Mat Keselman on SoundBetter

I'm a Toronto-based recording engineer and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of experience. I work out of a hybrid analog/digital studio filled with tools that allow me to focus on what's important: The music. I approach the elements of every project as a whole from the standpoints of musicality, theory, and sonic technique.

- Mix notes are free with every master (for those who want them).

- Every project includes free revisions (up to a reasonable amount). I want to make sure you are happy with the final results.

- Stem mastering available.

- Mastering for vinyl available.

- Final delivery consists of high resolution 44.1/24 or 48/24 files. Instrumental, TV, Vocals +/- versions, and radio edits are available for an extra fee.

- Bulk discount for multiple songs/services.

Click the 'Contact' above button to get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Endorse Mat Keselman53 Reviews - 9 Repeat Clients

by Hayden W.
Verified
Mat is very talented, a great communicator and provided exactly what I wanted. He has an excellent ear! 5 stars for sure. Very impressed with his work and will definitely engage him for future projects.
by Jason Wong
Verified
This is already one of the many projects I had work with Matt. The Mastering is always on point.
by Red R.
Verified
Nice work and great communication!
by Brandon B.
Verified
Nice clean master and went above and beyond to help me dial in the mix before I sent my files over. Two set of ears always better than one! Thanks Mat!
by Alyssa G.
Verified
Mat was amazing! As someone who knows very little about music editing, Mat communicated quickly, kindly and efficiently to help me transition one song into another for a project. He was super fast and gave me an amazing finished product in just one day, eliminating so much stress and time off my shoulders. If I had to recommend anyone it would be him!
by Craig B.
Verified
Mat was smart, responsive and patient throughout the process. He re-mastered an old track of mine and really brought it to life. I chose the stem mastering option and it sounds amazing. I will definitely work with him again.
by Cruiseship F.
Verified
This was our first master we've had done by someone else and Mat was super helpful and patient in helping us learn how it all works. Great experience!
by Jason Wong
Verified
3rd Project with him. Always well delivered and respond
by Toby M.
Verified
Mat was attentive and easy to work with, and his master sounds great. He paid attention to the dynamic range and style I was going for, and delivered a product that was really tailored to my specific project.
by Jason Wong
Verified
Second time working with Mat. Approve on first version of master, always come with what I required! Good Work
by nicholas n.
Verified
Amazing experience working with Mat Keselman. Respectful and helpful in our messages and extremely on time. Complete all the recalls and requests from my side. Recommended!
by Cory D.
Verified
Mat was very professional, responded quickly to messages , and was very accommodating during the process. I'm very happy with the result.
by liam s.
Verified
Mat was incredible to work with and very patient helping me achieve the best outcome. He gave me great mixing notes that I can use for future projects. HIGHLY rate his expertise!!!
by Will W.
Verified
As usual, excellent work from Mat! Always gets us great stereo separation, a huge bottom end, and buttery smooth top! Wonderful!
by Will W.
Verified
Excellent set of ears on this fella. :) Tamed some out of control mix items, and really did a great job with the stereo field to bring out the whole mix. Thanks Mat!
by Rosi Petrov
Verified
This was my first time handing my project out for mixing and mastering, and it was the best decision I’ve made. As the producer, I had a clear vision, and Mat quickly and efficiently delivered precisely that.

I appreciate his patience, especially since this was my first time working remotely and with someone else on the mix. I also had him re-do the drums; once again, he did fantastic work on a relatively complex song.
THANK you, Mat.
by Will W.
Verified
Mat is excellent. Takes the time to listen to what you're asking for and delivers. Very pleased!
by Christos T.
Verified
An excellent experience overall! Thank you
by Tom W.
Verified
I have worked with Mat on multiple projects now and I have to say it has been a home run every time he is at bat. He displays a great deal of dedication to his work and a duty of care with yours. I can't recommend him enough. Looking forward to bringing him on to more projects. 5 stars!
by Tom W.
Verified
This guys f-ing rules, super easy to work with, and very goo dat what he does 100/100

Interview with Mat Keselman

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A music documentary for the BBC.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both together. Each format has its own strengths and weaknesses. Having access to both yields the best, most personalized results.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: As cheesy as it sounds: Bringing music to life. There is something incredibly gratifying about taking individual elements, and carefully putting them together to get something larger than the sum of its parts.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, AT 4047 multipattern condenser microphone, SM57 instrument microphone, Apollo X8P interface, Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been doing this for over 20 years. I've worked on sound for music, feature films, and everything in between. I also teach audio at an Ontario college and make audio plugins for audio engineers.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: The ear and brain are very adaptive. Make sure to rely on your first instincts and feelings. If something didn't sound right at first but on a 3rd listen seems fine, it's probably not fine. The same is true in reverse: If an element sounded good on the first 5 listens but sticks out on the 6th, it's probably where it should be.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: In addition to Engineering and Production, I am also a multi-instrumentalist, singer, writer, lyricist, and arranger. These skills help me see the song from a different, more flexible perspective and deliver unique results.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Each song is approached a little differently, depending on what the music needs. Typically tracks are cleaned of any noise and imperfections, edited / tuned (if needed), then routed both internally and to outboard gear. Once prep is done, I use a Slate Raven multitouch console, supported by a powerful computer to work on the music with my hands. This way I am not constricted to doing the work one mouse click at a time. Finally, I make sure to listen on many speakers and in many listening environments to make sure the final mix/master sounds good everywhere, and not just in the studio.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: For mixes and masters I usually work out of my own facility in Toronto. Universal Audio and Focusrite pre amps and I/O with Dynaudio and Auratone monitors. I work on a Mac running Pro Tools Ultimate with UAD, McDSP, Slate Digital, Waves, and Brainworx plugins to name a few. A large selection of virtual instruments are also available in-house. The studio is also equipped with a Yamaha DTX 950 electric drum kit for drum programming and performing.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Steven Wilson, Imogen Heap, Michael Brauer, John Bailey, Timbaland, The Mars Volta, Daft Punk, Tool.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I most commonly mix, produce, and play / record / program drums.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I've got two: 1) I will give you world-class results. 2) I am not happy until you are happy.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Communicate what you want and need. If you are unsure of what you want and need, just let me know and I will help you figure it out.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I serve the song before I serve my style. So I can't really say "big punchy drums" because that isn't always true. My style is making things feel right.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Present or past? Imogen Heap, Pure Reason Revolution, The Beatles, Porcupine Tree, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Opeth, Tool. I love what these artists do / did and think I can help push things even further in those directions.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, pop, electronic, metal, world, hip hop. Most contemporary genres.