Here is a classic country rising star who turned heartbreak into music and is happily living in the country. With inspiration from country classics like Willie, Merle, Johnny, and Waylon, it’s no wonder why this sound is familiar, yet has its own stories. You’ll learn about a man who started a band, played to share, and is currently writing and performing songs while balancing life, teaching, music, and football.
Matthew Janecek and the Western Sage and Classic Country
I know this man well because he’s my husband. He is also very humble, so I will tell his story. His earlier days brought amazing children into the world but also had some heartbreak. An artist uses his talents to get through the pain, so picking up the guitar and writing seemed like the thing to do. Writing out songs and playing them to music takes a special set of skills not everyone has. To get into the proper headspace to write these songs, he took a solo trip to Texas to stay with his cousin and her husband in a guesthouse on their ranch. This is where he started writing his stories and reacquainting himself with his beloved guitar, which had taken a decade-long (or so) hiatus. A classic country music star was rising!
A spiritual conduit, this man used his gifts and kept writing.
As he wrote, he kept playing guitar. I watched a broken man suddenly take flight with his newfound wings. His spirit glowed about him, and he sang and played his truth for those who were lucky enough to hear it. Luckier still to relate to it. The more he shared his soul, the more it was heard. I was one of the blessed listeners who heard it loud and clear. And when music touches you like that, it’s more than just music. It’s a special bond you want to share with others. He continued to be inspired by the greats…all the classic country artists who are timeless. Thus albums were created and put forth for others to enjoy, relate to, and share. We currently spend our days meeting amazing people who appreciate heartfelt music, bringing smiles, and always playing music.
History and Country Songs
The first album, called “Crazytown” showcases Husband’s previous life and the life experiences that went along with it. It was around this time that our friendship started taking a different turn. I supported his music, we hung out together and realized we do that well, and soon we were a “thing.” By the time his first music festival arrived, I was getting used to a new life and he continued writing and playing.
The next album is one of my favorites because it’s mostly about me! The feel from “Crazytown” to “Texas Hurricane” took on a life of its own. I became his muse. He continued writing, playing, producing music he didn’t know he could do, performing it, and getting great responses. We began a path together that led us to an enriched life of music, love, and meeting fantastic people along the way. We learned how to explore our spirituality together. As we did this, Husband started producing “Your Glory.” This is another album inspired by what we have found and created together in the great state of Texas.
Living in the country has its advantages as a classic country rising star.
The scenery is beautiful and viewing it is part of our lives out there. The inspiration for spiritual growth also happens in the quiet and serene environment. Writing and playing music in Texas seems to be more received here than in our previous home. Bar owners open their doors and welcome musical newcomers as well as local talent sprinkled throughout our town. Collaboration happens right before my eyes. We might wander into some establishment off the road, for example, one cold rainy day. We may sit by the fire with a beer, and find ourselves playing music with an accordion player who wandered in. Before we knew it, the afternoon would fly as we played music with strangers. This has become normal!
Growing up with all kinds of music, I continue to be inspired by my man, who never ceases to amaze me. “More” is the name of the current album he is working on, and some of the music videos are found here. This is special, as it combines the spiritual quest with what we currently face in our unpredictable world. As a former public school history teacher, my man is always looking to people to find patterns. He strives to search for truth while helping to connect our current world as it relates to our past. He continues to be one of my greatest teachers.
Continuing On the Journey to Being a Star
A history teacher by trade, this man of mine engages in worthy discussions with children across the globe. He is currently teaching international students online classes daily. He helps them to connect current events to previous events in history. I get to hear these classes and am amazed at the questions and thoughts these children display. It is true that when we know better, we do better. I get to watch my husband teach that to innocent and knowledge-hungry students all the time. As I sit and listen to his classes, I get to learn about events that were glazed over in school. Maybe some of those topics in history class were not interesting to me at the time. Either way, I know there is always so much to learn.
After leaving an environment that did not allow him to teach in a Socratic way (asking/answering questions, having discussions), he left the public school system to teach from home. We had already learned how to teach online during COVID-19 days out of necessity. So this seemed to be a seamless transition for him. As time went on, he accumulated more classes and thoroughly enjoyed his new position as a history teacher of the future. Now he has also joined Brainfood Academy as the history teacher and is thrilled to be part of this new educational movement. In this way, parents can have more control over their students’ education, and get it in the safety and comfort of their homes.
Here is a great teacher, speaking to his role in this new homeschool option.
Leaving the classroom is never an easy decision for a teacher who is dedicated to teaching. I know first-hand how much soul-searching goes into a decision like that. Check out this teacher’s story on this podcast here, on The IN FORMED Parent. Unfortunately, for teachers, most don’t realize there are other options and others out there like them. Here’s where you can find another option. Are you a teacher or do you know a teacher who needs a change? Be part of the future of education and join an amazing community of teachers. Find your new path here.
Using music to journey from one kind of life to another is the definition of a country star, in my opinion. I’ve had a front-row seat in this journey, right alongside my rising star. Besides playing at local establishments occasionally, he’s also the voice of our hometown football team on the radio. His partner on the air happens to be married to the owner of this amazing place, where we spend a lot of time. So as far as “stardom,” I think he’s there!
You can see I’m blessed enough to be among love, music, and constant education, alongside a rising classic country star. Every day, we get to live by our values while also trying to provide for our family and being good neighbors. We get to live in a great town, where Husband gets to call high school football games on the radio and live a life of love, music, and learning. Check out his Channel here; maybe you’ll learn something from this amazing teacher. Thank you for stopping by!