MEET OUR OCTOBER 2024 SPEAKER: MATT LYGATE of DREAM MACHINE

October’s global CreativeMornings theme is VISION and it got us thinking about big visions and what it takes to translate that into reality which led us to Creative Director of the Dream Machine, Matt Lygate, our speaker on Friday, October 25th (tickets!)

Matt says, “I’ve been a creative entrepreneur, musician, artist, and events and social project manager for over a decade across Glasgow. Years ago, I transformed a derelict building in the Barras into a thriving community hub. Today The Dream Machine and The Space are both growing stronger despite the challenges of Covid. With my roots in DJing, the electronic music scene and the third sector community in Glasgow, I am a pioneer in using music, art and creativity in their truest form as social tools for transformation, integration and actualisation.”

Matt is a kindred spirit in making space for community, connection and celebration and was kind enough to answer a few questions…

CM Glasgow: What do you think about when you consider this month’s theme of VISION?

Matt: What are creatives and entrepreneurs if not visionaries? Every tribe since the dawn of humanity needed its visionaries, to see our faults, express our pains and guide us to new opportunities. If you are reading this, you are a visionary. Willing to speak your truth and present your solutions. Now more than ever, we need more visionaries and less conformity in a world on fire in desperate need of change.

CM: What motivates you day to day?

ML: Coffee…and my hyperactive ADHD brain that seeks constant stimulation, shiney new projects to start (but never ever finish!), but its super power is its power to manifest even 1% of my crazy dreams into some sort of reality, always to share for the benefit of others, not because I’m a super moral or religious person. Because doing things for others is the greatest reward! If its just for me, who am I going to celebrate with!?

CM: What’s a typical day like for you?

ML: No such thing! I live in a van, spread out between 3 countries across the year, almost daily i wake up to new sites and sounds. I abhor structure but equally love it when its imposed on me. So a successful day for me is one where I meditate, do some exercise, eat healthy and sleep well. Everything else called ‘work’ makes or breaks upon that foundation.

CM: Tunnocks Tea Cakes or Caramel Wafers?

ML: We sell a vast variety of delicious vegan chocolates in our Vegan Green (vending) Machine at The Dream Machine where no mothers were forcibly milked to death so we can enjoy a sugary snack. Trust me, vegan chocolates have gotten so good, you can now have you cake and still eat it! #Goveganbeforewedestroytheworld (also the guy who runs Tunnocks is a capitalist, unionist who threatened his workers to vote against Scottish Independence…so aye… 🤣)

CM: Lastly, if you could describe Glasgow in one word, what would it be?

ML: Kind

Matt will be our speaker on Friday, October 25th at Dream Machine. Tickets include breakfast and are free but space is limited. Get yours here!