Pumping Metal: Message to the Masses Vocalist Matt Diana on Weight Lifting, Anytime Fitness, Meal Prep and 1-Mile Sprints

We recently checked in with Matt Diana, vocalist for the Tucson, Arizona metalcore men in Message to the Masses, to chat about all things Health and Fitness! The guys’ highly-anticipated new EP, Means To An End, came out on February 26th and we thought we’d better understand their music by finding out more about who is actually making it! This is how a healthy lifestyle impacts both Matt’s day-to-day and his music!

Why and when did you got into fitness in the first place?
Diana: It was seventh grade when I started working out. I took a weight lifting class (seems ridiculous when you’re only 13), however the feeling of euphoria I got after I was done changed my life. Now maybe that’s why I’m so short, but it’s always been worth it. Haha. As I got older I started to study everything about fitness and working out. Fitness has been a big part of my life and always will be. I’d advise every single human being to give it a chance and stick it out, the payout is enormous.

What about exercise, health and fitness makes you take it seriously?
Diana: It’s simple, I want to live longer and feel good. When you’re in good shape, your body and mind is enhanced. You’re literally able to do things that you never thought would be possible. You think more clearly and work more efficiently. Honestly, I don’t want anyone in my life to have to worry about me because of my health and I want to be around longer to be able to create more memories with the ones I love.

Weights, cardio, calisthenics, CrossFit, MMA… what’s your jam?
Diana: Mostly weight lifting but I usually do a full sprint mile to warm up first!

Describe your weekly routine and/or an average workout for you?
Diana: Well I have my weeks planned out. Every day is a different muscle group, Monday’s are leg day, Tuesday’s are chest day, Wednesday’s are back day, Thursday are legs again, Friday’s are shoulders, Saturday’s are usually my break day, and Sunday’s are back again. I tend to work out anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. I always add ab workouts at the end of every work out.

What music gets you extra pumped when you’re exercising?
Diana: My rule is, if your lifting heavy metal, you should be listening to heavy metal!

Do you ever listen to your own band’s music when working out?
Diana: I tend to do that every once in a while because when I’m in my workout mode, I am at my most focused state. I try to listen for parts that I could have done better or different. Sometimes it’s just to keep the melodies fresh in my head to maximize my live performances.

Being a touring musician, how do you stay fit on the road?
Diana: After plenty of research and searching for the right gym, I have found that Anytime Fitness gym’s are everywhere. They are 24/7, have showers and all the equipment I need. So not only am I able to stay shredded but, I also get to stay clean.

Some people go Vegetarian and Vegan while others slam steaks, whole poultry farms, and a kitchen sink in regimented 6-meal sittings. Where does your diet sit?
Diana: I meal prep mostly all of my meals; however, I will cook my breakfast and dinner. I’m extremely healthy and I stick to everything that’s good for your body. Whole grains, lean meat, nuts, fruits, veggies, and you know the rest.

Supplements, yay or nay, and why/why not?
Diana: I like to keep my supplement intake light. I usually use matcha for a pre-work out because it’s clean caffeine and has tons of antioxidants. I will use C4 ripped too, to get that extra cut. Cellucor is also the brand I use for my whey protein, the cinnamon flavor literally tastes like french toast.

Morning, noon, evening, night… when do you like to exercise? Does it even matter?
Diana: It depends on my work schedule, but I usually like to work out in the morning because it makes me more alert and pumped for the rest of the day.

How do you find your healthy lifestyle impacts your music and/or live performance?
Diana: Being healthy and fit has made my live performance enhanced. I’m a vocalist that screams and sings a lot so, no matter what I do, I’m winded after my set. However, within minutes after I’m done with the show my heart rate has gone back to normal and I’m able to do another! Not to mention, while I’m on the stage nothing can slow me down and I can go as hard as I want. I’m trying to get to the point where I can learn how to do back flips and whatnot.

Do you balance the “rockstar” lifestyle with being fit/healthy? Or is it 1 or the other for you?
Diana: At first it seemed like it was going to be an issue, but once you get used to both of the lifestyles, you’re able to mold them into one.

What’s your opinion on performance enhancing drugs?
Diana: I’m all for using supplements to get a little more strength and endurance during my work outs but, steroids or anything that is close to that has never crossed my mind. As in I never needed them and never will. I like being as natural as I can be because it’s simple; we are organic beings. Plus, with the body I’ve built over the years you’d probably ask, “why would you need them?”. I believe all the best things in life are achieved solely by yourself without any, “enhancers or cheats”. True strength and dedication to be better, will always come from inside.

Check out the song “Blood and Bones”