
From recording the seminal cult-creating album Grace with Jeff Buckley to years of touring with the beloved St. Vincent, I've worked with a wide spectrum of artists over the past two decades including Rufus Wainwright, Angus and Julia Stone, and recently Miike Snow.
I'm originally from Texas but living in New York City opened up the most opportunities for developing a drumming career. I've recorded and played with Rhodes, Jade Bird, Teddy Thompson, Jeff Taylor, John Mayer, Dan Mangan, Dean Wareham of Galaxy 500, Tal Wilkenfeld, Will Stratton, Elysian Fields, Cones, Dope Lemon, Martha Wainwright, The Walking Who, Gabriel Kahane, Chris Stills, Anna Calvi, Duncan Sheik, Vivian Bond, Harper Simon, Keren Ann, Gerry Leonard, Reeves Gabrels, Tom Freund, Beth Orton, Suzanne Vega, Rickie Lee Jones and Miirrors.
I have also have worked with great producers such as Marius Devries, Rick Rubin, Simone Felice, Andy Wallace, Eric J, Andrew Wyatt, John Agnello, John Alagia, Thomas Bartlett, Tony Buchen, Tony Visconti, Tony Berg, Ben Harper, Hod David, and Kieran Kelly.
Moving successively from NYC to Los Angeles, and then to Austin has allowed for an expanded studio setup that is ideal for remote recording. Signature drum parts, rhythmic hooks, hypnotic patterns, contrasting textures, and heavy grooves have always been my passion.
I'm looking forward to creative interfacing with great musical minds, either in person or across the world!
Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.
Credits
AllMusic verified credits for Matt Johnson- Hey, King!
- Angus & Julia Stone
- Angus & Julia Stone
- Will Stratton
- Jade Bird
- Jade Bird
- Jeff Buckley
- 54-40
- Dan Mangan
- Dan Mangan
- Jane Lynch
- Jane Lynch
- Buenos Diaz
- Buenos Diaz
- Angus & Julia Stone
- Angus & Julia Stone
- Hamish Anderson
- Hamish Anderson
- Angus Stone
- Angus Stone
- Angus Stone
- Pat Boone
- Lia Ices
- The Damnwells
- The Damnwells
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Tony Guerrero
- Debi Nova
- Will James
- Mary Flower
- Mary Flower
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Rufus Wainwright
- Rufus Wainwright
- Rufus Wainwright
- Soname
- The Blues Gangsters
- The Blues Gangsters
- Teddy Thompson
- Leon Jean-Marie
- Apache
- Apache
- Apache
- Amazon Dart
- Martha Wainwright
- The Out_Circuit
- The Out_Circuit
- The Heavy Circles
- The Mighty Orq
- Dean & Britta
- Duncan Sheik
- Duncan Sheik
- Jon Regen
- People Noise
- David August
- David August
- Anne Loo
- Anne Loo
- Rufus Wainwright
- Rufus Wainwright
- Rufus Wainwright
- Rufus Wainwright
- Rocky Roberts
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeremy Enigk
- Jeremy Enigk
- Dana Parish
- Dana Parish
- Dana Parish
- Mandy Moore
- Mandy Moore
- Mandy Moore
- Duncan Sheik
- Duncan Sheik
- Chris Stills
- Chris Stills
- Jeremy Enigk
- Shane Gamble
- Shyne Factory
- Shyne Factory
- Shyne Factory
- Tristan Prettyman
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Kate & Anna McGarrigle
- Tristan Prettyman
- Tristan Prettyman
- Tristan Prettyman
- Suffering and the Hideous Thieves
- The Profits
- The Profits
- Rufus Wainwright
- Josh Kelley
- Dean & Britta
- Dean & Britta
- Beth Orton
- Lori Andrews
- Speedloader
- Die Symphony
- Rufus Wainwright
- Beth Orton
- Tess Wiley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Duncan Sheik
- Duncan Sheik
- Suzanne Vega
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Tim Finn
- Susan McKeown
- Robin Spielberg
- Cathie Ryan
- Duncan Sheik
- Tom Freund
- Morley
- Seedy Arkhestra
- Shyne Factory
- Shyne Factory
- Shyne Factory
- Shyne Factory
- Shyne Factory
- Tom Kubis Big Band
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Jeff Buckley
- Tom Kubis
- Tom Kubis Big Band
- Trudy Lynn
- Matt and Kim
- Max Johnston
- Negative Press Project
- 54-40
- Diana Demuth
- Sarah de Bono
- Dope Lemon
- Old Blood
Endorse Matt Johnson313 Reviews - 69 Repeat Clients
check_circleVerifiedMatt always plays well on the songs I send him. He and I are working on a full album, and he is always certain to let me know his availability and his style and tone is great. He is nearly perfect, if not, perfect every time. For my music, which is rock oriented, he has a great feel for the songs. Be brings out the best in it, and I look forward to another song soon.
check_circleVerifiedHe's a great drummer, and he always got things done quickly. Thank you for your drumming, Matt!
check_circleVerifiedMatt brought a rare combination of honesty, energy, tasteful restraint, and a clear emotional contour that elevated the entire song! We've worked with him before and are always thrilled with his performance.
check_circleVerifiedMatt's got the chops, knows how to serve the song, and provides great sounding tracks! In other words, everything you need! And in a timely, professional manner!
check_circleVerifiedThis is the second time I've had Matt play drums on a tune. His playing is great as is the sound of his recorded drums. Definitely recommend what he does!
check_circleVerifiedWhen I first heard Grace over 30 years ago, I was immediately struck by the exceptional drumming. Matt's approach to the instrument is a balance of thoughtfulness, preparedness, instinct, innovation, spontaneity, technical skill, controlled aggression and finesse.
He completed my project expediently and professionally, taking care to customise his playing, microphones and recording techniques to best serve the song.
I also appreciate his efforts to communicate clearly in his written responses.
check_circleVerifiedAbsolutely fantastic drumming — truly professional.
He took my track to the next level.
I’d be thrilled to work with him again in the future.
check_circleVerifiedMatt brings years of experience and knowledge to the project along with solid grooves that sit perfectly in the pocket. His drums sounds are amazing and he really took the time to choose what best suited the track. Looking forward to many more colabs in the future!
check_circleVerifiedMatt plays and composes nuanced and intricate drum tracks. On this last track we did together, he composed some tom beats to go on introduction, tastefully transitioning to verse. It sounds really good.
check_circleVerifiedMatt’s musicianship, encouragement and professionalism helped my track come alive. I couldn’t recommend him more.
check_circleVerifiedsuper helpful and quick!
check_circleVerifiedMatt is an absolute pleasure to work with. He added so much character to my song and he spent a lot of time learning the song so that he could give me different takes and sounds to play around with. The recordings are perfect and he is a super friendly guy. Looking forward to working with you again Matt
check_circleVerifiedGreat work again by Matt! Impeccable sense of timing, tone and space and always knows what’s right for the song. Looking forward to working again with him soon!
check_circleVerifiedCrushed it! Matt dialed right into the vibe and sent me some killer tracks.
check_circleVerifiedMatt is consistently able to fulfil my vision for tracks and is great to work with.
check_circleVerifiedGreat to work with as always..
check_circleVerifiedMatt is a legend and his contribution to my track was full of heart and artistry
It’s been a joy working with him
check_circleVerifiedMatt delivers a presence and expertise that only comes with someone who has mastered their craft. You hear it in there sound. Highly recommended
check_circleVerifiedMatt is incredible. Such a feel player, and he brought real life to my track. Totally professional, great communication, and went above and beyond. Couldn’t recommend him enough.
check_circleVerifiedAn excellent drummer who truly cares about your project. Added so much warmth to my song, can’t recommend enough!
Interview with Matt Johnson
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Jade Bird touring before Covid. Lots of recording on lockdown
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: all. why not?
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: professionalism
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: music
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: It's easy
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have reference music that could point to relevant sounds and approach?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Have your tracks ready. know what you want.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Kick snare hat floor cymbal
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Drumming, recording, touring, songwriting, production. 40 years
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Dynamic and hypnotic
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Listen and commit
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Beautiful
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Intuition
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Inspired insight
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Concise and colorful charting of compositions on iPad using visual art app. I move over to practicing and doing preliminary recordings wherein I mock up what I intend to do, listening back for perspective. Sleep. Then I go in for the master takes, usually shedding charts and the prep mentality, using intuition and inspiration to summon the forces.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Rupert Neve Designs, Great River, API mic pres. Some tape emulators for crunch. Soyuz tube condensers, AEA big ribbon, sE, various dynamic mics like SM7, RE20, 201
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Debussy Metallica Tame Impala L Subramaniam PJ Harvey
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Commonly I work with artists and producers, providing drum tracks according to a wide spectrum of sounds and musical approaches. From atmospheric coloration and textures to driving grooves of all sorts, generally I come up with rhythmic signatures or hooks that contribute to the impact of a composition.

I was the Drummer in this production
- Jade Bird - Side Effects
- Cones - Later
- Jeff Buckley - Grace
- Dope Lemon - Uptown Folks
- Live drum trackAverage price - $250 per song
The session fee includes one revision.
- Rupert Neve Designs
- API
- Great River
- Soyuz Tube Condensers
- Universal Audio Apollo
- Shure
- Electro Voice
- Istanbul



