Matt Cruz Discusses His Solo Project and Band Hiatus

I recently had a conversation with LA based multi-instrumentalist, MATT CRUZ, the co-founder of the band called HOLD YOUR FIRE and asked him a few questions regarding the status of his band and his new SOLO PROJECT.

1. S.L.R. MAGAZINE/DON MARCELO

Hi Matt. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me and S.L.R. MAGAZINE. Can you give all your fans a rundown on what’s happening with HOLD YOUR FIRE and what’s happening with you lately?

MATT CRUZ: Well Don, as the lead guitarist/co-founder/co-songwriter of the original rock band HOLD YOUR FIRE, an unfortunate turn of events happened after our first show in 2025. Unfortunately, like I said, the band took a major hit when one of our members underwent a personal incident and left the group to address what had happened. Out of respect for the situation, I wish him the best and hope he is doing well. Schedules change, life changes, and other members decided it was best to focus on other ventures outside of HYF. Though the band still consists of me, Piot, and newest member Jason, we are effectively on hiatus until we find new members.

Portrait of a man with dark hair and a tattooed arm, wearing a grey denim jacket and a black shirt, looking down against a grey background.

2. S.L.R. MAGAZINE/DON MARCELO

Oh Wow! I had no idea. That is truly unfortunate especially since I covered HOLD YOUR FIRE’s performance in the beginning of this year. I thought perhaps that things were just on pause with everyone’s responsibilities in life doing adulting stuff. But as they say, when one door closes, another one opens. So can you tell us and everyone what’s been cooking in the kitchen with you these several months after the short stint of HOLD YOUR FIRE.

MATT CRUZ: So after what happened in the beginning of this year, I decided that 2025 was the year that I would work on my own solo project. I felt I had finally gained the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to create something I could truly call my own. I had great respect for artists who could write entire songs, compose parts for every instrument, and release a self made project. 2025 was the year to do this.

Though my main instrument was always the guitar, I decided to take a leap into my music progress in 2025 by becoming a student of drums, bass, and vocals. The adventure allowed me to understand the bigger picture of music and the puzzle of frequencies, while finding newfound respect for players of their respective instruments.

3. S.L.R. MAGAZINE/DON MARCELO

Now that is totally cool and brave of you. Now it’s beginning to make sense to me. I was wondering why you called me that one day in September and asked me to help you design the cover art for your single for a SOLO PROJECT you were working on. Please continue and tell us more.

MATT CRUZ: Ha! Yes! So in mid 2025, I teamed up with producer Tom Chandler of Elite Recordings LA. For two months, we aggressively wrote songs, composing intricate guitar parts, heavy bass lines, snappy and powerful drums, and memorable vocal lines. The sessions would often start at 8pm, and I would end up leaving at 3am, having written yet another song. We kept our circle small, and created a multiple song EP together by the end of July.

With the help of Linn Holmes as my vocal coach, Blair Brown as the drummer for the tracks, Matt Norman of Electric Sun Studios as a helping hand to Tom, Jenny Song as the one documenting this journey, you creating some specialized Photoshop effects of the photo you took of me in 2024 at your photo studio for my cover art, and Dylan Campos as the graphic designer, and support from my close friends, the EP “The One” was created.

A promotional image featuring Matt Cruz, wearing a denim jacket, looking down with a thoughtful expression against a red textured background. The text 'MATT CRUZ' and 'THE ONE' is prominently displayed on the image.

4. S.L.R. MAGAZINE/DON MARCELO

Bravo! Bravo! Bravissimo, Matt. You truly are talented, a true multi-instrumentalist/artist. So tell us more about your new single called “The One”. What can your fans expect from your SOLO PROJECT and this latest EP? How many songs are in the EP?

MATT CRUZ: “The One” is a heavy guitar driven riff, with intertwining lead guitars and my first public reveal as a vocalist. The song is meant to speak to the listener- whatever doubt you have in something you want to do, you can do it. I often found self doubt going into this EP, and telling myself I could do it really motivated the lyrics and meaning behind this song. So as a listener, I am telling you- You are the one. You can do this.

As far as the number of songs on this EP, I won’t yet reveal how many songs are in this EP, or the grand plan, but what I can tell you is that I will release the first single titled ‘The One’ on October 15, 2025.

5. S.L.R. MAGAZINE/DON MARCELO

Truly amazing, Matt. Well, S.L.R. MAGAZINE and I can’t wait for October 15. It’s just right around the corner. We are all excited for you with your SOLO PROJECT and your new adventures and journey in music. Any last words for all your fans?

MATT CRUZ: Thanks Don and S.L.R. MAGAZINE. I am extremely excited to show the world my project, and as time passes, I will release more. For now, I hope you enjoy “The One”.

Instagram: @matt.plays.the.guitar

For booking and other inquiries, email: mattcruz.contact@gmail.com