Producer Matt is shaking things up

Matt Smith has had a busy start to 2018 with new releases on his record label AAA Records. He talks to Mike Alexander.

‘ I admire those who have decided to take action and have the belief in the human spirit to effect positive change. Elon Musk is at the forefront, but you also can’t ignore what the Gates Foundation is doing for health and wellbeing.’

When Universal Studios unveiled its latest theme park, Volcano Bay in Orlando, Florida, last year it rumbled into life with a soundtrack overseen by Auckland musician and producer Matt Smith. We’re still working on the Troy Kingi Sophomore album, Shake That Skinny A.. All The Way to Zygertron, which we love. It’s gaining critical acclaim and the feedback from fans is really humbling.

We’re now in the process of organising physical [CD and vinyl] versions, with a very special bonus track, which we ran out of time to complete before the digital release. The track is called Cozmo Columbus, and is probably my favourite on the album. We’ve got some very special other releases planned for early this year. Debut albums from In Autumn, Sam Loveridge, and an incredible solo project by Dean Young under the name Built – Here’s To Sweet Sabotage EP. There are more crazy tracks from Apostate Son, and new albums in the pipeline for 71 Sunset, Tony Daunt & the Dauntless, and Miss Peach, plus more to be announced. Its going to be a busy year. Having time and space to create, surrounded by wha¯nau, friends and artists (with some time alone in the bush). There are those who have decided not to stand by, but take action and have the belief in the human spirit to effect positive change in the world. Elon Musk is at the forefront, but you also can’t ignore what the Gates Foundation is doing for health and wellbeing around the globe… and of course, Richard Branson… just because… Richard Branson. An awkward lift moment with Brett Michaels. Jumping out of a perfectly good working plane. Red Room Recording Studios, and if just one thing… my Les Paul [guitar]. Cruelty. I’d like to go waaaaaay back just to see if our current belief in our time lines is accurate. I just get the feeling we’ve done this many times before as a species, and been wiped away by mother nature to start again. I’d really like to know for sure. To be there for others, you must be there for yourself first. Be your authentic self. I can’t imagine doing anything That everyone realised they have the power to make a difference by being the best creator they can possibly be. It starts with belief. The rest would follow. That sects, creed and religion become ancient history and the whole world gets to hear and love Shake That Skinny Ass All The Way to Zygertron just as much as I do.