As a producer, DJ, writer, instrumentalist and studio owner, Matty has his fingers in a few different pies. Listen to his latest single, ‘Flashback’, now, and stay tuned for his album – coming soon…
When did you first start making music? And how long have you been in the industry for?
I first started playing music as a young boy, about nine years old. I first starting writing and recording music when I was 17, and I’ve been working professionally in the music industry for about eight years now.
What did you expect the Gold Coast music industry to be like before you became part of it? Has it met your expectations?
I guess I expected it to be fairly catered towards tourists. I’m from Canberra so I expected it to be a more bolstered scene than what I knew, but it was basically the same.
What is your ultimate goal as a musician?
Touring has always been a big goal of mine and I’ve been very fortunate to have done it a lot around Australia. Touring internationally is still on the bucket list, but I’m sure I’ll tick that off soon enough. It’s also always been a goal of mine to own a studio – a goal I’ve now achieved.
What has been your biggest learning to date?
I think the necessity of having a diverse skill set if you want to have a stable career in music was a big lesson for me.
What has been the biggest peak of your career so far? And how about the ‘pit’?
I think moving into my current studio was a huge moment for me, as well as touring a lot of my favourite venues in 2024. The low point would be navigating the music industry during the COVID-19 years.
Do you think the Gold Coast is a good place for young or up and coming musicians?
I think the Gold Coast is fairly good for up-and-coming musicians – we have a nice place to live, and the opportunity and space to learn. In terms of performance and industry opportunities, I don’t think it’s a very good scene.
What would you change or improve about our local music scene?
We need more venues. That’s my only real gripe. There are not enough places and spaces for people to share their art with people, and in turn there isn’t enough art being pushed publicly to curate a culture of ‘going out’ and experiencing art (like Melbourne).
What kinds of opportunities are here for local musicians? Are there enough?
Again, there isn’t much. There is decent education available through schools like Southern Cross and TAFE, but besides that we lack performance opportunities and the public desire to support original music. It’s hard to start a ‘sound’ or a ‘scene’ without the public yearning for it and businesses facilitating it.
In your experience, what do you think it takes to ‘make it’?
That’s a really nuanced question. It takes dedication, practice, business knowledge, the ability to network, a great personality, a lot of luck and a great community that supports you. It’s not an easy feat, but it can be done, and I’m surrounded by a lot of people who have done it. That being said, everyone’s version of ‘making it’ is different.
Any final thoughts?
I love this shit. I really do wish the Gold Coast the best of luck with its artistic endeavours. We have no lack of amazingly talented and devoted artists here; I just really hope the world gets to hear about them.
