Music has always been an integral part of my life. From my earliest memories, it has shaped how I express my emotions and bring my creative ideas to life. Whether it was hours spent with a slightly out-of-tune upright piano or strumming on my sister's guitar, I was hooked. While I struggled with traditional music theory and never quite mastered reading or writing music, my passion for sound and composition only grew.

My journey truly began with a Casio VL-Tone, a keyboard that allowed me to record simple melodies. Throughout my teenage years, I poured countless hours and resources into building my first collection of music gear, recording everything from theme songs to pop and punk covers with friends. In my early twenties, I played in several bands and immersed myself in the live music scene, which was a great experience but often came with late nights and long hours.

During this time, I also began exploring electronic music more seriously, acquiring my first proper setup: a Kawai keyboard, Technics sequencer, Alesis HR16 drum machine, and a Yamaha MT100 4-track recorder. These tools opened up new possibilities and inspired me to experiment with electronic music production and midi-based compositions.

A lifelong fan of science fiction, fantasy, and cinematic soundtracks, I soon found myself gravitating toward composing thematic music. Movies, being my second greatest passion, heavily influenced the direction of my creative work.

In my 30s, life’s demands shifted my focus toward career and family, but my love for music never waned. Entering my 40s, I had the opportunity to refocus, acquiring new gear and fully committing to my musical development. With the help of modern technology, I now have a home studio where I can bring my musical ideas to life with greater precision and depth.

My current setup includes a Korg Triton LE, Cubase 12, Nektar LE88, Steinberg UR824 interface, and an array of VSTs such as Kontakt, Halion Sonic SE, Retrologue, and EastWest Symphonic Choirs, among others. This home studio, built over nearly a decade, allows me to push creative boundaries and explore new sounds and compositions.

Based in Liverpool, I’m currently writing is almost every style. Rock songs for my band Inner Fire. Pop tracks inspired by the 80's and 90's. Theme music inspired by film and literature with the aspiration of one day scoring a full-length production. 

Since joining SoundCloud, I've had the privilege of connecting with talented musicians and creative minds from around the world. One of the most fulfilling collaborations has been with John Styles, where we’ve explored a wide range of musical genres. 

I’m also proud to serve as the principal composer for Music for Brains, a project dedicated to healing through music and creativity. Working on this project has been deeply rewarding, as it has allowed me to connect with individuals on an emotional level, crafting compositions inspired by their stories.

I’m always open to feedback and collaboration, as it helps me refine my craft. While working in the music industry is a dream, I am also a grateful family man, and the support of my loved ones plays a crucial role in fuelling my passion. I am thankful to have such a strong network of family and friends who encourage me to keep pursuing my musical ambitions.

If you're in need of music for a production or project, feel free to reach out. I would be excited to contribute my creativity and help bring your vision to life.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my music—I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Matt

Forthback is a little project of two soundclouders having fun making some music together...
We hope you enjoy our music and we appreciate every feedback and comments!
Thanks for listening.

electronic stuff, mostly with pads, chiptune blips and glitches

Listen to our new work just released "Pop Culture"!
for more information -> https://www.facebook.com/hollyhocksindie

The Hollyhocks are an Italian band who formed in Turin in 2009. The band's debut work is "A place to hide" EP, released by TDMC Records on 2nd May 2011.
Their first studio album "Pop Culture" was released in Turin (IT) on 11th September 2012.
Formed by Mattia Pafundi (guitar/vocals/keys),Gianluca Sivieri (drums),Gianluca Ariotti (guitar/keys) and Giorgio Rinaldi (bass).
The Hollyhocks musical style has been described as dark yet uplifting, drawing comparisons to Joy Division, Depeche Mode, White Lies and New Order.
Sounds “The Hollyhocks” proposes are very particular: by one side the always more inflated rediscovery of the synthetics of the 80s and on the other side, the taste for daring and creative sound contamination. In particular the use of synthesizers deviates towards electronic sounds where the elegant analogical structures intertwine with the characteristic rhythms of the modern Indie scene. The New Wave influence is quite noticeable and the wide use of the effects of the guitars points towards Shoegaze. A particularly dark nature seems to characterize the way of writing of the band where the surreality of the texts and the uneasiness, which is marked in some passages, are clear recollections of Post – Punk. However the image is very close to the chic-minimal of New York underground scene with the style, as a complementary element to the music. Their concerts are an adrenalin rush characterize by the use of strobe lights, which tries to completely engage the viewer and turns a simple live concert into a total show.

After months of attempting to perfect its sound, the band played many lives in Turin and also around Italy. They won a lot of competitions and boasts many interviews on webradios worldwide.
In May 2011 the band released its debut EP "A place to hide".
With generally positive reviews and feedback, specially in Europe and central/south America, the band published their first video on Youtube "Absinthe", main track of the work.
After this little success the band decided to work on their first studio album and began to write new songs.
Meanwhile the band updated a live video, performing "Anthem for burnt youth" at Lapsus,Turin.
On 21st February 2012 it was confirmed that The Hollyhocks were recording their first album with the producer Giulio Placano.
The band provided the public with an update:"something is happening".
Two months later the band announced on the official website that they had already recorded nine songs and that the record will be released after summer. They added :"the sound of new work will be very electronic, dark and strong. It does not last long, about half an hour, but these 30 minutes will be meaningful. The album represents the essence of the band and we're very proud of this" and explained:"Something is happening is not the album name, maybe it will have no one, or all the names you want".
Afterwards the band updates on the web the official tracklist of new work.
During the summer the album was mastering in London and a short video was released to present the new upcoming work called "Pop Culture".
On 11th October was published the album cover with the collaboration of N.V. Karajan, J. Elevator and Valentina Miele.
One week later the first video "Drowning Boulevard" was released, shot in Sardinia (IT), which anticipated the album release.
On 27th November The Hollyhocks presented Pop Culture with a live session at Astoria, Turin. After the release party, came out a live video of that night while the band is performing "Animals".
After some troubles inside the band, Paolo Gallicchio decided to give up the project and The Hollyhocks remained with 3 components.
Pop Culture was positively received by critics and italian webzines, who noted the strong 80's influence on the sound of the band. 
Some tracks of this album are available in free listening on Soundcloud.
They are currently working with a Dj on some new material which may either be part of a bootleg. One of the chosen song will probably be "Night Lights".

Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist. Guitarist & vocalist in Firecloud.  Born in Moscow, Russia. Taking classical piano lessons from the young age was a key factor in building up musical foundations, however discovering his parents vinyl collection changed the musical perspective completely!

After relocating to Australia with parents.. The passion for music was reignited over time. A decision to study acoustic & electric guitar and bass with some books was definitely a lengthy affair. Ten years later, singing was added to the practice routine and with discipline and determination, a few original songs were written. 

Favourite artists & influences include: Beatles, Jellyfish, Eleven, Alain Johanness, Steve Marriott, The Sweet, Slade, Tommy Bolin, Aerosmith, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, King Crimson, Queen, Boston, Stone Temple Pilots, Nick Drake, Kate Bush, Beach Boys, Suede, Fishbone, Chris Cornell, Alice In Chains, Todd Rundgren, Richie Kotzen, Spacehog, Scott Henderson, Adrian Belew, The Carpenters, Harry Nillsson, Nina Hagen, Miles Davis, John Scofield, Jaco, EWF, Ohio Players, Blood Sweat & Tears,  Bootsy Collins, T-Rex, Jamiroquai, Prince, Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Sixto Rodriguez, Uli Jon Roth, Paul Gilbert, Steve Lukather, Leslie West, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Glenn Hughes,Marty Friedman, Eddie Van Halen, Rory Gallagher, Eric Clapton, Hendrix, SRV, Allman brothers, Mr.Big

Just trying to catch those melodies out of the air to share while Interpreting the world in my unique way.

Followers of Forthback