Matt Trammell ’09

When you find something you love, you’ll never be bored, Matt Trammell ’09 told students this spring. Matt is a music writer and the nightlife editor for The New Yorker. His work includes following both rising and well-known artists through New York City’s concert scene; reviewing new albums; connecting good music to the culture that it reflects; and sharing that perspective with the world. During a visit to campus, coordinated by English department chair Tarim Chung, Matt attended classes and met with student groups and publication leaders. Milton was the first place he learned that he could write well, he says. At New York University, Matt realized that he could marry his lifelong love of music and his skill for writing into a career, taking a freelance job writing album reviews for Rolling Stone. After NYU, Matt worked at FADER magazine, prior to his role at The New Yorker.

“Every person is as original as they allow themselves to be. To look at something that’s happened in your life, and to draw meaning from it that hasn’t already been assigned to you, is work you’re going to have to do, regardless of whether you’re writing a memoir. It’s going to help you find out what you want and what you have to contribute.”