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, Tyla, Kelly Rowland, Jessie Reyez, Willow Smith and Queen Naija.[3] Alongside longtime music partner Jordan Evans, Burnett previously managed Caesar. Currently, the duo manage Wilson. [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 nameMatthew Raymond Burnett[1]
Born (1991-07-24) July 24, 1991 (age 33)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
Years active2010 - Present
Labels
  • Golden Child Recordings
  • Hit-Heart Music Inc.
Websiteproducermatthewburnett.com

Biography

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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

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Record production

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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

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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

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Burnett served alongside longtime music partner Jordan Evans as the co-manager to Grammy Award-winning artist, Daniel Caesar. In partnership with Evans and Caesar, Burnett founded the independent record label Golden Child Recordings. They currently co-manage fellow Canadian rising star, Charlotte Day Wilson.[7][10]

Production Discography

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2010

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DrakeThank Me Later

EminemRecovery

Bun BTrill OG

Lil' WayneI Am Not a Human Being

  • 10. "Bill Gates" (produced with Boi-1da)

Drake – Unreleased single

Lloyd BanksThe Hunger For More 2

Keri HilsonNo Boys Allowed

2011

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DJ KhaledWe The Best Forever

Mindless Behavior#1 Girl

Down With WebsterTime to Win, Vol. 2

  • 07. "I Want It All" (produced with Boi-1da)

2012

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Childish GambinoRoyalty

NasLife Is Good

Busta RhymesYear of the Dragon

  • 09. "Sound Boy" (featuring Cam'ron) (produced with Boi-1da)[15]

2 ChainzBased on a T.R.U Story

  • 01. "Yuck" (featuring Lil Wayne) (produced with Streetrunner)

SlaughterhouseWelcome to Our House

Talib KweliAttack The Block

Nicki MinajPink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re–Up

  • 02. "Freedom" (produced with Boi-1da)

GameJesus Piece

2013

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Kelly RowlandTalk a Good Game

Rich GangRich Gang

Lil WayneDedication 5

  • 12. "Live Life" (featuring Euro) (produced with Streetrunner)

Audio PushCome as You Are

  • 09. "Turn Down" (produced with DZL)

DrakeNothing Was the Same

Doley Bernays – Just In Case

FabolousThe Soul Tape 3

2014

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Eric BellingerThe Rebirth

  • 06. "Delorean" (produced with T-Minus)

ZuseBullet

  • 11. "Oiler" (featuring Trae The Truth) (produced with Go Grizzly and DZL)

Sebastian Mikael – Speechless

G–EazyThese Things Happen

GameBlood Moon: Year of the Wolf

AstroComputer Era

  • 10. "N*gga Pls" (produced with [Boi-1da])

JahkoyForward Thinking[19]

OB O'Brien – "Schemin' Up" Single

2015

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Kyndall – Still Down EP

  • 02. "All Mine" (produced with Boi-1da and DZL)

RaekwonFly International Luxurious Art

  • 13. "Worst Enemy" (featuring Liz Rodrigues) (produced with DZL)

Daniel CaesarPilgrim's Paradise

KYLESmyle

Chris BrownRoyalty

Various artists – Magic Mike XXL Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

  • 08. "Untitled (How Does It Feel)"

2016

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June's Diary – "All of Us" Single

  • "All of Us" (produced with DZL)

Audio Push90951

  • 04. "Spread Love" (produced with DZL)

Daniel CaesarGet You – Single

Nathan SykesUnfinished Business

Ellie Goulding – Single

PartyNextDoor – TBD

11:11 - 11:11 (Executive producer with DZL)

  • 01. "West Side"
  • 02. "You"
  • 03. "Byo"
  • 04. "I'm Good"
  • 05. "My Bish"
  • 06. "Henny & Gin"
  • 07. "Don't Worry"

2017

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Joyner Lucas508-507-2209

Chris BrownHeartbreak on a Full Moon

Daniel CaesarFreudian (Executive producer with Jordan Evans)

  • 01. "Get You" (feat. Kali Uchis)
  • 02. "Best Part" (feat. H.E.R)
  • 03. "Hold Me Down" (produced with Alex Ernewein and Riley Bell)
  • 04. "Neu Roses (Transgressor's Song)"
  • 05. "Loose" (produced with Alex Ernewein)
  • 06. "We Find Love" (produced with Jordon Manswell)
  • 07. "Blessed"
  • 08. "Take Me Away" (feat. Syd) (produced with Riley Bell)
  • 09. "Transform" (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) (produced with Alex Ernewein and Riley Bell)
  • 10. "Freudian" (produced with and Riley Bell)

2018

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Jessie Reyez feat. Daniel Caesar – Single

Daniel Caesar – Single

2019

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Snoh AalegraUgh, Those Feels Again

  • 06. "Toronto" (produced with Riley Bell)

Daniel CaesarCase Study 01 (Executive producer with Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar)

2020

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Fousheé – Single

  • "Single AF" (produced with Solomonophonic)

2021

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Dylan Sinclair - Single

  • "Black Creek Drive" (produced with Jordan Evans and Zachary Simmonds)

2022

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Daniel Caesar - Single

Giveon - Give or Take

2023

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Daniel CaesarNEVER ENOUGH

Tours (musical direction)

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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
2022 ALPHA Charlotte Day Wilson
2023 The Jaguar Tour Victoria Monét

TV and live performances (musical direction)

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Year Performance Artist Link
2017 "Get You" & "We Find Love" - The Late Late Show With James Corden Daniel Caesar
2018 "Freudian" & "We Find Love" - Juno Awards Live Daniel Caesar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZrI5avizIw
2018 "Best Part" - Later with Jools Holland Daniel Caesar (Feat. H.E.R) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j045yEf2cLg
2018 "Figures, a Reprise" - Juno Awards Jessie Reyez (Feat. Daniel Caesar) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f6qLbg_paU
2018 "Japanese Denim" "Get You" & "Best Part - NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Daniel Caesar (Feat. H.E.R.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBKa-AAy_vo
2019 "Bad Boy/Medicine" - BET Experience Queen Naija https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOsoExR2tlA
2019 "Cyanide" - Jimmy Kimmel Live Daniel Caesar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alW0Y9ciBvk
2019 "Crazy/Far Away" - Jimmy Kimmel Live Jessie Reyez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSLSOnwyvQ
2019 "Imported" - Late Show with Stephen Colbert Jessie Reyez (Feat. 6LACK) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKW5jg–hz-0
2019 "Work" - The Late Late Show with James Corden Charlotte Day Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd8tKmJ8GdM
2020 "Far Away" - The Daily Show Jessie Reyez
2020 "Moment" - Jimmy Kimmel Live Victoria Monét https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCU53ZW8GKw
2020 "Slow Down" - Soul Train Awards Skip Marley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiTI6aJ8P8w
2020 "Lie to Me/Say What You Mean" - Jimmy Kimmel Live Queen Naija (Feat. Lil Durk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W39QY_jE59w
2021 "Do You Love Her" - Juno Awards Jessie Reyez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5P9QjO0qgw
2021 "Canadian Hip Hop Tribute" - Juno Awards Kardinal Offishall, Michie Mee, Jully Black,

DJ Starting from Scratch, Maestro Fresh Wes, NAV, Haviah Mighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82uGx4qgmRE
2022 "Mountains" - The Ellen DeGeneres Show Charlotte Day Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cajlcFX9DU8
2022 "How Does It Make You Feel" - (Live Performance) Vevo Victoria Monét https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AMZYZPSdtI
2022 "Mood" (Pt. 1) "Mutual Friend" / "Figures" "Only One" "Forever" / "Imported" "Mood" (Pt. 2)" - NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Jessie Reyez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSl5_RDCfrQ
2023 "Mutual Friend" - Juno Awards Jessie Reyez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJj8vWbTSeE
2023 "Still C U" - The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Jessie Reyez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0SGbl6wCo8
2023 "Always" - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Daniel Caesar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AyYn2g1ndY
2023 "On My Mama" - The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Victoria Monét https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvFYSMU3VeQ
2024 "Jump" - BET Awards 2024 Tyla https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cKfE5N13fs
2024 "PUSH 2 START" & "Water" - Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024 Tyla https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8n9wf0R1xo

Awards and nominations

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Grammy Awards

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Year Nominated work Award Result
2011 "Not Afraid" (Eminem) Best Rap Song Nominated
2017 "Freudian" (Daniel Caesar) Best R&B Album Nominated

Juno Awards

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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

Canadian Film Screen Awards

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Year Nominated work Award Result
2021 "Juno Awards of 2021" Best Live Entertainment Special Won

References

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  1. ^ a b "ACE Repertory". ASCAP. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  2. ^ "Canadian Producer Matthew Burnett Discusses Collaborations, Musical B…". archive.vn. 2013-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  3. ^ Remington's World Archived 2013-02-01 at archive.today. Accessed 7 Jan 2013.
  4. ^ "The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals - Movies". archive.vn. 2013-01-29. Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  5. ^ "The complete list of 2011 Juno nominations". Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  6. ^ a b "Daniel Caesar". GRAMMY.com. 2019-11-26. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  7. ^ a b c "Matthew Burnett - Music Producer". www.producermatthewburnett.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  8. ^ "Canadian Producer Matthew Burnett Discusses Collaborations, Musical B…". archive.vn. 2013-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  9. ^ Ruta, Mike (2011-07-09). "Pickering High graduates in musical 'collective'". DurhamRegion.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  10. ^ a b c "ACE Repertory". www.ascap.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  11. ^ "Canadian Producer Matthew Burnett Discusses Collaborations, Musical B…". archive.vn. 2013-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  12. ^ "Matthew Burnett - Music Producer". www.producermatthewburnett.com. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  13. ^ "ACE Repertory". www.ascap.com. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  14. ^ "Mindless Behavior". Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  15. ^ "Busta Rhymes". Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  16. ^ "Talib Kweli". Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  17. ^ "Matthew Burnett on Instagram". Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  18. ^ Burnett, Matthew [@PMBMusic] (December 25, 2013). "Merry Christmas: @myfabolouslife ft. @YoungJeezy - "You Know" Prod. by @Boi1da x @PMBMusic x @Vinylz #SoulTape3" (Tweet). Retrieved April 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ "Jahkoy Talks His Escape from Toronto". Noisey. 2015-03-03. Retrieved 2018-04-27.
  20. ^ Burnett, Matthew [@PMBMusic] (October 7, 2014). "The Game ft. French Montana, Sam Hook & Dubb - #marriedtothegame Prod. by @Boi1da @evansdc & @PMBMusic | http://t.co/2lIGSCUzV0" (Tweet). Retrieved April 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Burnett, Matthew [@PMBMusic] (June 16, 2017). "@JoynerLucas out now! #WayToGo feat. @snohaalegra prod. by me & @rileyibell. s/o & congrats to my brother @Boi1da 👊🏾❤️ https://t.co/qmTdvHr8Ky" (Tweet). Retrieved April 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
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