“I was lucky enough to have Matt’s ears and attention when I had a collection of demos back in late 2009…which would later become the body of work that made up “The Great Impression”. He identified where the strengths and weaknesses were with the tracks and where the record could head from a sonic point of view. Looking back at the comments he made, he was spot on.” - Alex Burnett, Sparkadia
“Matt’s ability to critique a song and deliver constructive feedback to songwriters is unparalleled in the Australian A&R community today.” - Dan Hennessy, Aloha Management
“I have been friends with Matt O’Connor for many years and during my career I sought Matt’s advise on both a business and creative levels. Matt is good music guy and has have been more than helpful on many occasions and I trust his opinion.” - Flynn Gower, Cog
“I call Matt ‘the song doctor.’ If ever you want an opinion on whether a track will sit on radio then Matt is the one to tell you. His work on Thirsty Merc is pure evidence of that…” - Michael Parisi, Managing Director of Mushroom Records/President of A&R at Warner Music Australasia.
“Matt O’Connor actually cares and knows about music. that is something that has always set Matt apart from the rest of the pack. Awesome.” - Johnny Toogood, Shihad
“I trust Matt’s opinion when it comes to songs and arrangement. He knows how to make a hit.” - Rebekah Campbell, Scorpio Management – Evermore/Hampdens/Operater Please
“He’s the rare A&R man who develops close, trusting relationships with his artists. In a business filled with counterproductive sycophants, Matt can be both a friend to the artist while simultaneously maintaining the objectivity needed to insure his acts are coming up with the very best songs, the killer performances and all the fine subtleties and nuances required of an artist who wishes to have success not just in Australia/New Zealand but on a mass global scale.” - Leigh Lust, A&R Atlantic Records, NY
“He has managed, produced, written, mixed, promoted, marketed, signed, and most importantly believed fervently in the artists he has backed. A rare bird indeed… and Matt is a man whose full potential is yet to be realised. If I was a betting man I would back this horse any day.” - Mark Pope, Mark Pope Music
“If you’re looking for someone that knows how to make a record that will get on Australian radio, Matt is your man. He has that rare ability to see greatness in an artist, and to realise their commercial potential.” - Bill Cullen, Managing Director of One Louder Entertainment
“Matt’s the ‘Big Picture’ man, he’ll make the big calls – the HARD calls, when no-one one else will, or can. And he’s usually right, the bastard…..” - Lindsay Gravina , Producer, Birdland Studios
“In my humble opinion he has some of the finest ears in the business. With his in-depth knowledge of the pre production, recording, mixing and mastering process it is little wonder that his services are being highly sort after across Australia and internationally. Matt is a warm and honest music man who can pick a hit single at the drop of a hat.” - Francis Coady, COADY MUSIC: Thirsty Merc Management
