Matt Smith’s journey at Sound Lounge is a story of passion, perseverance and hustle. Armed with a background in music from SUNY Oneonta and a strong desire to become a mixer, Matt was drawn to Sound Lounge's reputation and impressive roster of work. Determined to make a strong first impression, he even bought a suit for his interview - which, obviously, worked like a charm. Starting as a receptionist, he quickly proved his commitment by commuting five hours daily from Upstate New York and never missing a chance to learn — often spending his lunch breaks sitting in on mixing sessions to soak up knowledge.
Matt’s adaptability and proactive spirit shined through during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a promotion to production coordinator. It was in this role that he discovered something surprising: while his initial goal was to become a mixer, he realized he loved the dynamic and fast-paced nature of producing.
“I found out that being a producer was all about connecting with people, problem-solving and making sure everything ran smoothly — and I was all in,” he explains.
Over nearly two-and-a-half years assisting the producer team, Matt developed a solid foundation in production, picking up all the skills needed to thrive. He was promoted to producer in January 2023, and has been on a roll, working with brands like the New York Mets, Poppi, Modelo, The Home Depot, the Nashville Titans and Little Caesars. His knack for building trust with clients and colleagues has been a key to his success.
“Sound Lounge has set the standard that I hold for myself,” he shares. “I get how important my clients’ work is, and I treat it with the respect it deserves. No project is too small.”
Taylor Maggard, managing director at Sound Lounge, has seen Matt’s growth firsthand.
“Matt impressed me with his adaptability when he first started, and now I love seeing the way he goes the extra mile for our clients,” she notes. “He’s always open to feedback, and genuinely loves what he does. You can see it in the way he works. I’ve been on emails where clients ask him why he’s working so late, and he just says, ‘I love my job!’ That passion, combined with his willingness to keep growing, makes him an invaluable part of our team.”
The collaborative vibe at Sound Lounge has been a big part of Matt’s journey.
“Honestly, the support here has been amazing,” Matt shares. “Taylor’s always encouraged me to think critically, be proactive and over deliver. I’ve really felt how much she, and the partners, wanted me to succeed. Knowing that the whole team has my back really pushes me to step up my game every day.”
Looking ahead, Matt is excited to continue growing with Sound Lounge and meeting more industry pros. He offers advice to newcomers.
“Stay curious and proactive. Even if your initial role doesn’t align perfectly with your interests, show some dedication and those doors you didn’t even know existed might just swing open.”
When he’s not at Sound Lounge, you can find Matt playing gigs in Beacon, hitting the golf course or exploring the great outdoors. His diverse interests, outgoing personality and knack for organization have all contributed to his success as a producer. His story proves that with dedication, the right attitude and some fun along the way, anything is possible.
Based in NYC, Sound Lounge (https://soundlounge.com) is an artist-owned and operated audio post production studio that provides services for feature films, television series, commercials, branded content, radio, podcasts and new media.