Matthew Burnett
Matthew Raymond Burnett (born July 24, 1991) is a Canadian record producer, musical director and manager from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who has worked with a number of major recording artists in various genres from R&B to soul, hip hop and rap. Burnett has produced for the likes of Daniel Caesar, Drake, Eminem, Nas, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Childish Gambino, Ellie Goulding and Snoh Aalegra to name a few.[1][2] He has also musically directed Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, Jessie Reyez, Willow Smith and Queen Naija[3] and currently manages both Caesar and Wilson alongside longtime music partner, Jordan Evans.[4] Matthew Burnett's work has earned him two Grammy Award nominations and five Juno Award nominations.[5] In 2018 he took home a Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for Caesar's debut studio album, Freudian.[6]
Matthew Burnett | |
|---|---|
 Burnett in soundcheck for Daniel Caesar live at the Budweiser Stage, 2019. Toronto, ON | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Matthew Raymond Burnett[1] |
| Born | July 24, 1991 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Record Producer Musical Director Manager |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 2010 - Present |
| Labels | Golden Child Recordings, Hit-Heart Music Inc. |
| Website | producermatthewburnett |
Life and Early Career
Burnett's tuneful ability became apparent at an early age. Starting piano lessons at just four years old, his music instructor noted his natural talent to play songs by ear.[7] As he got older, Burnett's love of music would only grow stronger. By the time he was in ninth grade he was playing in a professional band around the city. Music production software FL Studio (formerly FruityLoops) would introduce him to the art of producing and recording his own music. A student of his craft, Burnett coupled his inherent passion with a fierce dedication to honing his skills, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[8]
In 2007, Burnett was introduced to Grammy Award-winning producer Matthew Samuels, known commonly as Boi-1da, thus beginning a mentorship that would change his life and career. Under Samuels’ guidance Burnett continued to hone his sound and technique, officially signing to Boi-1da Productions in 2010 where he and Evans would thrive as the production power-duo behind some of the biggest hits in hip hop and R&B. Notable among Burnett's earliest achievements was his production on “Not Afraid,” the lead single on rapper Eminem’s seventh studio album, Recovery, and the sixteenth song in Billboard history to debut at number one.[9] The track earned Burnett a Grammy Award-nomination for “Best Rap Song” in 2011.[10][7]
Ending his Boi-1da deal in 2013, Burnett and partner Evans moved on to cultivate Canadian R&B artist, Daniel Caesar. The two are the principal producers for Caesar's debut album, Freudian, which was nominated for two awards at the 60th Annual Grammys.[6] Today, Burnett continues to lend his expertise in studio production, live show curation, musical direction and management to several of today's leading artists.
Artistry
Record Production
Production was Burnett's first love and a talent that catapulted him to success at a very early age. By just 21 years old, his unique ear led him to co-produce music for some of the industry's biggest names, including Drake, Eminem, Keri Hilson, Nas, Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled. Today, that list has expanded to include Daniel Caesar, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Childish Gambino, Kelly Rowland, Jessie Reyez and Ellie Goulding.[10] His sound and production style were heavily influenced by his Christian upbringing, taking inspiration from gospel music. As he matured, his musical style followed suit and took form through consistent experimentation, practice, and the tutelage of Boi-1da.[11] Today, Burnett's work is unified across genres by a soulful, powerful sound.
Musical Direction
A producer at heart, Burnett's wheelhouse soon expanded to include not only studio production, but live show curation and musical direction. He is the visionary behind the live performances for singers Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, Jessie Reyez, Willow Smith, and Queen Naija among others. From composing musical arrangements to scouting, hiring and rehearsing their bands, Burnett is a conduit of creativity, building harmonies both in music and within the teams that create it.[12][13]
Management
Burnett currently serves alongside longtime music partner Jordan Evans as the co-manager to Grammy Award-winning artist, Daniel Caesar. They also co-manage fellow Canadian rising star, Charlotte Day Wilson. In partnership with Evans and Caesar, Burnett founded the independent record label Golden Child Recordings.[7][10]
Discography
2010
- 06. "Up All Night" (featuring Nicki Minaj) (produced with Boi-1da)
- 07. "Not Afraid" (produced with Boi-1da, Jordan Evans and Eminem)
- 08. "Seduction" (produced with Boi-1da)
- 16. "It's Been a Pleasure" (featuring Drake) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)
Lil' Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being
- 10. "Bill Gates" (produced with Boi-1da)
Drake - Unreleased
- "Something" (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)
Lloyd Banks - The Hunger For More 2
- 15. "Where I'm At" (featuring Eminem) (produced with Boi-1da)
- 01. "Buyou Music" (featuring J. Cole) (produced with Boi-1da, Polow da Don and Bei Maejor)
- 10. "Gimmie What I Want" (produced with Boi-1da)
- 16. "Fearless" (produced with Boi-1da, Polow da Don and Bei Maejor)
2011
DJ Khaled - We The Best Forever
- 08. "Future" (produced with Boi-1da)[14]
Down With Webster - Time to Win, Vol. 2
- 07. "I Want It All" (produced with Boi-1da)
2012
- 16. "Wonderful" (featuring John Osho) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)
- 19. "Trust" (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)
Busta Rhymes - Year of the Dragon
2 Chainz - Based on a T.R.U Story
- 01. "Yuck" (featuring Lil Wayne) (produced with Streetrunner)
Slaughterhouse - Welcome to Our House
- 13. "Goodbye" (produced with Boi-1da and Eminem)
Talib Kweli - Attack The Block
- 06. Outstanding (featuring Ryan Leslie) (produced with Boi-1da)[16]
Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up
- 02. "Freedom" (produced with Boi-1da)
- 09. "See No Evil" (featuring Kendrick Lamar and Tank) (produced with Boi-1da)
2013
Kelly Rowland - Talk a Good Game
- 09. "Red Wine" (produced with Boi-1da and Kevin Cossom)
- 01. "R.G." (featuring Mystikal) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)
- 12. "Live Life" (featuring Euro) (produced with Streetrunner)
Audio Push - Come as You Are
- 09. "Turn Down" (produced with DZL)
- 13. "Pound Cake" (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)[17]
Doley Bernays - Just In Case
- 06. "Drown" (produced with Jordan Evans and DZL)
Fabolous - The Soul Tape 3
2014
Eric Bellinger - The Rebirth
- 06. "Delorean" (produced with T-Minus)
Zuse - Bullet
- 11. "Oiler" (featuring Trae The Truth) (produced with Go Grizzly and DZL)
Sebastian Mikael - Speechless
- 04. "Made For Me" (featuring Teyana Taylor) (produced with DZL)
- 05. "Opportunity Cost" (produced with Jordan Evans)
Game - Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf
- 02. "F.U.N."
- 06. "Married To The Game" (featuring French Montana, Dubb and Sam Hook) (produced with Boi-1da and Jordan Evans)
- 10. "N*gga Pls" (produced with Boi-1da)
- 08. "Vacay" (produced with Jordan Evans)[20]
OB O'Brien – Schemin' Up - Single
- "Schemin' Up" (produced with Boi-1da and 40)
2015
Kyndall - Still Down EP
- 02. "All Mine" (produced with Boi-1da and DZL)
Raekwon - Fly International Luxurious Art
- 13. "Worst Enemy" (featuring Liz Rodrigues) (produced with DZL)
Daniel Caesar - Pilgrim's Paradise
- 02. "Death and Taxes" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 03. "Paradise" (produced with BadBadNotGood and Jordan Evans)
- 05. "Streetcar" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 06. "Show No Regret" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 10. "Remember Me?" (featuring Chance The Rapper) (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 06. "Zero" (produced with Tushar Apte and Riley Bell)
Magic Mike XXL - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
- 08. "Untitled (How Does It Feel)"
2016
June's Diary - All of Us - Single
- "All of Us" (produced with DZL)
Audio Push - 90951
- 04. "Spread Love" (produced with DZL)
Daniel Caesar - Single
- '"Won't Live Here" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- "Get You" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- "Japanese Denim" (produced with Jordan Evans)
Nathan Sykes - Unfinished Business
- 09. "Give It Up" (featuring G-Eazy) (produced with Riley Bell)
Ellie Goulding - Single
- "Just in Case" (produced with Jordan Evans)
PartyNextDoor - TBD
- "You Made It" (produced with Jordan Evans)
2017
- 09. "Way To Go" (featuring Snoh Aalegra) (produced with Riley Bell)[21]
Chris Brown - Heartbreak on a Full Moon
- 41. "Reddi Whip" (produced with Jordan Evans)
Daniel Caesar - Freudian (Executive producer with Jordan Evans)
- 01. "Get You" (feat. Kali Uchis) (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 02. "Best Part" (feat. H.E.R) (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 03. "Hold Me Down" (produced with Jordan Evans, Alex Ernewein and Riley Bell)
- 04. "Neu Roses (Transgressor's Song)" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 05. "Loose" (produced with Jordan Evans and Alex Ernewein)
- 06. "We Find Love" (produced with Jordan Evans and Jordon Manswell)
- 07. "Blessed" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 08. "Take Me Away" (feat. Syd) (produced with Jordan Evans and Riley Bell)
- 09. "Transform" (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) (produced with Jordan Evans, Alex Ernewein and Riley Bell)
- 10. "Freudian" (produced with Jordan Evans and Riley Bell)
2018
Jessie Reyez feat. Daniel Caesar - Single
- "Figures, a Reprise" (produced with Jordan Evans)
Daniel Caesar - Single
- "Who Hurt You?" (co-produced with Jordan Evans)
2019
Snoh Aalegra– Ugh those feels again
- 06. “Toronto” (produced with Riley Bell)
Daniel Caesar - Case Study 01 (Executive producer with Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar)
- 02. "Cyanide" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 03. "Love Again" (feat. Brandy) (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 05. "Open Up" (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 06. "Restore the Feeling" (feat. Sean Leon and Jacob Collier) (produced with Jordan Evans)
- 08. "Too Deep to Turn Back" (produced with Jordan Evans and River Tiber)
2020
Fousheé - Single
- "Single AF" (produced with Solomonophonic)
Tours (Musical Direction)
| Year | Tour | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Freudian, a World Tour | Daniel Caesar |
| 2018 | Queen Naija Tour | Queen Naija |
| 2019 | Case Study 01: Tour | Daniel Caesar |
| 2019 | Being Human in Public Tour | Jessie Reyez |
| 2019 | WILLOW The Album Live in Concert | Willow Smith |
| 2019 | Willow and Erys Tour | Willow and Jaden Smith |
TV and Live Performances (Musical Direction)
Awards and Nominations
Grammy Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Not Afraid" (Eminem) | Best Rap Song | Nominated |
| 2017 | "Freudian" (Daniel Caesar) | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
Juno Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Recovery" (Eminem) | Best International Album | Nominated |
| 2018 | Producer of the Year (Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans) | Jack Richardson Producer of the Year | Nominated |
| 2018 | "Freudian" (Daniel Caesar) | R&B/Soul Recording of the Year | Won |
| 2020 | "Case Study 01" (Daniel Caesar) | R&B/Soul Recording of the Year | Nominated |
References
- "ACE Repertory". ASCAP. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
- "Canadian Producer Matthew Burnett Discusses Collaborations, Musical B…". archive.vn. 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- Remington's World Archived 2013-02-01 at Archive.today. Accessed 7 Jan 2013.
- "The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals - Movies". archive.vn. 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- "The complete list of 2011 Juno nominations". Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- "Daniel Caesar". GRAMMY.com. 2019-11-26. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- "Matthew Burnett - Music Producer". www.producermatthewburnett.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- "Canadian Producer Matthew Burnett Discusses Collaborations, Musical B…". archive.vn. 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
- Ruta, Mike (2011-07-09). "Pickering High graduates in musical 'collective'". DurhamRegion.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- "ACE Repertory". www.ascap.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- "Canadian Producer Matthew Burnett Discusses Collaborations, Musical B…". archive.vn. 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- "Matthew Burnett - Music Producer". www.producermatthewburnett.com. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- "ACE Repertory". www.ascap.com. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- "Mindless Behavior". Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- "Busta Rhymes". Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- "Talib Kweli". Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- "Matthew Burnett on Instagram". Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- Matthew Burnett [@PMBMusic] (25 December 2013). "Merry Christmas: @myfabolouslife ft. @YoungJeezy - "You Know" Prod. by @Boi1da x @PMBMusic x @Vinylz #SoulTape3" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "Jahkoy Talks His Escape from Toronto". Noisey. 2015-03-03. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
- Matthew Burnett [@PMBMusic] (7 October 2014). "The Game ft. French Montana, Sam Hook & Dubb - #marriedtothegame Prod. by @Boi1da @evansdc & @PMBMusic" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- Matthew Burnett [@PMBMusic] (16 June 2017). "@JoynerLucas out now! #WayToGo feat. @snohaalegra prod. by me & @rileyibell. s/o & congrats to my brother @Boi1da 👊…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.