Matt Richards on SoundBetter

I'm a 2X Grammy nominated engineer dedicated to unleashing every ounce of potential in the songs I mix. My clients never receive anything less than my very best. I've worked with artists ranging from songwriters who are just getting started, to bands and artists who have reached the Billboard Charts.

I have extensive experience mixing songs in a wide variety of styles ranging from funk and acoustic singer-songwriter to pop and metal.

Over the past 10 years the artists and bands I've worked with have had successes ranging from local/regional radio airplay to Grammy award consideration.

My creative and collaborative mixing process is designed to give you the exact sonic results you're looking for.

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

Credits

2 Grammy nominations

2 Reviews

Endorse Matt Richards

by Tye Murphy
I have recorded several singles with Matt and the entire process was awesome! He knows how to make a song sound radio ready! I've noticed his mixes have tons of the big space, air and punch that I am looking for. He understands how to track, mix and master so many different genres from Rock and Pop to Country and Folk. He's got great gear and is super easy to work with. If you want your next song to sound pro then I highly recommend Matt and Avenue Records. Their prices are very fair and so worth the money because he makes every song and recording better.
by Ben Schenberg
I have recorded 2 albums and am currently recording a third with Matt. Matt takes his mixing and mastering seriously and does fantastic work. Really the only person I’d ever want to work with in the KC area! Always takes my notes into consideration and is incredibly responsive. Fast turnaround and rarely needs more than one or two revisions (and that’s because artists are a picky bunch!) I’d highly recommend Matt to anyone who’s trying to step up their music game!

Interview with Matt Richards

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Placing every aspect of a song under a microscope and ensuring that each element is the best it can possibly be is my favorite part of the job.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently completed a single for a band that was highly praised by a number of other producers, one of which had previously worked with Saliva, among numerous other bands. I produced, engineered, and mixed that single.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been a multi instrumentalist for 25 years and a producer/engineer for10 years.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is attention to detail.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working with an array of regional bands as well as representatives from an artist development company associated with Columbia and Capital records.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise that you will never receive less than my absolute best on every project.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, UAD Apollo Twin, MIDI keyboard, Acoustic Guitar, U87 Microphone
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style of mixing is very adaptive in nature. I mix songs according to the artists desires as well as what the song is telling me.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My process begins with communication and involves a high level of collaboration throughout.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My setup is the perfect blend of hi-end digital and analog equipment.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My greatest influences include Greg Wells, Andrew Schepps, Michael Brauer, Jack Joseph Puig, and Chris lord-Alge.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common type of work that I do is taking a well recorded song and breathing life into it through a rigorous and thorough mixing process.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I hope to work with any artist who is ready to take their music career seriously.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception about mixing records would be that most musicians believe they are mixing engineers by default. Just like learning an instrument, mixing is a learned skill that takes time to master.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Do you use analog or digital tools to mix? I use both. Both have their benefits, so why only use one or the other?
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yoad Nevo is an amazing engineer who will definitely take your music to the next level.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: How career-minded are you about your music?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Research the individual and not the studio. The person sitting at the desk will be what makes your mix sound good or bad. NOT the gear.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Adaptation and creativity are crucial elements to ensure every song I mix has an individual sonic thumbprint.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I mix primarily Rock music of varying genres as well as Indie Pop and Acoustic/Singer-Songwriter.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Gain-staging your session will make or break your entire mix. DO NOT SKIP.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog warmth AND digital clarity. Both add up to equal a punchy, clear, and competitive mix.