Matt Hodge on SoundBetter

My studio is permanently set up with top-quality mics and a vast array of instruments ranging from the usual congas, bongos, cajon, tambourines, cowbells etc. to more exotic instruments like calabash, trines, tabla, talking drum, waterphone, & tuned percussion. No session is too big or too small and I am able to work to the strictest deadlines.

Previous clients include BBC, ITV, Channel 4 (U.K.), Jenga Films, Netflix and for artists signed to Universal Music, Warp Music, Defected Records & Virgin Music.
I am a very experienced musician within a wide variety of style, having worked with Tito Jackson, The Jacksons, George Harrison, Brian May, Nightmares On Wax, Bluey (Incognito), JD73, MF Robots, Ray Davies, David Hasselhoff, So Solid Crew, Joe Bataan, Sam Bailey, Dave Lee (Joey Negro) & Denice Pearson.
I've recorded percussion for international dance producers, pop acts, musical theatre cast recordings, acoustic albums, live percussion on backing tracks plus film soundtracks, T.V. theme tunes, Riyadh Fashion Week 2023 & 2024.

On all the projects I do, I always offer at least 2 revisions on every track, so if the client changes their mind about something, the fee doesn't suddenly go through the roof.

I will always work with the individual to ensure an easy, enjoyable and productive session. I try to make sure both myself and the client have as much information as possible about the project and its development at all times, and I will endeavour to answer all messages as quickly as possible

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

Credits

15 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse Matt Hodge

by Rudy K.
Verified
Always a great experience working with Matt. I’ve hired him on several projects now and he always delivers solid recordings and comes up with ideas that bring my songs to another level.
by Lucas
Verified
Matt was increadible to work with, his communication and organisation is nearly as impressive as his range of drums and performance! Highly reccomend and will be back for more!
by Mark C.
Verified
excellent job by Matt! he was super responsive with communications and gave me plenty of options according to what I needed. well recorded and great playing - definitely recommended for percussion needs :)
by Rudy K.
Verified
Always a great experience working with Matt! He's a highly skilled percussionist and will work with you to get exactly what you're looking for.
by Phil P.
Verified
Excellent as always. This project was a little different needing just some small touches. But Matt executed it perfectly with very little direction. His natural instincts are great. Will use again and again!
by Phil P.
Verified
Matt always does a great job. A master in adding the right touch at the right time without overwhelming the song. Rhythms are tight and flavorful. We'll do more together.
by Brad M.
Verified
This is my first time working with Matt and it was an absolute pleasure. Matt went above and beyond with the percussion on my project and I couldn't be happier. He has excellent communication and understands exactly what is required and delivers. I highly recommend him.
by Ralph Ogunbiyi
Verified
Great working with Matt, easy communication and delivered exactly what I wanted. Look forward to working with Matt again and would recommend him for your percussion needs.
by Phil P.
Verified
Masterful work. Matt adds just the right touches without going overboard. This is my second project with him and I'm excited about the results. We'll work together again.
by Rudy K.
Verified
Another great experience working with Matt. His playing is spot-on, and always has a quick turnaround time. Thanks again!
by Phil P.
Verified
Excellent working with Matt for the first time. Understood what I needed easily and had a quick turnaround. I'll work with him again.
by Rudy K.
Verified
Matt is always a pleasure to work with. Highly skilled percussionist, and works fast. Highly recommend his services!
by Rudy K.
Verified
If you need remote percussion work done, Matt's your guy! Very responsive with messages and always works with you to capture the best take.
by Rudy K.
Verified
Matt is a professional and highly skilled percussionist. He accepted the job and had the final recordings over to me within 48 hours. Great experience!
by Mark C.
great job Matt!
i needed some percussion laced for a remix production and the parts were perfect - fitting in perfectly with the vibe and just what i needed. 100% recommended

Interview with Matt Hodge

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I have just finished recording percussion on the new Nightmares On Wax album due for release early summer
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I am asked to do a wide variety of sessions. From adding percussion to near-completed tracks, given a guide computer rhythm track and asked to add live percussion to it, or sent a full score written out and play what is written.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: The album NEON by JD73. The music is what I really love - 70's funk/soul grooves. I also got to don my hat to Lenny Castro on the track Just Dance where the bongo part I play is a homage to his bongos on Sheena Eastons song Strut.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I have been booked several times by Rudy K. A great producer who is so easy to work with
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I like both!!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To always give 100% and do the best I can.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The variety!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Could you play (instrument) on this track? What will it sound like? My answer would be Yes, I can play this instrument on the track and I'll do it so you can listen to it and see if you like it because it is your track.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: "That looks easy, all you do is hit and shake thing!!"
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Is there any specific sounds you're after? What, if anything, will be added to the track after I've recorded my parts? Is this the finished drum track I'm playing to?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Give as much information about what you want as possible. Also, if there's something you're not happy about, TELL. Your track will be around forever so you have to love it.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: L.P. Travel Conga. Shaker. Tambourine. Darbuka. Frame Drum.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I went to music school when I was 14 and I haven't stopped playing since
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Musical
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Justin Timberlake. The use of percussion is really intricate, it sounds like nothing is there but when you really listen..... Wow!!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't have an ego!!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Contemporary music. I tend not to do Cuban or African folkloric music as there are much better guys out there (and I will tell clients this, I don't want to do a bad job!)
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I would like to think my musicality.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Hopefully the icing to the cake!!!!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Once I get asked to do a session, I listen to the song several times and also try to listen to previous work the artist has done so I can get a good feel to what they want. Then I will do a "rough" recording which is sent to the client. We then discuss any changes they might want, I re-record everything so everyone is happy and send the finished stems to the client. I aim to get everything done within 7 days depending on size of session.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use Logic DAW and MOTU interfaces with a selection of SE, Shure, AKG & Rode microphones. My instrument collection goes from the usual congas, bongos, timbales, shakers & tambourines etc. to djembes, frame drums, timpani, xylophone, glockenspiel and udu drums.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My percussion "heroes" are Lenny Castro, Karl Vanden Bossche,Terry Santiel, Sola Akingbola, Luis Conte...... this list goes on!!! I love percussionists who add something special to contemporary music without overpowering the song. It's all about the song!!

JD73 Just Dance

I was the percussionist in this production

PercussionContact for pricing
Live drum trackContact for pricing
Programmed drumContact for pricing

My number 1 goal is to make the client happy. We will work together to get the perfect take and I will get the finished tracks back within 7 days max. No surprise additional costs!!