We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matt Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matt below.

Hi Matt, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

For me, I learned from the “School of hard knocks”. I didn’t go to school or anything for any of this. I have learned everything on my own. I have been in the music business for 33 years and have just picked things up as I went.

I learned all about being a good drum tech by just being one. When something goes wrong 5 minutes before a show, you have to pivot and figure something out on the spot. I have fixed several issues in situations such as that. From there, I have learned how to set up and break down a drum kit properly in a quick time. You also have to know when certain people do NOT like their equipment touched though.

The same can be said for my photography and videography. I have been doing it for bands such as Altitude Travelers, Kyle Chatham & The Road Shots and others for many years. In that time, I have experimented with many different cameras, angles, and have found what is best over the years. For example, you cannot stand too close to the speakers when recoding video or the sound quality is bad when we get to editing.

Matt, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Matt Smith. I have been around music my entire life. I grew up loving music and always enjoyed being around it.

When I was 18 or 19 years old, I started being a roadie for the Colorado band Fragile X. I helped them with all of their equipment and recording in the studio. I began to learn the craft of just being a good roadie and how the recording process worked. It was around that time that I met my wife Sally, and eventually had my son Shane “Smittyyy” Smith. When he was 2 years old, we bought him a drum set and he has kept it going since then.

Now a days, I help my son and his music career as best I can. I call myself the “jack of all trades”. I help manage the band “Kyle Chatham & The Road Shots” by booking shows, being a roadie / drum tech for my son and just helping with creative direction. I also do videography and photography for the band and many other groups across Colorado.

I also own the little recording studio Smittyyy’s Studio & Brewery. We used to brew beer as more of a hobby, but we have not done that in about a year. We mostly focus on recording music for ourselves and other people. We have produced several albums for bands such as Kyle Chatham & The Road Shots, Smittyyy, One Man Church, Kyle Chatham (Solo), and a few others.

I am most proud of my son and family. Shane has really taken his career as a musician to the next level, and I am very proud of what he has accomplished. Him and my wife are what keep me going.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding thing about being a creative is seeing my son and his bandmates be successful.

They started out playing small shows in bars around our local area such as 20 Mile Tap House, The Celtic House Pub, The Venue, and more.

Now, they are opening up for national artists and playing festivals across Colorado. They have worked with Demun Jones, Struggle Jennings, Moonshine Bandits, and most recently Creed Fisher. For me, watching the guys be successful is the best part because it is great for them, and I get to be a part of it.

At a recent show, after the band was done, we had a few free shirts to throw out to the fans. I went out on stage and the crowd went absolutely wild! It was a great feeling to see the band do so well, and for me to be able to connect with the audience in that way.

That feeling is easily the best part of being an artist.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As ACDC once said “It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock & roll”. I think for any creative making it to the top is the end all goal and mission.

We get up every day and are always working on something music related. Whether it be trying to book new shows, working towards upcoming shows, recording, mixing, mastering, working on video, etc. We are working towards the goal every single day.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmittyyysStudioNBrewery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylechathamtheroadshotstv6451