Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Cirino.
Hi Matthew , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up the youngest of four siblings from a Jamaican and Puerto Rican household. My brother David is an R&B recording artist, and my other brother Steve managed his career. Throughout seeing these experiences as a child, I ultimately attached to R&B music. Steve also worked at Sony Records for close to 10 years, and through him I had the unique opportunity to see the music industry from the inside. I was able to meet some incredible artists, sit in on A&R meetings, and witness firsthand what goes into discovering and developing talent. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes and sparked my interest in artist development and music marketing.
I also found out in my early adulthood that my uncle managed Jamaican recording artist ‘Shaggy’ early in his career. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Marketing, which gave me the tools to understand branding, audience growth, and digital strategy. I eventually combined my passion for R&B with my marketing background to create Next Wave R&B.
What started as a passion project has grown into a platform dedicated to celebrating R&B music and giving independent and emerging artists the exposure they deserve. One of the highlights of that journey was having the opportunity to interview one of my favorite R&B artists, Trevor Jackson. Through interviews, playlists, new music coverage, and promotional opportunities, my goal is to help talented artists reach new audiences while also creating a space where fans can discover the next wave of R&B. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the platform grow and to be a small part of helping artists gain recognition.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people starting something from scratch, I’ve had my share of setbacks and learning experiences. In the beginning, I was figuring everything out on my own along with the assistance of my wife who has been playing a pivotal role behind the scenes. Not every idea worked, and I’ve certainly made mistakes along this journey.
Looking back, I’ve realized those mistakes weren’t failures—they were learning opportunities. Each challenge taught me something I could apply to the next opportunity, whether it was improving the way I communicate with artists, refining my content, or better understanding what resonates with our audience. Those experiences have helped me grow not only as a marketer but also as a business owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My career path hasn’t been traditional, and I think that’s one of my greatest strengths. I started my career working in the restaurant industry, where I learned the value of hard work, teamwork, and delivering a great experience. From there, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Marketing, which gave me a strong foundation in branding, consumer behavior, and digital strategy. While in college, I wrote my first book, Hopeless to Housewife, which I self-published on Amazon with very little experience. Although the process came with a learning curve, I gained valuable insight by receiving honest feedback from peers, friends, and readers. That experience gave me the confidence to pursue new ventures whenever I have a new idea.
Over the years, I’ve worked in sales, and security, with each role teaching me valuable skills in communication, relationship building, problem-solving, and leadership. Every experience has contributed to the way I approach business today.
Today, my focus is on digital marketing and growing Next Wave R&B. The platform allows me to combine my lifelong passion for music with my marketing background by helping independent and emerging R&B artists gain exposure through interviews, playlists, social media promotion, and music discovery.
What I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up that genuinely helps artists. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an artist receive new opportunities, connect with new fans, or feel recognized because of something we featured.
I believe what sets me apart is my combination of real-world business experience, marketing knowledge, and genuine passion for R&B. I’m not just trying to grow a social media page—I’m building a platform that supports artists and contributes to the culture. My goal has always been to create opportunities for talented musicians who deserve to be heard, and it’s exciting to see Next Wave R&B opening doors for both the artists we feature and for me professionally as I continue pursuing a career in digital marketing.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making a positive impact and leaving something meaningful behind. Whether it’s through my career, my relationships, or Next Wave R&B, I want the work I do to create opportunities for others.
With Next Wave R&B, that means giving independent and emerging R&B artists a platform to be seen and heard. I know how difficult it can be for talented artists to break through, and if I can help introduce someone’s music to a new audience or play even a small role in their journey, that’s incredibly rewarding.
At the end of the day, I hope to be remembered as someone who worked hard, stayed authentic, and used his passion and skills to make a difference in both the music community and the people around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nextwavernb.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nextwavernb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19b8nmVk48/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEXTWAVERNB
