SIGNALS

The Re-Launch of The Material Review, An Interview with Matt Morris, Pizza Intel, Shorts for Summer, The Seafood Shacks of Maine and Much More.

Welcome to the Sunday Signals, my attempt to package up all of the interesting bits from the past few weeks.

I. The Material Review

Years ago there was an ACL companion site called The Material Review. It was sort of a mood board site where I would post quick hits that felt slightly more perishable than the ACL stories. Recently I decided to relaunched TMR with my collaborator and long-time colleague Taylor Stacey. TMR in 2024 is a digest newsletter which publishes twice a week (on Wednesdays and Saturdays). We include the important and interesting stories of the week plus some interviews, product coverage and other fun quick hits. It’s totally free and wide open. Check it out here.

Yesterday we published an interview with the interesting and inspiring Matt Morris. There’s an excerpt below and you can read the entire Q&A on The Material Review. Hope you enjoy!

THE BIG Q&A WITH MATT MORRIS

Matt Morris is a photographer and winemaker based in California. As far as we’re concerned he’s setting the standard for cool guy stuff in 2024.

It’s rare when a guy you might know from Instagram actually lives up to the hype. Matt Morris is that guy. His creativity, taste level and sense of adventure far exceeds his online persona. He inspires us to take better pictures, work harder, eat more deliciously and travel further. We chatted with him for our first big interview. Hope you like it.

TMR: What’s a memorable recent purchase you’ve made?

Matt Morris: A Milkman Creamer guitar amplifier in a custom mid century walnut finish, an item I am completely unqualified to own, but makes me very happy and sounds absolutely incredible. That said, I almost never have any time or occasion to play the guitar, which is why it helps that it looks gorgeous when not turned on.

What's an everyday camera you love?

The majority of my photo work is shot on digital cameras, which is why I shoot film in my personal life so it doesn’t feel like work. I picked up a black Contax T3 back in 2015 and it’s been in the pocket of my jeans every single day since. Since then, they have gotten silly expensive so I’d recommend an Olympus MJU-ii with the 35mm f2.8 lens for a similar experience with a friendlier price tag.

You seem to know about all of the good places. Can you tell us a recent favorite restaurant, winery or hotel you would recommend?

Thank you! I think the key to this is getting recommendations from people who make and do, instead of those who consume and critique. It helps you cut through hype and marketing and identify the real deal.

The Harbor House Inn is the most magical spot in California, it counts both as hotel (11 rooms) and 2 Michelin star restaurant. The food is hyper-local, hyper-specific, and hyper-personal to Chef Matthew Kammerer. It’s also in one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever visited, with an incredible view and private cove down a few hundred wooden steps.

My other favorite restaurant is Bell’s in Los Alamos. Greg and Daisy have become dear friends over the years of me constantly popping up at the counter. The experience is always elevated and delicious but not fussy, and overall just lots of fun. Everyone who works there loves being there and makes sure everyone is having a good time. Always worth the trip. It’s a bonus if I can pair that with staying at the Ojai Valley Inn.