Hey there 311 nation! A new week is upon us so that means it’s time for the next fan spotlight. Let’s meet Matt Archer!
The year was 1996 and “Down” was in heavy rotation on MTV, that’s when Matt first heard of 311. “I found the blue album at my local Walmart and started down the rabbit hole. This was a time when I actually read the liner notes and lyrics as I listened. I was drawn to their music because it was different, raw, full of energy and original. When searching through a Columbia House catalog I had found out that they also had 2 other albums that I was not aware of in “Music” and “Grassroots.” A friend of mine had let me borrow their VHS release “Enlarged to Show Detail.” And then, “Transistor” dropped…!!! It was all downhill from there.”
Show count for Matt is at 39 so far. First show was on July 23, 2004, with The Roots and Medeski Martin & Wood and the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. As for picking a favorite show, there are a few that stand out to Matt. “311 Day 2020 in Las Vegas is special due to the fact that my wife and I got married on 3/11 Day in Vegas and it was our first 311 Day. It was also the first time I met a lot of new friends from around the country. 311 Caribbean Cruise 7 was probably the best vacation I have ever been on, but my favorite show may be night one 311 Day 2024. Hampton Beach shows are always fun.”
For a special song that means a lot to him, Matt chose “Do You Right” as it’s his and his wife Marie’s song. As for a lyric he loves, he chose the following: “Sometimes I go a little crazy. Sometimes I go a little crazy just like you I do.” He said that’s what it feels like being at a 311 show!
Warren, Massachusetts, is where Matt grew up and he’s been in Massachusetts his whole life. He’s lived in West Brookfield, North Brookfield, Auburn and now Southbridge with his wife Marie and their dog Gus. For work, Matt is a Plant Maintenance Supervisor for Spectrum cable. “This year marks 20 years working in the cable industry for me. A lot of vacation time is used for concerts!”
Fun fact about Matt, he went to college in Boston for Audio Production (as in becoming a music producer). “Although I never finished school, my love for music continues on!” Not only is he a big fan of music, but he loves the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots, and he’s a big UFC fighting fan. “I am full of useless knowledge that I call Archer Fun Facts which tends to come in handy during conversations or trivia nights LOL.” Guilty pleasure for him is playing MLB The Show on his Playstation 5.
When not listening to 311, there are many other artists that Matt can be found jamming out to. “In the beginning of 2020, the radio station I grew up listening to, WAAF, had shut down. A friend of mine suggested that I start a Facebook group to share music in which ended up being Archer’s Music Exchange (feel free to join.) If you see my posts in the group, you will know that I enjoy vast array of groups and artists. Umphrey’s McGee, Primus, Phish, Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Slayer, Mudvayne, The New Mastersounds, Lettuce, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Elovaters, Pantera, and the list could go on and on.”
Matt would like to send this message to the guys in 311: “Thank you for adding to the soundtrack of my life and good times!”
Now here is his message to all the other 311 fans out there:
“311 has the best commUNITY of fans in the world. I have met so many amazing people and made friends with so many of you and I wouldn’t change a minute! Thank you guys for always having a good time with us at the shows. We will see you this summer and on the cruise next year!!!”
Thank you to Matt for sharing your story with us all! As always, my gratitude goes out to all the readers each week. Hope you are all well and sending you all good vibes!
Much Love – The Runt