We recently connected with Matt Hibbard and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Well, Thanksgiving Day of 2023, I was in Nashville, Tennessee. Having had no family or friends to spend the holidays with, I popped into Virgin Hotels off of Music Row with my guitar and amp. I’d previously performed there at a writer’s round. Anyway, it was a very welcoming and laid-back vibe. I asked management if they had an artist scheduled to perform music for the evening, to which they did not.

I performed my new album “the szn” in its entirety. I’m not a DJ. In fact I’ve never DJ’d in my life. I wrote the entire album just myself, recorded and mixed in my 16 track recording studio via Pro Tools. As far as the arrangements, I composed everything, overdubbing all instruments organically including playing acoustic drums, bass guitar, piano, keys, electric and acoustic guitars and finally all the vocals. Since it was just myself performing the record live, I had taken all the studio tracks from the album and assembled a special “live mix” in one continuous track. The standard release of “the szn” is approximately 43 minutes in length. So essentially I muted all the vocals and guitars since those would be what I was performing live and played with the instruments I had already cut in the studio. I’ve done this same approach at many other gigs, so it was no problem for a last minute pop-up gig on Thanksgiving day, having my own PA.

I figured I didn’t have anything better to do. I certainly was not Travis Kelce chowing down on KFC though some would want you to believe so, bizarrely.

Everyone was dressed up, came out with family and friends in tow, and Virgin was kind enough to provide a meal after wrapping both sets. I was certainly thankful because I hadn’t eaten all day.
“the szn” received rave reviews and tips were generous.

Later that night, I continued with another set of music, performing requests acoustically, more originals and other favorites for a few hours.

Since it was a total impromptu, pop up gig, families and a good number of other folks came out to support having had shaken off their turkey-induced comas.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello. My name is Matt Hibbard. I’m originally from Denton, Texas, about half an hour north of Dallas. I have an indie-rock band, RELICK. I own and operate a full-service recording studio that leans heavily into the vintage analog aesthetic and production approaches. I’m currently in Nashville, Tennessee, looking to shortly relocate my studio to music city.

In Dallas, I had extensive experience operating my studio in addition to working for an upstart local label for about five years providing production, engineering and studio management services. I guess you could say that was my first industry studio job, 2015.

For my recording studio business, clients come and go and sometimes you’ve got to uproot and relocate. Every studio owner would know that’s no simple task considering logistics and what exactly that involves.

It isn’t the gear, for the individuals, relationships forged, production instincts and ears behind the production are crucial to the success of your next record. I am passionate about creating unique sounds and have the technical know-how to bring your music to life. My creative vision and technical expertise will take your project to the next level.

If you are looking for a producer to help you develop your project, I am confident that I can provide the service you require. I have worked with many different artists and have the ability to bring out the best in their music. I understand the importance of staying on budget and can work with you to ensure your project is completed to the highest possible standard. I am passionate about producing music and can help you achieve your desired results.

Of course besides production, songwriting is my bread and butter. They both go hand-in-hand, like an attractive couple attending church on Sunday morning.

Cheeky metaphors aside, consulting with clients, developing relationships and obtaining an intimate perspective of scope to develop their next single, EP or album is such a crucial step in the pre-production process.

This can include scheduling writes, venting about life, “friend-therapy” sessions (we’ve all been there) and generally working through emotions together (all of which can easily turn into a write) and so much more. It just depends.

I’m super proud of new my album “the szn”. As mentioned earlier, it was a complete solo effort in every sense of the definition. Everything I do is recorded organically, meaning it is captured acoustically.

If you have a song or project you’d like to take into the studio, I’d be more than happy to book us time at a studio here in Nashville.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

The human element. As a songwriter it’s important to keep your source fresh; not to abuse or overuse it. It’s a delicate thing and there are times you may need to step back in order to hit the floor running again.

Being conscious of this and having the maturity as a writer to “read the tea leaves” is such an important and seldom discussed topic.

In this career, especially as an artist, you’re on the clock 24/7. There is no “clocking out” and leaving your struggles at work to enjoy time at home with the family.

It’s always on – you’re always on. For better or for worse and you’re oftentimes completely isolated. Your friends and family may not understand, and that’s okay. Don’t look back, onwards!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy your favorite artist’s albums. Buy vinyl. Attend their shows. Buy their merch. Buy their stuff so they can afford to press vinyl to begin with. It’s expensive.

Most artists only turn a profit if you buy their merch.

Touring is incredibly difficult from a fiscal perspective, especially if there are not significant financial sponsors.

Local venues everywhere need the love and support of their communities as they are an essential lifeline to every local community, both for artists and fans.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://matthibbard.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthibs?igsh=OWF2YnBmOXg2NzBv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthibbard?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Twitter: https://x.com/matthibbard?s=09
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@matthibbard?si=iYsZ2ZTnL7fTpRWC

Image Credits
Image 1. WyldCosmia Image 2. – 9. Matt Hibbard