Production
Hands-on Production
Beyond the technical demands of recording and engineering, I often find myself producing or co-producing an artist’s or band’s music. Working together to make an individual song, section, part, or phrase resonate means participation and investment from me and you. This also means not settling for the easy, default approach, but collaborating with each other to achieve the best possible ideas. Whether it’s a hip-hop project, black metal band, or an indie rock trio, I’m intently listening to the tracks, the takes, and the arrangements to determine what can enhance and enliven the music. I never kick back and disengage from what’s unfolding with your music. I work with you throughout the entire process – start to finish – prepared to offer as much feedback, input, and guidance as you need to elevate your work.
Real Case Examples
Although I work hard to make every release I record unique and memorable, a few projects stand out (and offer useful examples of what quality collaboration can look like). Not long ago, I worked with the band Frame and Mantle on their album Lost Under Nighttime Sky. In over fourteen days of studio sessions, we put together an incredible, 35-minute album consisting of dynamic production, layered guitars with multiple tones, and trombone & trumpet arrangements that stylistically distinguish the release. Throughout the recording process, the band was receptive to a hands-on production approach, allowing regular conversation, experimentation, and healthy debate that pushed us towards producing a powerful, affecting album that we can all be proud of.
Another local band, JakeTheHawk, reached out to me after hearing Frame and Mantle’s album. JTH liked the unique production we achieved on that release, so they decided to work with me on their full length, Hinterlands. We started – at the pre-production stage – talking through (and listening to) guitar/bass tone references, albums that inspired their writing, and their overriding goals with the album.
Although JakeTheHawk’s style differed greatly from Frame and Mantle’s, the collaborative mindset that had worked in that context transferred to JTH’s project. Throughout the recording process, we bounced ideas back and forth, managing to achieve that perfect balance between indulging improvisational/experimental ideas and meticulously parsing through takes. Simply put, we had fun with the creative process, but dedicated the needed attention to evaluate every song for quality performances and ideas. In the end, we were able to “manifest” and improve upon the pre-production concepts we’d started with, adding new ideas that materialized throughout the recording process. JakeTheHawk ended up shopping the album around to labels and was quickly signed to Ripple Music.
Frame and Mantle and JakeTheHawk are just two recent examples of albums I’ve been lucky enough to play a significant role in producing and recording. In both cases, the bands (and I) had a meaningful, rewarding experience that was also extremely fun and friendship-forming. Equally important, because of the attention to detail and crisp production offered at my studio, these projects – and others I’ve been involved with other the years – have helped many bands expand their careers as musicians, sign to reputable labels that support their work, and return to my studio to build on the experiences and successes we’ve already achieved.
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Half NormalJuly 6, 2022.I was totally blown away with the attention that Matt gave our project. We hired him to mix a record we tracked ourselves, and he took it to a place beyond what I expected the material we gave him to be capable of achieving. Nicest dude ever and a true professional. Totally made us feel like the stuff our tiny band made was important, worked within the scope of our prejudice, and delivered to us an output that made a bunch of tracks sound like songs. Highly recommend.
Zack WatersFebruary 6, 2022.This place is incredible. Matt is a master in audio production. His attention to detail, professionalism, knowledge, and passion for music make him unmatched to other studios in the area. Just a really down to earth and nice guy to work with who will push you to be your best in a constructive way. He takes the time to understand what makes you music great and brings out the best in every genre. The setting itself is relaxed and creative in nature. Very clean, and well built to suite audio production. Nice big live room, vocal booth, and recording booth. All deliberately constructed to be as sonically sound as possible. Matt has an amazing selection of new and vintage amplifiers and cabinets for guitar and bass to really dial in the sound you’re looking for. A large selection of snares and percussive instruments. Endless microphones. A great pedal selection, and even a baby grand for your pianist. Overall our experience here was amazing. Professional quality audio, a very affordable price, and the knowledge and company of an awesome guy! I highly recommend!
John KennFebruary 5, 2022.Matt at Very Tight is absolutely the right choice if you're looking for amazing sound quality that won't drive your band into debt. Super knowledgeable and fun to work with, you won't regret it
Alex BrewerJanuary 23, 2022.My band recently recorded here and we were thoroughly impressed. The gear selection he has at his disposal is amazing and suitable for any genre of music, all at an affordable rate. I highly recommend going through him for any recording you need to do!
LeoDecember 7, 2021.I've been working with Matt for the better part of 2 years now, and have had nothing but positive experiences. Very Tight is hands down the best studio in Pittsburgh. He makes every instrument shine, including mine (drums). I cannot recommend his services highly enough.
Edward BanchsNovember 17, 2021.This was our first time working with Matt. Our band, Negative 13, felt right at home with him as he enabled us to feel comfortable not only recording, but also talking to him. He was gracious with our questions and concerns and very assiduous with our music, even suggesting a few ideas that carried our recording to level that exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to working with him again!
Sarah HalterSeptember 3, 2021.Matt is a very experienced and personable engineer. His mixing and mastering skills are top notch! I highly recommend him if you are seeking any recording, editing, mixing, and mastering services.
Mark DempseyAugust 16, 2021.Matt Very is an engineer who has full mastery of the studio he designed and constructed himself. The gear in his studio is high quality, but the man behind the soundboard is really top notch.
Jason KaminskiJune 16, 2021.Dedicated, knowledgeable, and professional. Matt is the best and I would highly recommend working with him.
LIFEGUARDMay 25, 2021.Having worked with Matt in the past, I knew taking our new project to him for Mixing/Mastering would be a professional and objectively positive experience. Matt has a keen ear to make an artist’s imagination reality for their sound. In conjunction with years of experience, Matt brings professional-grade equipment with a professional-grade attitude; understanding artists’ wants and needs no matter their style/genre. The quality matched with professionalism and cooperation with artists makes Very Tight Recordings an obvious choice for Mix/Master services, as well as recording and other production. 5 stars, we highly recommend you consider Very Tight for your next project! -Elijah/Jake Lifeguard
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