So, for the past few months, I’ve been devoted almost entirely to a new television show that will premiere in April. The show is called AUDIO-FILES and it will feature a different band from around the country each week. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun on a project. That’s probably because I’ve been able to work with some of my favorite artists. Check out the promo here.

On November 11th, 2011, one of my favorite local bands, The Moth & the Flame released their debut album at Velour Live Music Gallery. I was lucky enough to see the show on the 2nd night (the first one sold out), and I picked up some footage while I was there. Here’s a look at their performance of How We Woke Up. You can find out more about these talented guys and their music here.

During the first week of September, Pearl Jam performed at the Alpine Valley resort for 2 consecutive nights to celebrate their 20th anniversary of the Ten album. They played over 30 songs each night and it was a great concert. Aaron Hymes and I covered the event and were able to get feedback from their loyal fans. This video was a quick recap of the first day. And this one has highlights from both nights.

I grew up listening to nothing but Pearl Jam, so this was especially fun.

A few new Occidental Saloon acoustic performance videos have been released over the last few weeks. Every time we shoot another band, I have new songs to add to my iPod. Be sure to check out The Moth and the Flame, Imagine Dragons and John Vanderslice when you can. Also, on a side note, it should be acknowledged that director, Isaac Halasima, has jumped on board to help in the most recent productions. It’s been great working with him.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing music video director, Julian Acosta, on a live performance shoot in San Diego. The shoot was fun and the band put on a good show. They’re already one of my favorites. Foster The People.

Click here to see the video.

I helped shoot, but it was directed and edited by Julian. He did a great job. I love the way it turned out.

Los Angeles Director, Aaron Hymes, shot a pretty cool rehearsal with an amazing band, Broken Bells, and trusted me with the edit. The video turned out kinda fun and has already been posted on Pitchfork, VEVO and AOL Spinner. Broken Bells is composed of artist-producer Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) and James Mercer, the lead vocalist and guitarist for the indie rock band The Shins. The song is called Heartless Empire and can be found on Meyrin Fields, their new EP.

Along with the work I do with Violet Suitcase, I also contribute to a collective team that creates live performance music videos called The Occidental Saloon. Directing, shooting and editing these videos is one of my favorite things to do.

Well, City Weekly, a Utah publication, seems to like the work we’ve done over the last year, because they just gave us an award for being the “Best Video Company” in Utah. We laugh because The Occidental Saloon isn’t really a company. In fact, it’s totally nonprofit. But, it’s always nice to be appreciated.

Here’s our roster:

Directors: Matt Eastin & Aaron Hymes
Producers: Dean Cheesman & Corey Fox
3D Titles: Aaron Hymes
Live Audio Recordings: Dean Cheesman
Additional Support: Russ Mayo, Chad Hemelstrand, Kaneischa Johnson & Spencer Rich

A couple of months ago, I had the chance to direct a performance piece with Fictionist, a Provo “space-rock” quintet. It was great working with the band and the video turned out kinda nice. Anyway, the cool part is that Fictionist is currently in the running to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in May. I think the competition is 4 rounds and they just made it into round 2. It’s pretty exciting. They’d be the first unsigned band to ever make the cover.

The contest is mostly based on voting, so make sure you cast yours here. You can pick up their album on iTunes here.

Also, if you’re around Utah and you want to see them live, they’re playing Velour in Provo on April 8th.

So, last year, alongside Producer Jim Bell and BYU Broadcasting, I was able to direct a 60 minute program about The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s summer tour of the midwestern United States. The program was well received and even got some praise. First, it was nominated for a Rocky Mountain Emmy and won a Cine Golden Eagle award. Then, last week, we were happy to hear it won a “Silver” in the 32nd Annual Telly Awards contest.

If you’re interested, the program is called “One Voice – On the Road with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir” and can still be found on your DVR in BYU-TV’s rotation.

This is the first post of a new blog. So, naturally, this is the one where I’m suppose to casually drop all of the keywords that will eventually draw people to the website.

Let’s start with a short list and I’ll pick it up again later with the next entry: Matt Eastin, Violet Suitcase, video, film, documentary, music video, commercial, broadcast, producer, editor, director, janitor.

Keep me in mind for your production needs.