Life & Work with Matt Sturgis of Los Angeles / OC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Sturgis.

Hi Matt, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born into a musical family, my dad has been drumming since the 70’s so he sat me behind a drumset very early. I started playing music with some friends in middle school which led to my first experiences writing songs, recording in studios, and playing shows. After years of pay-to-play shows and the occasional expensive studio, I fell into the local DIY scene which greatly inspired me to learn to record the bands I was playing in and learn how to book shows on our own terms. As spaces continued to close and small bands had less opportunities to start building an audience, my roommate (Judcody Limon, a great songwriter) and I saw the need for a space where bands could record their music and play shows. Since 2018, we’ve been operating as The Sierra Lodge where we record bands from all over the IE/LA/OC areas and host monthly shows from our home in Ontario. I also regularly play with bands both live and in studio, mostly drums but I’m happy for the rare opportunity to play guitar, bass, synths, etc. I also sometimes write and record my own songs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t say it’s been entirely smooth, there’s always a session that falls through or a tour that loses money or a van that breaks down or a venue owner who thinks the space could be more profitable as a restaurant or something. Though I am (for better or worse) someone who thinks that nothing good comes easy and a bumpy road usually leads you to a worthwhile destination.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am, for lack of a better term, a “music guy” – I have a great passion for music and making it and helping others make it. I would say I’m mostly known as a drummer since that is what I am most often doing, but I like to think my reputation as a recording engineer has been growing in recent years (or at least the number of projects I’ve been involved with has increased). I’m proud to be asked to play and record music with as many people as I am asked to do it with and to have a space where that music making can be facilitated. I think accessibility sets me apart from others doing similar things, in a field where many have strict rates I’m happy to offer a sliding scale and work within a budget that doesn’t discomfort any artist.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a big fan of a youtube channel called House of Kush, it’s hosted by a record producer and pro audio hardware/software designer named Gregory Scott. His videos cover countless useful mixing tips and his vibe is that of an old friend inviting you in for tea. If we’re talking podcasts, I love Bandsplain and I am a Piss Pig.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mattsturgis
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/matt-sturgis
• Other: https://mattsturgis.bandcamp.com/