Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Wheatley.
Matt, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career has really been a series of small steps, big risks, a lot of trial and error, and saying yes to opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I started out playing in bands and, like a lot of musicians, wore every hat imaginable. I was booking shows, selling merch, helping plan tours, and trying to figure out how this whole music thing actually worked. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was just as interested in what was happening behind the scenes as I was being on stage. I became fascinated with songwriting, production, and the way a great mix can completely change how a song makes you feel.
That curiosity led me deeper into the craft. I spent years learning, making mistakes, finding my sound, and figuring out how to bring out the best in other artists while continuing to grow as an artist myself. I had the chance to spend time in Los Angeles, which challenged me creatively and helped sharpen my instincts as a producer and songwriter. Eventually, Nashville became home, and it’s been an incredible place to continue building relationships and creating music.
Today, I split my time between songwriting, producing, composing, and mixing. What I love most is that every project is different. Some days I’m helping an artist turn a voice memo into a finished record. Other days I’m deep in a mix obsessing over details that most people will never consciously notice but will absolutely feel. I’ve also been fortunate to build a career in the sync world, composing and creating music that’s been placed across television, film, advertising, and other media. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a piece of music take on a new life when it’s paired with a story on screen.
I still get excited about the process, and I think that’s why I continue to do this. Whether it’s writing a song from scratch, producing an artist’s vision, composing for a sync opportunity, or putting the final touches on a mix, I genuinely love the challenge of creating something that connects with people.
If there’s one common thread through my journey, it’s that I’ve never stopped learning. This industry changes constantly, and there isn’t a roadmap for any of it. You just keep showing up, keep creating, keep getting better, and trust that all those small steps eventually add up to something meaningful.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t know many people in the music industry who would honestly say that it has been. There have been plenty of setbacks, missed opportunities, projects that didn’t work out, and moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path.
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating an industry that is constantly changing. The way people consume music evolves, technology changes, and the definition of what it means to have a “career in music” looks very different now than it did even ten years ago. I’ve had to learn how to adapt, diversify my skill set, and stay open to opportunities I never would have considered earlier in my career.
There’s also the reality that creative work comes with a lot of rejection. You write songs that never get cut. You pitch music that never gets placed. You spend hours on projects that ultimately go in a different direction. Learning not to take those moments personally has probably been one of the hardest but most valuable lessons.
On a personal level, balancing ambition with family life has been another challenge. As a husband and father, I’ve had to become much more intentional about how I spend my time and energy. The late nights and nonstop hustle that defined earlier chapters of my career aren’t always possible anymore, and that’s forced me to work smarter and prioritize what matters most.
At the end of the day, though, I think the struggles have made me more resilient. They’ve taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of continuing to learn and evolve. If anything, they’ve reinforced how much I genuinely love what I do. I still get excited to walk into the studio, write a new song, start a new mix, or hear a piece of music come to life. That excitement is what keeps me moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core of what I do, I’m a storyteller through music. I work as a songwriter, producer, composer, and mixer, helping artists and writers take ideas from their earliest stages all the way to a finished product that feels authentic and impactful.
I specialize in developing songs from the ground up, whether that’s starting with a simple acoustic demo, building out a full production, composing music for sync opportunities, or refining the final mix so that every element supports the emotional intent of the piece. Because I’ve worked across multiple areas of the industry, I tend to approach projects from both a creative and practical perspective. I want the music to be artistically meaningful, but I also understand how to position it to connect with listeners and fit within today’s music landscape.
I’ve been fortunate to have many compositions placed across trailers and other media, and I’m incredibly proud of that side of my career. There’s something special about knowing that music you’ve created has helped tell stories and reach audiences in ways you never could have imagined when you first wrote it.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the relationships I’ve built along the way. Music is deeply personal, and artists are trusting you with something that’s often very vulnerable. The fact that people continue to invite me into that process means a lot to me. Not to mention, most of my best friends are people I’ve met through music. It’s almost like having a second family.
I think what sets me apart is that I’ve experienced music from so many different angles. I’ve been the artist chasing opportunities, the songwriter chasing cuts, the producer shaping a vision, the composer writing to picture, and the mixer focused on the smallest details. That perspective allows me to meet people where they are creatively and help bring out the best version of their work.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: make music that moves people. Whether that’s through a song on an album, a cue in a television scene, or a record that helps an artist say exactly what they want to say, I want the work to leave a lasting impression.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was incredibly competitive. Truth be told, I still am. Before music became the main focus of my life, basketball was a huge part of who I was. Being a successful athlete taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, handling pressure, and what it means to consistently work toward a goal even when progress isn’t always obvious.
I think a lot of the traits that have helped me in the music industry were actually developed through athletics. I learned the value of preparation, showing up even on the days you don’t feel like it, and understanding that talent alone isn’t enough. The people who tend to succeed are often the ones who are willing to put in the extra work and stay committed when things get difficult.
Personality-wise, I’ve always been pretty driven, but I’ve also always been curious. I’ve never been satisfied with just knowing how to do one thing. Once music entered the picture, I wanted to understand every aspect of it—writing songs, producing records, composing, mixing, and learning what made certain pieces of music connect with people on a deeper level.
I was probably a little more introverted than people would expect. I’ve never been the loudest person in the room, but I’ve always been observant. I pay attention to details, whether that’s reading the energy of a room, understanding what an artist is trying to communicate, or recognizing what a song needs to reach its full potential.
Looking back, I don’t think my transition from sports to music was as dramatic as it might seem from the outside. In many ways, they require a similar mindset. Both demand persistence, resilience, and a willingness to keep improving. The arena just changed. Instead of competing on a court, I found a new passion in creating music and helping bring other people’s artistic visions to life.
Pricing:
- Mixing – $300 per track
- Mastering – $70 per track
- Mix + Master – $350 per track
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mattwheatleymusic.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wheatleymusic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/wheatleymusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wheatleymusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wheatleymusic
