Singer-songwriter Graven joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, music, and the unpredictable paths that shape an artist’s work. From recording his latest album Geographics in an intense six-day studio sprint to reflecting on how travel, memory, and personal experiences find their way into his lyrics, he opens up about the realities of building songs from raw ideas into something lasting. We talk about what it feels like to trust instinct over perfection, why deadlines can actually fuel creativity, and how some songs can sit unfinished for years before finally finding their place.

The conversation moves beyond the studio as we get into the emotional side of songwriting, including how becoming a parent changes the way you see the world and the stories you choose to tell. Graven shares how writing about his daughter brought a new level of vulnerability into his work, how touring and travel continue to inspire both the themes and textures of his songs, and why the creative process can sometimes feel like balancing chaos with clarity. Along the way, we also dive into the parallels between music and comedy, how timing and rhythm shape both crafts, and why authenticity ultimately matters more than technical perfection. It’s a funny, honest, and thoughtful look at how life experiences turn into art — and how sometimes the best songs come from embracing the mess instead of trying to control it.

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Website: https://www.graven.ca

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Balls To the Wall ~ Graven aka Matty McKechnie | Ep. 263