06/21/2026
Artist First. What’s that really mean?
I’m sitting in the production room just off the control room where Artist Matt “Mustache Matt” Jordan. is working with Engineer, Adam McCloskey and Assistant Engineer, Tess Parrott. They have been tracking drums the last two days with Cleveland percussionist, Anthony Taddeo.
The door is open and I’m admittedly eavesdropping. The conversation between takes and between every track has been very detailed. Matt is as articulate in speech as he is with the guitar. He’s thoughtful and deliberate with every word. Anthony, Adam, Matt & Tess are all so locked in.
Intent
Hearing Matt’s music at BRING YOUR SONG over the last 3 years has made me yearn for this day. His depth, Intellect and skill have been evident to everyone in the room as silence falls during his graceful moves across the fretboard and directly into our hearts. More than once, I’ve heard him thank those who complement his playing with, “That was my intent”. More eavesdropping. It might be an issue.
Intent listening
Anthony is a professional. It’s obvious in how selfless his questions and suggestions are. “Tell me what this song is about”. And then conversation steps beyond part A, B & C and steps into the journey that has brought the Artist, Matt to write these melodies that seem to match the passages of his experience. Each take is a sanding and honing process. I’m hearing in real time the process of melodies and ideas being interpreted with sticks, brushes, cymbal changes. It’s beautiful.
This is only the 2nd project we’ve had the privilege of recording Anthony’s work. He seems to get the Artist First principle without ever having had a conversation about it. When you hear about chemistry and DNA among session players, engineers and artists, it can be conceptual to the point of being meaningless. But, those ideas are being defined for me. Still eavesdropping. Literally typing as fast as I can.
Intent Listening and response
Adam, himself is a fantastic drummer. He mentioned to me a few weeks ago, “When I heard Matt’s scratch tracks I knew who the drummer needed to be. Anthony, he’ll nail it”. What depth right? What a great picture of “Artist First”. Let’s face it, having a drum credit on a project like this would be a wonderful stamp of approval. Adam in his work displays this idea of what serves the artist and their song? And acts on it. I’ve watched Adams work for a few years now. He started as an intern and has displayed an appetite for playing, recording and producing great music. He’s worked diligently and strategically to put himself in the path of those like Matt who are as serous about their performance as Adam is of capturing it.
Intent listening, response and the addiction
Tess, is assisting today on her own volition. Engaging the conversations about the mics we have and how we could use them for other sessions of this type. “She’s great” Adam said this morning, “I don’t have to ask her for anything, she just knows what to do and does it”. I’m afraid this addiction of being in the room when artists get to embrace their dreams is spreading.
So, hopefully that answers the question, what does an artist first approach look like. I still don’t know what it looks like, I’m still in the production room eavesdropping : )
I love you guys. Thanks for listening.
