| Route1 |
08-25-2011 09:16 AM |
hose who come here to hate should leave now, for in their hatred, they only betray themselves.
I love the darker things in life and art; beautiful things are often born of pain and sorrow. The trials of life define us, and art is our expression of that journey. Scars are souvenirs that never fade. Pictures are memories, and I write poems to myself. Welcome to my world, and thank you for taking the time to visit my page.
My name is Matthew, although most people know me as Axl. I am a musician, a writer, a photographer, a fire dancer, an artist, a blogger, and a producer/engineer. I have many interests, ranging from Gothic fashion and architecture, to social studies and psychology. I have 8 piercings and one tattoo. I'm constantly changing my hair style and colour. I'm Scotch-Irish, and naturally blonde haired and blue eyed.
I have lived in many places and met a great many people. I'm from Boise, Idaho, and consider that my home...but I have spent time in Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and Missouri as well. I have friends and family all over the country and around the world. I relocate often and travel even more often.
I attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona in 2007-2008 for Audio Engineering, Live Sound, and Music Business. I have produced and engineered records, been in many bands and solo projects, owned a record label/distro, and DJ'd for my own radio show. I play guitar, piano, bass, drums, and I sing and scream. I continue to be involved in photography, various kinds of writing and art, and many different parts of the music scene. I am also an active fire dancer/poi spinner. On a side note, I also have background and active interest in various forms of motorsports, MMA, and firearms.
I have three children from 2 previous relationships...two boys, Corey Taylor Peck and Alexander Tristan Peck (ages 6 and 3), and a little girl, Adriana Lee Kivi (2).
I have a lot of baggage and a shady past; I have been through a lot and it has made me who I am. There are some things I will not talk about, and others that you have to ask me about. I've been through a lot of shit and had a lot of struggles; I enjoy helping others and giving advice based on what I have learned from those struggles. My "No Regrets" tattoo is a symbol of the things I have lost and gained, and of the fact that in the end, I wouldn't have it any other way.
I live my life the best I can, the best I know how, and I try to help and be there for others in any way I can, and I always try to do the right thing. Sometimes I get caught between being politically correct and stating the truth, because I always try to be as diplomatic as possible, but if it is important enough, I will speak my mind. You can take it or leave it, but I always ask that people at least consider and respect what I have to say. I believe everyone has the right to their own beliefs. But I will not tolerate willful ignorance, arrogance, or racism/prejudice of any kind. There is no need to intentionally cause conflict or be hateful. One of my favourite quotes comes from a Killswitch Engage song, "Vide Infra": "No one is placed higher than another, no matter race nor creed nor gender. We must teach forgiveness and compassion for our lives". I believe we are all born equal and were free from our first breath. I also don't particularly care for close minded people. Open your mind and your eyes; there is an entire world out there for you to experience and learn from. I also have very little tolerance in my own life for drugs and violence. I dislike people who have the opportunity to do the right thing or help someone in need, and merely stand by and do nothing. I dislike people who cannot draw the line between revenge and righteous vengeance. I dislike people who claim to be straight edge for the attention, and I dislike people who claim things such as drug use or a broken home for the same reason. Don't be pretentious; it discredits those who have actually experienced such things. I dislike people who slam or discredit religion to be cliche, and I dislike people who don't try to challenge themselves at all or actually be someone or something in life.
If I fear anything, it is the possibility of dying alone, and passing on without making a difference in the world. I feel I have a responsibility to act, to be somebody, and to help others in any way I can. I also feel it is on me to be unique, be an individual, and express myself as artistically as possible...and to be an inspiration to others through art. However, on a personal level, I find it difficult to trust and difficult to open my heart and let others in. I find it difficult to take my own advice, and in my personal life I can be headstrong. Everyone has their vices, including myself. I have worlds of tolerance, but a lack of patience is one of my downfalls. I am far from perfect. The people who can accept that are the people I hold closest to me.
I have a very active personal life, careers, and a family of my own, so please don't take offense if I don't respond to you right away. I try to respond to everyone, and in a timely manner, but sometimes it's just not possible. Still, feel free to message me or ask any questions you might have.
R.I.P. Brittany Nicole Rader June 6th, 1986 - September 26th, 2003
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