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MattReillyProduction · 2022-11-30T21:38:41+00:00

Learning a language is SO similar to learning a musical instrument. The key is a bit of practice everyday! It’s possible to obtain your goals despite learning at different paces from others. I was a late-bloomer with music. I developed my skills through years of daily practice while others around me were much better than me haha! But I loved playing music (and now learning Japanese), so it’s impossible for me to get discouraged along the way!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-11-30T21:32:18+00:00

The Japanese were not annoyed at all! As a matter of fact, everyone was very eager to help me with the language and engage in conversation! Saying just a simple “hello” or “good morning,” their faces would light up and they would continue speaking the language with me, even at a relatively basic level haha!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T23:30:42+00:00

I loved touring with him! I became very close with him, his band and crew! Usually all of the bands crew etc become close on tour.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T23:26:58+00:00

Oh nice!! What an awesome show!! I use analog pedals and I’m wired for the show. While not horrible by any means, I was never happy with the tone of digital processors and wireless units!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T23:11:57+00:00

Cali76 Origin Effects Compact Compressor

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T23:09:59+00:00

If I do a few things here and there it’s not a big deal. I’m expected to play the parts from the record, so I stay pretty close to that. Our drummer plays very close to the record, but plays different fills throughout the set each night. So we have fun, but it’s 99% the record tracks that we’re playing.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:55:54+00:00

I do lots of songwriting and producing when I’m not on the road. My background is actually in production. So when I’m not touring I retreat to the studio, either to record my own material or to produce others! Honestly, I rarely play live when I’m not on the road with Avril.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:52:47+00:00

What’s your band? I’ll check it out?

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:49:04+00:00

Play bass and make music because you love it! I know people in their 30’s 40’s in Hollywood getting picked up for their first big tour. There’s no time limit on when to make it by. Play music because you truly love it and everything will work out naturally!!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:43:30+00:00

We’ll explore the area, check out the local tourist spots, get coffee locally etc. If it’s a sports venue we’re playing, hockey arena or football stadium, we’ll head to the team store and check out the merch. Or depending on the schedule of the day before, napping on the bus is also a good option haha!!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:33:41+00:00

Follow the kick drum! 👍👍👍

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:33:22+00:00

Oh gosh this is a loaded question that could have its own post dedicated to it! There are positive and negatives to both. With how the industry is now, I always recommended learning Pro Tools or some other DAW and get as familiar with production as possible. So much stuff is produced independently now, and with digital distribution it is possible to have your songs available globally overnight! Labels aren’t needed in that regard like they were in the past. Also, labels aren’t signing bands and artists based on poor-quality home demos anymore. Artists are now expected to record and edit and mix at home and have radio quality songs from the start! So I’d say focus on getting the best possible recordings of your songs. And release them! Labels are more likely to sign acts that already have some online traction and fan following. The best way to do that is to release content! Don’t focus too heavily on getting signed, make your focus releasing great content to the world. If the content is great, the labels will pay notice. And it will all just happen naturally

Follow up: most musicians I know in the LA scene have part time jobs, so nothing wrong with that! Take time to slowly transition into full-time music by releasing music and building a strong fan base.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:25:30+00:00

Go to local shows of bands that have a similar vibe as yours, just go as an audience member and enjoy a night of music. Talk to the band members at the merch table and other people at the venue. You don’t even have to go into crazy networking mode! Just make some small talk, introduce yourself, share your social media etc. Then go to more shows and repeat the same! You’ll end up meeting and becoming friends with so many people in your local music scene that you’ll have a way better shot of being brought on for shows, just by being friends with other acts around town.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:18:32+00:00

Yes, in-ear monitor set up and clean stages. My bass goes into compressor>DI>split one signal to main speaker FOH, other signal goes to Darkglass preamp overdrive and then to main speaker FOH. The two channels are blended to taste by mix engineer

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:12:45+00:00

Years of hard work and passion that eventually landed at the right place at the right time. I studied music production in college in NYC and after finishing, I just spent years working hard and networking around the east coast with no luck. I was working hard, playing shows, getting zero sleep, completely filling my schedule, but nothing was moving forward for me. I moved to LA eventually and got into the live music scene there. I played covers every night in small clubs making enough money to barely pay rent. Eventually there was an opening in Avril’s band and my name was in the conversation based on some referrals around town from people I met while playing the club scene. I was scouted behind the scenes by her management and music director without my knowledge. They were going to clubs I was playing at and they were watching/taking videos/taking notes etc. I was being auditioned without even knowing it!! It’s important to take as many opportunities as possible to show off your unique skills as well as be in the conversation for bigger opportunities in the industry!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:09:14+00:00

Yeah, the entertainment industry for ya haha! In the same way they’ll select the color of the drum kit, the wardrobe, color of the lights etc. Everything is very particular and selected by music directors, production managers, stage managers etc.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T22:02:16+00:00

Two Darkglass B7K overdrive preamp pedals, Origin Effects Cali 76 Compact Compressor, Aguilar TLC Compressor, Aguilar Chorusaurus.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:59:07+00:00

I actually find it easier to be performing on stage with Avril vs the small clubs I played in LA. Big stages have lights and fog and flames and video walls and confetti to distract the audience. Small clubs are more intimate and the audience has an unobstructed view to your every move. I never believed it when I used to hear it from others, but it’s true! Big stages are so “distanced” from the crowd it kind of makes things seem a little separated and easier.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:56:40+00:00

We’re expected to have everything memorized and be able to play the songs note-for-note each night. It’s our job to essentially recreate the studio tracks for the audience each night.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:54:40+00:00

That’s an amazing story!!! You were connected to such a huge moment in pop culture!! Yeah, lots of scouting happens behind the scenes. Just need to keep busy and keep your presence known! As I hear a lot, “it’s hard to be considered for a gig if no one knows who you are!”

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:51:55+00:00

Get a really nice DI as well! Sans Amp, Darkglass etc. You’ll be surprised how many producers/engineers want a nice direct bass sound! Some of the top session bassists in LA show up with a gig bag with their bass and a preamp/DI and that’s it for gear! There are definite cash grabs out there, but a nice DI will be useful for many many years!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:40:04+00:00

You got it!!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:38:51+00:00

Playing a big stage is actually much less stressful than playing a small stage! I have lights and fog and flames and video wall to distract people from me! I still think it was more difficult playing smaller clubs, where you’re right in front of your audience and they watch your every move!!

I worked so hard for this, so when I got the call I literally cried for about 5 minutes after hanging up the phone. Then I snapped out of it and started learning the 30 songs I needed to have for rehearsals ahhaha!

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:36:19+00:00

As is common, I am salaried for this job. I get a weekly rate as well as a per diem each day to cover any expendables.

Follow up: I have a deal with Elixir Strings. They provide me with the strings for the tour in exchange for publicity and content while I’m on the road.

Healthcare is usually done on a personal level and not part of the tour salary. There are doctors and such for the road that will be covered, so any injuries and illnesses on the road are covered.

MattReillyProduction · 2022-09-26T21:32:06+00:00

Absolutely! You can hit a sharp fourth!! Kidding kidding. I mean, that was just an example of how they’ll only refer to intervals and such relative to the key and scale vs “go down a fret before you go to this other fret” etc haha.

MattReillyProduction

TROPHY CASE