Interviewed by Scott G (The G-Man)
G-Man: When people think of Matt Forger, they usually think of your work with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Glen Ballard, and Bruce Swedien, yet when you hand out a CD with examples of your producing, engineering or mixing, it almost always has new and emerging artists, people like Mutant Radio, Laughing With Lulu, The Dharma Bomb, or Fjaere. What's your thinking behind the choice of avoiding the big names?
Forger: While my association with those big names was a wonderful experience, it's also in the past.
G-Man: But you work with artists at every level, including "the biggies."
Forger: Oh sure, for example, I still maintain a professional relationship with Michael Jackson and contributed to the recent release of "Michael Jackson - The Ultimate Collection," a boxed set, and I worked on many of the previously unreleased recordings that are included in it, as well as overseeing various aspects of the project. This is, of course, very enjoyable to be part of because I got to revisit those eras when I worked very closely with Michael as he created the great albums that established him as the "King of Pop." For me, that was a learning experience that had no equal. To be part of history-making projects like "Thriller" and to work with Quincy Jones taught me what it takes to make the best recordings possible. Not just in a commercial sense, but as artistic statements, and what it takes for a song to engage the listener, the power of a collaborative team effort, and what it means to "arrive at the studio and leave your ego at the door." These and the many other lessons learned are what I bring to the table when I work with new and emerging artists.
G-Man: So you're combining the best aspects of past and present. What are some of the contrasts?
Forger: The old model of the record business allowed for the development of talent, coaching it along the way, working with songwriters, arrangers, producers and engineers and learning the craft of record making. That system doesn't exist in today's business model. Today, with few exceptions, major labels look for the most promising bands and artists, sign them to a deal, and if they don't sell the numbers that the companies require, dump the act. Before an act has the chance to develop a following and learn the ropes, it can be all over. That's what it's about now, the bottom line. Corporate business has no heart and no sense of artistry. I want to look to the future, and it's out there. The future of the music Business is in the undiscovered talent that flies below the radar. That's who I want to work with. That's the hope of the music industry: the unique, innovative artists who are creating something new and exiting, not regurgitating an old tired formula, or manufacturing synthetic crap with no emotion or heart. I want to be part of the future!
G-Man: If nothing else is read in this interview, I want to thank you for those comments! In addition to the seven Michael Jackson albums, you've worked with Van Halen, Lena Horne, James Ingram , Giorgio Moroder, and many others. Care to comment on the difference between sessions with superstars and sessions with stars-in-the-making?
Forger: In a word: experience. The seasoned pros have one important quality that sets them apart: they have developed an instinctual feel for music. It's that thing that accomplished musicians have. It's an intuitive thing. You learn to trust your gut through trial and error. There is no substitute for it. Some people have it more than others. It's a sensitivity, an ability to see inside the music and read the different levels of what's occurring. Then, to have the ability to recognize and manipulate the elements in such a way as to make a more effective communication of the songs' intent. For newer artists, it's often a matter of helping them identify and tune into those subtle qualities. And, to focus on what is important and what is just background noise that's creating confusion.
G-Man: Let's talk about the diversity of your musical interests for a moment. You recorded a modern-retro band called The Teddy Boys, then you made some dance remixes of a couple of my songs, and you've done live recording for singer-songwriter Caroline Aiken. It seems like you enjoy a wide variety of styles and genres. Do you favor certain kinds of music, or are there any forms o
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