Matthew Tobias

Session Drummer 20+ yrs/Mixer

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13 Reviews
Matthew Tobias on SoundBetter

I have drummed on over 1800 records in the last 25 years. I own a commercial studio in Albuquerque, where I can help your vision for your songs come to life with the right drum, percussion, programming tracks. I love drums. I love great songs more.

Reach out to me at the beginning or end of your process. I really am committed to helping YOUR vision come to life. The sounds I choose and the gear I use to record those sounds will be driven by what you want your material to be. I've got a huge collection of modern and vintage drums, cymbals, perc, and noise makers and will provide the foundation your song needs to be a success. I've worked with a large array of artists and producers- and as someone who produces about 10 full records a year at my studio- I understand the "stuff" of crafting songs....too gooey, more fluff, less blue....no problem. I love that stuff!
Early in my career, I travelled full time for a bunch of Nashville based artists. The expectation was that the band would reproduce the record every night on stage. I learned what went into crafting great songs and what impact that crafting can have on an audience. I value that perspective, as it makes me make sure I'm choosing "drum stuff" that'll help the material succeed.
Send me a scratch and let's talk about the foundation, or send me a completed song and I'll replace the programming with a more human feel. ANY drums, perc, loops, noise will ALL be included in ONE per song price.
I've got a great space for recording drums (check out my website for pics), and can usually turn around a single in a day or two.
Let's talk!

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

13 Reviews

Endorse Matthew Tobias
  1. Review by Focus Mastering
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    Not only is Matthew a great drummer and an excellent musician, he's a craftsman. He really understands songs and songwriting. I've worked on many projects that he has played on and he consistently has a unique feel and sound. He's not just playing drums on a song, but playing a song on drums. Matthew is also capable of thinking outside of the box as well as anyone, which is not always easy, with either a part or a sound. He will always strive to deliver something that really works for the song and artist. Definitely recommended.

  2. Review by Daniel Montoya
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    by Daniel Montoya

    I’ve worked with Matt on several projects, including both of my EPs. My number one concern in a recording is the sound of the drums. I feel that the drum sound really makes or breaks how professional a recording sounds. Matt has a knack for finding the best drum sounds for the song, and diligently works to make sure whatever he puts on a record serves the song. He is excellent to work with, and helped stretch my perspective to produce my songs and make them better than I ever thought possible. I highly recommend working with Matt, and I plan to again for my next project.

  3. Review by Glen H.
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    Matthew Tobias is a world-class drummer and producer and could be just right for your project. You should call him.
    While in LA, I got to work with Jim Keltner, Tres Cool, Joey Waronker, Chad Smith, and Russ Miller. So I mean it when I say that Matthew is that level of player!!! He gets my highest recommendation because of his vast and very musical drumming skills. What you wouldn’t know is that he brings a great work ethic and attention to everything he touches. Then, because of his constant work as an engineer/producer he’ll tweak it to sound unique.
    Call him! You’ll be so glad you did.

  4. Review by Matt Jones
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    by Matt Jones

    "When Matthew has recorded drums on records in the studio, or has played live concerts with me, there is one theme that stays true across the board - he always serves the song. He's got a wide vocabulary of music, and can almost always immediately capture the essence of what I present to him with songs I've written. He doesn't just try to slap his brand on it either; he finds what the artist is trying to convey and follows the thread to that end. You won't be disappointed!"

  5. Review by Brad Frye
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    by Brad Frye

    Do yourself a favor and work with Matthew.
    First of all, his ability to play any style is impressive in itself. He is an engineer and producer, so his recording and drum equipment is top notch.
    He is highly focused and professional. He will give your song(s) the attention they deserve.
    Second, he is an excellent listener and communicator. He will pay attention to the details you provide him regarding your music, your vision, or the sounds and tones you are going for.
    This alone sets him apart from nearly anyone else I have ever worked with.
    A true diamond in the rough.100% endorsement

  6. Review by paul marcus
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    by paul marcus

    Matt is a killer drummer - his feel is always spot on. Matt can capture the essence of a song or composition quickly and in a highly musical way, combining solid power with a “how did he do that?” finesse. He never overplays, and the subdivisions he intuitively finds really lift my songs to another level. The fact that he’s equally gifted as a producer allows him to bring an undefinable musicality that adds great value to the production, based on what I’m trying to say in the song or leave the listener experiencing. And a great - truly great - dude to work with.

    Paul Marcus

  7. Review by Tim Wildsmith
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    by Tim Wildsmith

    There are two things you need to know about Matthew Tobias: he’s an incredible drummer/producer/mixer, and he’s an awesome guy. I’ve spent countless hours in the studio with Matthew on several different projects. He’s a pro of the highest level who can handle anything you throw at him, and he will help you make your vision come to life. I can’t wait to work with him again.

  8. Review by Travis Wozniak
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    by Travis Wozniak

    I have worked with Matt on multiple projects over the years, and can not express how great he is at both producing and drumming. It’s rare to find someone with such a great talent and ear for not only drumming and drum tones, but also an extraordinary talent for full band production , and an understanding of tonality for all instrumentation. I have worked with him on multiple projects as simple as singer/songwriter formats to full band projects. Every time that we have worked together my expectations have been far exceeded. I can not recommend Matt Tobias enough!!

  9. Review by Steven Lee Tracy
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    Finding a great drummer is hard enough. Finding a great drummer who is also a fantastic engineer is near impossible, but that's what you get with Matthew. He is easy to work with, crazy talented, and the tracks will come back next leveled than what you expected. I'll keep using him again and again.

  10. Review by Steven Lee Tracy
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    Finding a great drummer is hard enough. Finding a great drummer who is also a fantastic engineer is near impossible, but that's what you get with Matthew. He is easy to work with, crazy talented, and the tracks will come back next leveled than what you expected. I'll keep using him again and again.

  11. Review by Steven Lee Tracy
    starstarstarstarstar

    Finding a great drummer is hard enough. Finding a great drummer who is also a fantastic engineer is near impossible, but that's what you get with Matthew. He is easy to work with, crazy talented, and the tracks will come back next leveled than what you expected. I'll keep using him again and again.

  12. Review by Michael Moxey
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    by Michael Moxey

    Matthew has the perfect combination of traits - a talented and versatile drummer, someone with decades of studio time dialing in the perfect production sound for a project, and a dedicated professional driven to help an artist capture their vision. He not only played drums on my 2 albums, but he produced/engineered and provided valuable support and advice every step of the way. I can’t recommend him highly enough!

  13. Review by Bill Palmer
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    by Bill Palmer

    Matthew Tobias is my go-to session drummer. He is a massively skilled producer, so I normally have him send me tracks from his place. He intuitively knows how to get right to the heart of what the song needs. Consistently, I never have to tweak what he sends me. I plug his drums in to the track on my end, and we’re cookin’.

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Terms Of Service

Let's talk a bunch before I play so I'm making informed decisions. I'll send versions of any sections that might need options in addition to main pass. I can usually turn 1 song around in a day or 2

GenresSounds Like
  • Wilco
  • Butch Walker
  • Fiona Apple
Gear Highlights
  • Large selection of modern and vintage drums and cymbals
  • large selection of outboard front end
  • PT 12
  • SoundToys
  • Lots and lots of UA plugs
More Photos