Matt Whyte Interview
Matt Whyte is the host of Sing For Science, a science and music podcast produced with Talkhouse where musicians talk to scientists about their most famous songs. Matt says that his work with musician/activist Toshi Reagon was the catalyst for the project: "Through my exposure to her application of the transformational power of song and that of her godfather, Pete Seeger, I looked to how I could use music to help effect change. From there I set my sights on combating science denialism and began by writing songs celebrating the work of scientists (Sing For Science: Volume 1). The Sing For Science podcast turned out to be a natural outgrowth of the project’s activist beginnings."
How did you get to where you are today, professionally?
Starting out, I made a small but meaningful dent with my former band, Earl Greyhound—we recorded 2 albums and toured a fair amount in the late aughts. When that had run its course, I turned to composing and producing—I’ve contributed music for the last 3 Chris Smith Netflix documentaries—Jim and Andy, Fyre, and Tiger King. I continued to perform throughout this second chapter and had the good fortune to participate in a few events with musician/activist Toshi Reagon. Through my exposure to her application of the transformational power of song and that of her godfather, Pete Seeger, I looked to how I could use music to help effect change. From there I set my sights on combating science denialism and began by writing songs celebrating the work of scientists (Sing For Science: Volume 1). The Sing For Science podcast turned out to be a natural outgrowth of the project’s activist beginnings.
For those who aren't familiar, please describe the podcast and talk a little bit about why you decided to start it.