Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Hribar
Matt, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I knew from a young age that I loved being a writer and entertainer. I wrote my first novel in 6th grade (don’t ask for copies!), made music videos in high school, created a reality show for YouTube in college. It wasn’t until I was working professionally in radio when I started to expand my work as a DJ and emcee. Eventually I went for my Masters in Digital Storytelling Communication and that’s when it clicked for me: the common thread was storytelling.
Whether making music, short films, social media videos, podcasts, scripts, poems, or novels, whether performing for the Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Charge, or running trivia, singo, karaoke nights, or DJing in bars, establishments, and for weddings — it comes down to my love of creation.
Currently my short film “The Sauce” is in festival circulation, I just released a fiction piece, “Right Hook!” as an e-book, audiobook and in print. On day-to-day, I create YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok videos. It’s hard to explain all that I do, simply because I’m called to do so much!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth road in life, we all have some struggles that impact the work that we do. It took a long time to find where I could make a financial niche in the work that I do. For me, it began as working part-time in places and industries I wanted to be in. From there, I was able to grab more leverage and autonomy, alongside with finding opportunities and being asked to perform certain jobs and gigs. I’ve found that the one thing which has kept me consistent in my decade of working in media and the arts has just been the drive to do it. It’s never been about followers, or numbers. For me success is simply the ability to spend time doing artistic storytelling endeavors, as well as making a living off of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My speciality is in digital storytelling, specifically the mediums of text (writing, authorship, novels, screenwriting, poetry, lyrics, blogging), audio (podcasts, music, audio documentaries), and video (short film, sketch videos, social media content). I have worked as a DJ and live events emcee for about seven years now professionally in Cleveland, and that work feeds into my artistry and vice-versa.
I suppose I’m known for my quirky alternative sense of humor, experimental approach to storytelling, and my passionate desire to create stories.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I don’t have one specific medium focus. I find that my stories are not limited to one format, genre, or style.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Weirdly enough, I don’t remember too much of my childhood or adolescence! My memory is notoriously awful.
But a favorite childhood story my family rotates is when 5-year old Matt asked the school principal if we could play “Holiday” by Madonna over the speakers to celebrate my birthday. The principal said no, worried about the precedent it would set, but the principal was extremely amused by the ask.
Pricing:
- Contact mhribar12@gmail.com, or message him @hribstar on social media to learn more about collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://matthribar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hribstar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.hribar/
- Twitter: https://x.com/hribstar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hribstar
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rybar
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hribstar
