Sound Academy Alumni Spotlight: Matthew James aka Mattics

Matthew James, known as Mattics, has always been passionate about audio engineering and music production. However, when the studio he was producing at shut down unexpectedly, he found himself searching for the next step in his journey. That’s when a friend introduced him to Sound Academy, setting him on a path toward professional growth. “Before Sound Academy, I was producing at a studio that shut down because of some issues. I heard about Sound Academy from a friend and I was on board. We wanted to actually learn about the business we’re in, and not just plug in an aux cord and call ourselves producers.” Mattics quickly realized that Sound Academy aligned with his goals and provided the structured learning environment he had been seeking. Immersing himself in the program, he formed strong bonds with his peers, fostering a creative and collaborative atmosphere.

Building a Musical Community

Mattics describes the course environment as comfortable and welcoming, allowing him to connect instantly with his classmates. “We really hit it off. We had this idea for a Sound Academy Mixtape with five songs we demoed with Lucho. Then me and David pretty much just created a song using his beat.” This sense of community became a driving force behind his artistic growth, proving that networking and collaboration are just as important as technical skills.

Learning from Industry Experts

One of the standout aspects of the program for Mattics was the mentorship from experienced instructors. He had high praise for his instructor, Lucho, whose teaching style made complex concepts easier to grasp. “I love Lucho heavily, he makes things really easy to understand. He answered any question I had and didn’t make me feel weird asking questions. We learned everything we had to learn just because of Lucho’s presence.” Receiving industry knowledge from a working professional gave Mattics the confidence and expertise to enhance his production skills and take his craft to the next level.

Overcoming Challenges & Mastering New Skills

While the course provided invaluable lessons, it also presented challenges—particularly in mastering studio hardware. For Matthew, the Patch Bay was the biggest hurdle. “The Patch Bay was the biggest challenge, understanding how it works. Analog equipment as well because I never used it before.” Unlike digital setups where most production is done on a laptop, Sound Academy provided hands-on experience with professional studio hardware and analog equipment, giving him an edge in the industry.

Advice for Future Students?

“First of all, Yes. I don’t want to sound cheesy but you’re going to learn a lot. Be ready to take off Saturdays, but seriously be prepared to learn a lot that you thought you knew. The experience is worth more than the price.” 

What’s Next for Mattics?

Mattics is now channeling his expertise into a new venture—opening his own recording studio alongside his colleagues. “I am opening a studio now, and I will be a part of the rotation of engineers there. It’s called Set the Tone, located in Williamsburg. We are getting the keys to the studio at the end of this month.” With his new role as an audio engineer, Mattics is set to make a significant impact in the industry, providing artists with a space to create and innovate. Sound Academy has helped him transform his passion into a career, proving that investing in professional education can be a game-changer. His journey is an inspiration to aspiring audio engineers and producers looking to make their mark in the music world. Want to take your audio engineering career to the next level like Matthew? Join Sound Academy today and elevate your sound!

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