"Regardless of what else is stripped from him, he believes he could still create captivating music using only his computer for the remainder of his life."
Staunch bloke Matt Cutler, a staple of the UK's electronic music scene, starts his groove-filled journey in the years post his 2016 album, "Levitate." Switching labels, he joined London-based collective Greco-Roman and evolved a new style that blends dream-pop vocals with rich electronica, inspired by the likes of My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins.
In previous years, Cutler opened up about his creative process and studio setup, offering glimpses into the ideas and tools behind his latest record, "Always Inside Your Head."
Kickin' it with MusicRadar, Matt Cutler reminisced on his foray into music production:
When did you first get involved with music production?
Cutler: "I've been foolin' around with keyboards and tape recorders since I was nine, but didn't start callin' it music production until I got a computer game called Music for the PlayStation in 1999. By 2001, my family had bought a PC, and I nosedived into a demo of FL Studio, which I still use today."
Discussing his success and being able to live off his music:
When and how would you say you became successful, or at least able to make a living from music?
Cutler: "I call myself successful around 2002 or '03. By then, I was honestly feelin' like my tracks were doin' something. They started to become my favorite music, and I'd happily listen to 'em all day. In terms of financial success, that didn't come until years later when bookings for live and DJ sets started floodin' in."
Throughout his journey, Cutler follows a simple philosophy when it comes to his music:
What is your overall philosophy or approach when it comes to music (playing, recording, production)?
Cutler: "Just make the music you wanna hear. Do what moves you. Everything else is secondary to that. If you're tryna make music for other people or tryin' to follow trends, I don't think it lasts. The key to longevity seems to be to make the music that moves you most, and the rest will follow."
Delving into the gear he uses to create his tunes:
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What's the rest of your gear setup in the studio?
Cutler: "Mostly laptop with a bunch of plugins. There's an old Yamaha DX7, a Roland SH-01A, a Novation Ultra Nova, and a battered Roland SP404, which I rarely use. Two Technics SL-1210MK7 turntables, Pioneer 2000NXS2 CDJs, a Pioneer DJM-850, Rode NT1A mics, M-Audio controller keyboard, Adam A7X monitors, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 interface, and a cheap bass and electric guitar."
Revealin' his favorite plugins:
What are your favorite 5 plugins?
Cutler: " Gotta keep specific plugins to myself, but the FL Studio stock plugins EQ and reverb are my go-tos. I honestly reckon there are fancier plugins, but it's not what you use, it's how you use it."
Let's dive into his track-buildin' process:
How does a track typically start structure-wise, and then progress?
Cutler: "Usually starts with chords, move to melodies, then add percussion and structure. Lately, I've been experimentin' with makein' beats first, then goin' back and buildin' the rest around it."
Knowin' when a track is ready for release:
How do you know when a track is finished or what advice do you have to complete a track?
Cutler: "A track is done when it sounds good and doesn't need any changes. I tend to work on a track until I'm sick of it, then walk away. If I pick it up later, I usually make tweaks. The key is to take a breather and come back to it with fresh ears."
The influences behind his latest album:
Talk us through the influences behind your last record.
Cutler: "'Levitate' was inspired by the dream-pop sounds of My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins. I aimed to capture the emotions their music gives me, not just copy their sound."
Collaborations and sound translation in a live setting:
How did the collaborations go, and how are you planning to translate this project into a live setting?
Cutler: "Collaborations were an essential part of the album, especially the addition of female vocals to create the dreamy, ethereal vibe I was after. The live show on November 28th at Village Underground features Chris Boot on drums, makin' the tunes livelier."
The future production plans for this electronic maestro:
What is on your wishlist studio gear-wise?
Cutler: "A Yamaha CS80 or 70M. If anyone's willing to buy one for me, I'd be more than happy! The holy grail for me."
As for the future, Cutler aims to push his limits and bring forth new sounds:
What would you like to see developed in terms of studio technology and why?
Cutler: "Some sort of Neuralink technology: a brain-computer interface that encourages artists to imagine tunes and have them brought to life without physical equipment. It'd help us create music beyond our current abilities and saves us from the mundane task of deciding which synth to use."
Finally, Cutler offers some insights to aspiring producers:
What advice can you offer others who are starting out in music production?
Cutler: "If you're tryna make electronic music, use FL Studio. It's an accessible way to get started, and you can learn the basics while experiementing with sounds. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they're essential for growth."
In Matt Cutler's interview with MusicRadar, he shared his fascination with technology and entertainment, stating, "I nosedived into a demo of FL Studio, which I still use today," and "I often use plugins like the FL Studio stock plugins EQ and reverb." Furthermore, discussing his latest record, he pointed out the influence of music icons and his love for gadgets, saying, "Levitate was inspired by the dream-pop sounds of My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins," and expressed his future aspirations, "I'd like to see developed in terms of studio technology a Neuralink technology, a brain-computer interface that encourages artists to imagine tunes and have them brought to life without physical equipment."
