorites like Little Jack Melody, Reggie Rueffer and even the great Goodwin, then I just knew he had to be good people.

Recently Matthew contacted me about a wicked-awesome little project that is helping bring artists to the world – via a virtual world…

Linden Lab has created Second Life as the next evolutionary leap in the formation of virtual communities. Participants will truly take on a second life, an escape to a place full of people, activity and possibility. From the freedom of creating a personal identity and claiming virtual land to the responsibilities of earning money and maintaining one’s health to the social implications of joining a community and collaborating with others, residents of Second Life will face a host of choices daily. Second Life is a multi-layered boundless universe that is constantly changed by – and constantly changes – its inhabitants.

SECOND LIFE FEATURES
Discover a world of limitless possibilities for creativity and self-expression, within a complex social structure and a fully-functioning economy:

# Explore your identity:
Your avatar is infinitely customizable. Change your appearance – even your gender – as often as you like. Create and save different outfits, costumes, even body shapes – so you can change your look whenever the mood strikes.

# Express yourself:
Strike up a conversation with basic chat. Or, talk privately with your buddies through instant messaging. Smile, laugh, wink, shrug, stick your tongue out – make your feelings known with hundreds of animated emotions and gestures.

# Get moving:
Take in the sights as you walk through a 3D living landscape. Get airborne and fly to the corners of the earth. Show off your smooth dancing moves. Play a game of “Bump and Run.” There are many ways to get around and get physical!

# Unleash your creativity:
Let your ideas take shape through simple but sophisticated 3D creation tools. Build a lavish mansion or a secret underground hideaway. Design furniture. Create outlandish costumes. Invent intricate weapons or fantastical animals. Bring your creations to life by adding special effects. All it takes is imagination.

# Amass a fortune:
Spend your weekly stipend any way you want – on shopping, transporter travel, land, or admission to private events. To build your wealth, put your talents to use. Make and sell popular items or host fun parties or events. Pool your money with other residents to build a funhouse or an amusement park and charge admission. You’ll find many ways to profit within Second Life’s dynamic economy.

# Get connected:
Find people whose interests and skills gel with yours. Join a group re-creating the American West, the Dark Ages, or Medieval Japan. Or, start a group and build your own community. Whatever your interests – you’re sure to find like-minded individuals ready to join your cause.

# Increase your status:
Rate other residents (and they’ll rate you) as you interact with them through a real-time reputation system. Earn positive comments, and you’ll gain financial rewards as well as social status. If you’re a real mover and shaker, you may even see your name in lights on Second Life’s leader boards!

No, no, Matthew didn’t create Second Life, rather he hosts a weekly show in which “residents” of Second Life can enter a listening room and enjoy Matthew’s show…um…virtually…lemme let Matthew ’splain…

Basically what happens is that everyone’s avatar (little graphic representation of themselves) gathers in a room and watches the performer’s avatar play their instrument. The audio is broadcast live from the performer’s computer and received on a stream into the club, so anyone whose avatar is in the club can hear the performance. Performers can put out a tip jar and get people on their mailing list, or send them links to buy their stuff on iTunes or wherever. It’s a lot like a real-life show, but you’re not restricted by geography. I have Second Life fans in Brazil, Spain, Australia, UK, and I’m not even sure where else.

It’s a cool idea. I get the idea, the concept and such – but I can’t for the life of me figure out what to do once inside Second Life. But I’m the same gal who can’t figure out how to change my ringtone, or work an iPod…so there you have it.

Matthew has graciously invited me out to his studio on an upcoming Sunday to watch (and record for your listening pleasure) the whole thing in action and to try and teach an old bird a new trick so I can enjoy his show every week.

You kids go check it out. Matthew can be found under the name “Matthew Perreault.”

In other news, Matthew is working on a new album and is quite nearly finished….

“Like the last one, I’ve performed most of the parts myself, but I do have some great session players and special guests, both from Texas and NYC. Some are return players from the first album, and some are new.

I’ve also been co-producing the debut album of an extremely talented friend of mine, James Dunn, up in Denton. He plays periodically at Banter, a coffeehouse near the square. I’ll give you a shout when he does his next show. He was in my first band back in the early ’90s, and gave me a run for my money to be the group’s chief songwriter. He’s been in medical school for the last little while, so he’s only just now getting his own record together. Think Dale Watson meets Lyle Lovett meets Pink Floyd. “

Look for lots more about Matthew, his music and this interesting new show he hosts (Sundays 4 p.m.) here at The Fine Line in the coming weeks.

“Office Suite, Part I” by The Matthew Show”