 Mat started programming and writing music from an early age, quickly getting his hands on as many instruments as he could. As an accomplished guitarist, drummer and DJ and from working and playing with acts such as Sandi Thom, Kirk Lightsey, I Am Finn, Chris James (Stateless), Gary Moore, Fear Factory, Faith Brown, Theo Travis, The More I See and Chris McCormack (3 colours red, Gary Numann) he is well versed in all areas of music whether in the studio or in the live arena. Having had a few small releases abroad and countless projects ongoing in the UK, Mat is spending his time now on his own material with co-writer Rebecca Dutton in view of releasing an album next year. FXpansion join Mat to discuss his views on music software.
FX - How did you first get involved in the music industry and what led you to where you are today?
 MC - I first started programming beats and what not when I was about 18. I had a black and white version of Cubase which didn’t support any audio, it was just general midi. I used to listen to film soundtracks and computer games and just copy them note for note using just a mouse to program everything. Then after a year or so I started working in a studio as a tape op and gradually was allowed to dabble about on all the gear. I was using a bunch of sounds I'd had for ages: an Akai S6000 and Cubase VST! I thought I was in heaven the fact that I could use actual audio to program with! After a while I got my own stuff and started working at home. I remember thinking, if only you could have a program that sounds like a real drummer, little did I know! I currently work mainly from home on my own stuff and in the studio on bigger projects.
FX - What are you currently working on?
MC - I'm currently working on mixing and mastering an E.P with Pin from Sikth. It’s a band called Elements of Refusal. Also just finished an E.P for a band called Sweet Morning Oblivion.
 An album I co-wrote, recorded, mixed and mastered is due for release through Rotbox records in the next couple of months, the band is called Sterile Prophet. I'm producing and recording an E.P. with members of a band called The Cherry Bombers, that'll be out in the coming months. My main project and band I play in is called Speak to Louis, we are writing and recording new material as from September. Also, where it all started when BFD hit the shelves is my own outlet of weirdness The Silver Fox Coalition.
FX - What FXpansion products do you own?
MC - BFD Deluxe and soon to have 8 Bit Kit!
FX - How have you used BFD's features to create the sound on the Speak to Louis album, do you have any tips you can share?
MC - I find the output options ridiculously invaluable. The control you get through having that is pretty special! No real secrets or tips though, when you start off with amazing sounding drums you can't go wrong!
FX - Do you have a favourite BFD kit that you have customised?
MC - I have too many customized kits. It normally involves a massive kick, a ringing snare and a few bottles of Jagermeister.
FX - Has BFD had an impact on the way you make music and if so in what way? How does it compare to other drum programs that you have used?
MC - BFD WAS the impact on the way I worked. There's nothing that touches it. I could go on for days why I think it's so great but anyone who uses it will see why. I have used a few other drum programs at peoples request. Although some are really good they still don't have the flexibility and easy use that BFD has.
FX - If you could create a plug-in that would change your life in the studio what would it be?
MC - BFD 9.
What have you got lined up for the rest of the year?
MC - The rest of the year is going to be a bit mad. I have a few projects to finish off and then work starts on the Speak to Louis album. I have a few bits of live work to squeeze in. Then of course there's BFD 2 to deal with!!
|
