Matt Zara's Production Mastery: From Grentperez to Teddy Swims

Matt Zara, a skilled London-based producer and multi-instrumentalist, has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern music through his collaborations with artists like Khalid, Teddy Swims, and grentperez.
April 3, 2025
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His latest work on grentperez's 'Need You Around' from the album 'Backflips in a Restaurant' exemplifies his ability to blend genres and create emotionally resonant music. Zara's production prowess is also evident in top songs like Teddy Swims' 'Bad Dreams' and KSI's 'Dirty,' showcasing his versatility and impact across the music industry.

The Release of "Need You Around" by grentperez

"Need You Around" by grentperez is a heartwarming and soulful track that showcases the artist's talent for crafting intimate and emotionally resonant music. This song is part of his debut full-length studio album, "Backflips in a Restaurant," which delves into themes of love and nostalgia, drawing inspiration from his Filipino roots. Produced by Matt Zara, a versatile London-based producer known for his work with artists like Khalid and Teddy Swims, the song reflects grentperez's ability to blend bedroom pop, soul, and R&B. The creation of "Need You Around" stems from grentperez's personal life experiences, translating them into lyrics that capture the essence of young love. As part of an album that has been well-received, this track stands out for its melodic charm and emotional depth, resonating deeply with listeners.

Matt Zara: Behind the Scenes of Musical Masterpieces

Matt Zara, a London-based producer, writer, and multi-instrumentalist, is a notable figure in the music industry, known for his collaborations with a diverse array of artists. Zara has lent his expertise to the works of Teddy Swims, Khalid, Master Peace, Amber Mark, and Calum Scott, showcasing his ability to seamlessly traverse multiple genres. His musical style is characterized by versatility and a wide range of skills, which he brings to each project. While he maintains a relatively low profile with a preference for direct communication over social media, Zara's contributions are undeniably impactful, as evidenced by his recent involvement in the song "Need You Around" by grentperez. His role as a composer for the music video "DDG Feat. Gunna: Elon Musk" further highlights his creative reach in the industry.

Top 5 Songs Produced by Matt Zara

Discover five standout tracks showcasing Matt Zara's production talent, blending genres and enhancing each song's emotional depth and sound quality.

Bad Dreams by Teddy Swims

"Bad Dreams" by Teddy Swims is a compelling track that delves into themes of anxiety and emotional turmoil, resonating deeply with listeners. The song has been praised for its soulful essence and emotional depth, with critics highlighting its ability to capture the visceral experience of insomnia and longing. Matt Zara, the producer behind the track, played a pivotal role in shaping its sound, blending organic instrumentation with electronic textures to create a moody yet cathartic soundscape. Zara's expertise in traversing multiple genres is evident in the song's seamless fusion of soul, R&B, and pop elements, which complements Swims' powerful vocal delivery. This collaboration has not only elevated the song's production quality but also solidified Swims' status as a rising star in the music industry.

Dirty by KSI

"Dirty" by KSI showcases the artist's evolution towards a more R&B-influenced sound, blending raw emotional themes with a polished production style. Produced by Matt Zara, known for his work with artists like Mabel and Niall Horan, the track features a dynamic mix of heavy beats and infectious hooks that highlight KSI's vocal versatility. Zara's production expertise brings a gritty, brooding soundscape that complements the song's exploration of toxic relationships. The haunting female vocals add a contrasting layer, enhancing the track's emotional depth. While specific chart achievements for "Dirty" aren't detailed, the song is part of KSI's successful discography, marking his transition from internet personality to a recognized artist in the music industry.

Cold by James Blunt

"Cold," the lead single from James Blunt's 2019 album Once Upon a Mind, showcases the singer-songwriter's signature blend of acoustic pop and emotional depth. While the song itself did not win major awards, it played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the critically acclaimed album, which was praised for its genuine and emotionally resonant approach. The production of "Cold" was elevated by Matt Zara, a versatile producer known for his work with artists across various genres. Zara's contribution to the track helped refine its acoustic foundations, enhancing Blunt's heartfelt lyrics and warm vocal delivery. This collaboration underscores the song's ability to connect with listeners through its themes of vulnerability and personal connection, solidifying Blunt's reputation as a master storyteller in the music industry.

"On A Night Like Tonight" by Niall Horan

"On A Night Like Tonight" is a standout track from Niall Horan's 2023 album, The Show, celebrated for its romantic and intimate themes. While the album received critical acclaim with an impressive Metacritic score of 83/100, this song shines through its lush instrumentation and emotional depth. The production, led by Matt Zara, enhances the track's ethereal sound, drawing inspiration from Horan's experiences in the scenic landscapes of Joshua Tree, California. Zara's expertise in crafting atmospheric and orchestral arrangements plays a crucial role in elevating the song's dreamy quality, making it a fan favorite during live performances. His ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly contributes significantly to the song's success, highlighting his versatility and skill as a producer.

Elon Musk by DDG (Ft. Gunna)

"Elon Musk" by DDG featuring Gunna is a dynamic hip-hop track released in 2022 under Epic Records, capturing the essence of ambition and success through its modern trap beats and engaging lyrical themes. The song showcases DDG's confident lyricism and Gunna's signature melodic flow, creating a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial spirit. Produced by Corbett and Matt Zara, the track benefits from Zara's expertise in crafting contemporary hip-hop sounds, blending minimalist trap instrumentation with atmospheric synths. Zara's contribution elevates the song's production quality, aligning it with current hip-hop trends while maintaining a unique sonic identity.

Discover the Value of Your Music

Whether you're an established producer like Matt Zara or an emerging songwriter, your music catalog holds untapped financial potential. Royalty Exchange offers a unique platform where you can explore this potential without any commitment. With a free catalog valuation, you can understand the true worth of your music based on real market data. The process is straightforward and puts you in control—decide how much of your royalties to sell and on what terms. With over 20,000 verified investors ready to bid, you can maximize your payout quickly and efficiently. Don't miss the chance to see what your music can do for you. Get started today with a free valuation and unlock new opportunities for your career.

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