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Matt Good
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Matthew Aaron Good (born February 11, 1984) is an American musician, singer and record producer. He is best known for being the lead guitarist, lead vocalist and the only constant member of the post-hardcore band From First to Last from its conception in 1999 until now. He was formerly the guitarist of grindcore band The Color of Violence, which featured future From First to Last members Travis Richter, Derek Bloom, and Joey Antillon. He joined Chiodos vocalist Craig Owens' band, D.R.U.G.S., eventually moving on to produce music under the name Kit Fysto with friend AJ Calderon. He currently owns and operates a music recording studio in Tempe, Arizona called Good Sounds and plays guitar in From First to Last. He also produced Asking Alexandria's self titled album, which was released on 15 December 2017.
Musical career
[edit]The Color of Violence and From First to Last (2002–2010, 2013–Present)
[edit]Good was originally in grindcore outfit The Color of Violence, then known as Skeleton Slaughter vs. Fetus Destroyer. The band had started as a full-time project, but Good, along with fellow members Travis Richter, Derek Bloom, and Joey Antillon, decided to move on to form From First to Last.[1]
From First to Last (then known as simply First Too Last) was founded by guitarist-vocalist Travis Richter and Good. The group, then having a rotating line-up, released their debut EP, Aesthetic, on Four Leaf Recordings in New York.[2] Good and Bloom were the only original members to be on all of the band's releases. They were featured on all four of the band's full-length albums and went on all of their tours.
Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (D.R.U.G.S.) (2010–2012)
[edit]After being kicked out of Chiodos in late 2009, Craig Owens had started saying that he was putting a new band together, which was unnamed at the time. Owens later revealed the name of the new band was D.R.U.G.S., which is an acronym for Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows. Owens started to reveal band members one by one through video blogs. By the time the last member was announced, the band consisted of Craig Owens as the lead vocalist, Matt Good as a guitarist and vocalist, Nick Martin also as a guitarist and vocalist, Adam Russell as bassist and Aaron Stern as the drummer. The band entered the recording studio on August 25, 2010, and finished recording the album on October 21 of the same year. The band then went on their first headlining tour Rise from the Ashes Tour, supported by Eyes Set To Kill and New Medicine, taking place between December 4–19, 2010. The band announced that the album would be titled D.R.U.G.S. with a release date of February 22, 2011.
Kit Fysto and Rumors Surrounding New D.R.U.G.S. Project (2012–2013)
[edit]While in D.R.U.G.S., Matt Good and friend AJ Calderon created a side project named "juiceb0x". The two produced a few Dubstep/Electronica remixes under that name. Later, however, they changed their name from "juiceb0x" to Kit Fysto, due to a copyright infringement issue. After Matt Good and two other band members left D.R.U.G.S., Kit Fysto became Matt Good and AJ Calderon's full-time project. The two are scheduled to play their first live show together June 22, 2012 at The Electric Glow Festival in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The two have an official YouTube channel, KitFystoOfficial, which only has one video due to the fact that Matt Good and AJ Calderon have a newfound addiction to Diablo III.
Matt Good and all the other former members of Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows excluding Craig Owens who returned to Chiodos, discussed forming a new unnamed project together, but due to Good and the other two ex-members of D.R.U.G.S having to sign a contract when they first joined the band stating that they could not be a band without Owens, they could not carry on with this new project.
From First to Last Reunion (2013–Present)
[edit]In November 2013, it was announced that FFTL would be reuniting. The lineup would consist of Good, Travis Richter, Derek Bloom and Matt Manning. Bloom was unable to take part in the reunion, so Good recruited Taylor Larson on guitar, Spencer Sotelo of Periphery on vocals, and Ernie Slenkovich on drums. FFTL's Kickstarter project was successfully funded in late 2013. Their original goal was to write and record an EP, but they ultimately decided to release an LP. That full-length album, titled "Dead Trees," was released in April 2015 under Sumerian Records. FFTL played their first reunion show with Black Veil Brides on Halloween night of 2014 at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, Arizona. They went on to complete a short West coast U.S. tour in December 2014.[3][4]
Kill It With Fire (2016)
[edit]In October 2016, Matt announced via Twitter that he is involved in a new band called Kill It With Fire. The band includes Matt Good on vocals and guitar, along with Ben Bruce from Asking Alexandria on guitar, and Zack Hansen from The Word Alive on bass,(drummer TBA). Matt Good stated "It's gonna be pretty pop punk, but not too pop punk. Just the right amount". Matt also stated the record will probably be done by Christmas.[5][6] However, all tweets regarding the project has since been deleted and has not been mentioned since, placing the status of project in unknown.
Good Sounds and Music Production
[edit]Aside from performing, Good runs a recording studio in Tempe, Arizona called Good Sounds where he produces, mixes, and masters full-length albums and EPs. He works closely with K&Z Entertainment and has many releases to his name. He has worked with many big bands such as Asking Alexandria, The Word Alive, and Attila.
Discography
[edit]- with From First to Last
| Year | Artist | Album | Label | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | From First to Last | Aesthetic | Four Leaf Recordings | Guitarist/Vocalist |
| 2004 | From First to Last | Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count | Epitaph Records | Guitarist/Backing Vocalist |
| 2006 | From First to Last | Heroine | Epitaph Records | Guitarist/Backing Vocalist |
| 2008 | From First to Last | From First to Last | Suretone/Interscope Records | Guitarist/Vocalist |
| 2010 | From First to Last | Throne to the Wolves | Rise Records | Guitarist/Vocalist |
| 2015 | From First to Last | Dead Trees | Sumerian Records | Producer/Writer/Guitarist/Backing Vocalist |
- with Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (D.R.U.G.S.)
| Year | Artist | Album | Label | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | D.R.U.G.S. | D.R.U.G.S. | Decaydance Records | Guitarist/Backing Vocalist |
- as a producer
| Year | Artist | Album | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Survive Said the Prophet | Luv Sux Sessions | Producer/Mixer |
| TX2 | "Hollow Frame" | Producer/Composer/Mixer | |
| Archers | Temporary High EP | Producer/Writer | |
| Keep Close | Let You In EP | Producer/Writer/Mixer | |
| Nerv | Lost EP | Producer/Co-Writer | |
| TX2 | "Hostage" | Producer/Composer/Mixer | |
| "Infamous" | |||
| Arsenic Kitchen | "G.S.S." | Producer | |
| 2024 | Remember the Monsters | Hostage EP | |
| Escape the Fate | "M.O.N.S.T.E.R" | ||
| TX2 | Cruel World EP | Writer/Mixer/Guitar/Producer | |
| Remember the Monsters | "Toxic" | Producer | |
| Danny Rose | Danny Rose EP | Producer/Writer "Treading Water", "Too Long", "Better Than Yesterday" | |
| TX2 | "Vendetta" | Producer/Mixer | |
| Az The World Burnz | "Kiss From A Rose" | Producer | |
| 2023 | TX2 | Ghost of LA EP | Writer/Producer "Black Wedding", "6 Seconds Left" |
| Hyro the Hero | Bound for Glory | Producer/Composer/Mixer | |
| Asking Alexandria | Where Do We Go from Here? | Producer/Mixer/Co-Writer | |
| The Word Alive | Hard Reset | Producer/Writer "One of Us", "Fade Away", "War With You" | |
| Eerie Weather | Pale Flowers | Producer/Mixer/Co-Writer "Colorless" | |
| Butcher Babies | Eye for an Eye... | Producer/Mixer/Co-Writer | |
| Zillion | Chew EP | Producer/Writer/Mixer "Chew", "The Basement", "War Inside of Me" | |
| 2022 | Hyro the Hero | "Retaliation Generation" | Producer/Composer/Mixer |
| Capsize | "Fading Face" | Producer/Writer/Mixer | |
| Dragged Under | Upright Animals | Composer/Mixer | |
| 2021 | Gemini Syndrome | 3rd Degree - The Raising | Producer/Co-Writer |
| Asking Alexandria | See What's on the Inside | Producer | |
| Johnny 3 Tears | The Abyss | Producer/Writer/Engineer | |
| The Haunt | Social Intercourse EP | Producer/Writer/Engineer/Mixer | |
| 2020 | |||
| Hollywood Undead | New Empire, Vol. 2 | Producer/Co-Writer/Engineer | |
| The Word Alive | "Pardon Me" | Producer | |
| Asking Alexandria | Like a House on Fire | ||
| Paul Bartolome | Screaming Through the Radio | ||
| Stitched Up Heart | Darkness | Producer/Guitar/Composer/Mixer | |
| Alita | "Human Nature" | Mixer | |
| Hollywood Undead | New Empire, Vol. 1 | Producer/Engineer | |
| Tattoo the Scars | "Cheers To the Tragedy" | Producer | |
| Anti-Flag | 20/20 Vision | Producer/Mixer/Engineer | |
| 2019 | Otherwise | Defy | Producer/Composer |
| Remember the Monsters | "Close Encounters" | Producer | |
| Sleeping with Sirens | How It Feels to Be Lost | ||
| First and Forever | "Chicago" | Producer/Engineer | |
| A Fall to Break | Disaster, Destruction and After | Producer/Mixer/Mastering/Engineer | |
| Skrillex | "Mumbai Power" | Writer | |
| At My Mercy | Balance Symmetry | Producer | |
| Remember the Monsters | "Sink" | ||
| Famous Last Words | Arizona EP | ||
| 2018 | After the Calm | "Stuck on Repeat" | |
| Capsize | "Fragile" | ||
| Never Us | Retrograde EP | Producer/Guest Vocals | |
| Hollywood Undead | "Another Level" | Producer | |
| The Word Alive | Violent Noise | Producer/Mixer | |
| Blessthefall | Hard Feelings | Co-Producer | |
| Attila | "Callout 2" | Producer | |
| American Avenue | "Make War" | Writer | |
| Amor | Love vs. Logic | Producer/Composer | |
| 2017 | Asking Alexandria | Asking Alexandria | Producer |
| Beyond Unbroken | Don't Wake the Dead EP | ||
| Ded | "Architect" | Mixer | |
| Memphis May Fire | "Virus" | Producer | |
| The Word Alive | "Misery" | ||
| 2016 | Note to Self | "Agony Complete" | |
| Upon a Burning Body | Straight From The Barrio | ||
| Whitney Peyton | Firecracker | ||
| Caroline Burt | "100" | ||
| Romance Mechanics | Ghost Stories EP | Producer/Mixer | |
| Memphis May Fire | This Light I Hold | ||
| Stands With Fists | "The Meaning" | Producer | |
| At My Mercy | At My Mercy EP | ||
| The Word Alive | Dark Matter | Producer/Co-Writer | |
| Vampires Everywhere! | Ritual | ||
| Orenda | In Difference | Producer | |
| 2015 | Run 2 Cover | Lovesick | Producer/Co-Writer |
| From First to Last | Dead Trees | ||
| Veil of Maya | Matriarch | Programming | |
| Message to the Masses | Means to an End EP | Producer/Co-Writer | |
| Animus Complex | Immersion | Producer | |
| Stands with Fists | Cinematic Mind | Producer/Co-Writer | |
| Nekrogoblikon | Heavy Meta | Mixer | |
| Ella Kaye | Comas Collide EP | Producer/Co-Writer | |
| 2014 | Capture | Reign of Terror | |
| Some Call Us Heroes | Destinations EP | ||
| Crisis In Victory | Drown Your Sorrows EP | ||
| Chivalry Is Dead | This Is Rebellion EP | ||
| Straight on 'til Morning | Ruckus EP | Producer/Mixer | |
| 2013 | Chivalry Is Dead | To Those Who Are Abandoned EP | Producer/Co-Writer |
References
[edit]- ^ "The Color of Violence - Artist Bio" Epitaph Records website. Retrieved on 27 September 2010.
- ^ "allmusic ((( From First to Last > Biography )))". Allmusic. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
- ^ "Matt Good (D.R.U.G.S) Discusses New Project Kit Fysto"
- ^ "D.R.U.G.S. Members Working On New Project"
- ^ "Matt Good making Kill it With Fire announcement on Twitter"
- ^ "Matt Good discussing the genre of the new band"
| Authority control databases: Artists |
|---|
Matt Good
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood in Florida
Matthew Aaron Good was born on February 11, 1984, in Valrico, Florida, a suburban community in Hillsborough County near Tampa.[5][2] He grew up in the Tampa Bay area during his early years, in a residential setting typical of Florida's central-west suburbs, where families often settled for its proximity to urban amenities and milder climate compared to northern states.[6] Details about Good's immediate family, including siblings or parental occupations, remain private and are not widely documented in public records or interviews. Good attended Bloomingdale High School in Valrico, Florida, graduating around 2002, where he began forming his first band during high school. His childhood experiences centered on local schooling in the Valrico and surrounding regions, laying the foundation for his later teenage years before transitioning to other pursuits.Initial musical influences and entry into scene
Growing up in Florida, Matt Good immersed himself in the state's burgeoning music scene during the late 1990s, where pop-punk and emerging hardcore sounds were gaining traction among local teenagers.[7] This environment sparked his interest in guitar and vocals, leading him to participate in informal groups and jam sessions with peers attending recording schools in Orlando.[7] Around 1999, Good connected with other aspiring musicians, including those from Georgia studying in Florida, fostering collaborations that blended diverse genres like alternative rock and metal.[7] Good's early inspirations drew from pop-punk and 90s alternative rock prevalent in the regional scene, which encouraged his self-exploration of instruments without formal training.[7] By the late 1990s, he was experimenting with basic recordings and demos in local settings, honing his skills on guitar and vocals through trial and error in garage-style setups common to Florida's DIY punk community.[7] These initial forays laid the foundation for his technical abilities, emphasizing raw energy over polished technique.Musical career
The Color of Violence and early From First to Last (1999–2007)
In 1999, Matt Good co-founded the band initially known as First Too Last in Tampa, Florida, alongside bassist Scott Oord and others, marking his entry into the local music scene as a self-taught guitarist and vocalist. The group experimented with post-hardcore sounds during this formative period, laying the groundwork for Good's professional career. By 2002, the band rebranded as From First to Last and expanded its lineup to include guitarist Travis Richter, solidifying its direction in the emerging post-hardcore genre.[8][9] Around the same time in 2002, Good joined The Color of Violence, a grindcore and experimental hardcore side project formed by Richter and drummer Derek Bloom, who would also become key members of From First to Last. This band, originally under the name Skeleton Slaughter vs. Fetus Destroyer, served as an outlet for more extreme and noise-driven music, featuring Good on guitar alongside Bloom, Richter, Joey Antillion, and Chad Crews. The group released a three-song self-titled EP in early 2003 and undertook a brief tour, but disbanded shortly after, allowing its members to focus on From First to Last. The Color of Violence's raw energy influenced the heavier elements in From First to Last's early sound, acting as a creative precursor for Good and his collaborators.[10][11] Good's integration into From First to Last's core lineup as lead guitarist and backing vocalist proved pivotal during the band's early years. He contributed significantly to their debut EP, Aesthetic, self-released on Four Leaf Recordings in 2003, where he handled lead guitar duties and provided backing vocals on tracks that blended melodic post-hardcore with screamo intensity. The EP featured vocals from Good, Richter, and vocalist Phil Reardon, showcasing the band's evolving dynamic. Following this, From First to Last signed with Epitaph Records and released their debut full-length album, Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count, in June 2004, with Good co-writing and performing guitar and backing vocals on songs that captured teen angst through intricate riffs and emotional delivery. The album's production highlighted Good's technical skills, including his use of effects to enhance the post-hardcore aesthetic.[12][13] Dear Diary sold over 100,000 copies, establishing From First to Last as a notable player in the genre's early-2000s wave. In April 2006, amid growing popularity, the band signed a deal with Capitol Records, positioning them for broader exposure while Good continued to shape their sound through his guitar work and songwriting contributions up to 2007.[14][15]From First to Last peak and departure (2008–2010)
In 2008, From First to Last released their self-titled third studio album on Suretone Records, marking Matt Good's full transition to lead vocals alongside his role on lead guitar following the departure of previous frontman Sonny Moore.[16] This shift, which began during the recording of the band's 2007 Aesthetic EP, allowed Good to shape the album's more melodic post-hardcore sound, emphasizing clean singing over the chaotic screams of earlier works.[17] The album debuted at number 125 on the Billboard 200, selling 9,765 copies in its first week, a decline from the band's prior release but reflective of their sustained presence in the scene amid extensive touring, including a full run on the Vans Warped Tour that summer. Band dynamics during this period highlighted Good's growing creative control, as he contributed significantly to songwriting and production, fostering a tighter, more introspective style on tracks like "Worlds Away" and "Deliverance," which showcased his versatile vocal delivery blending aggression with melody.[18] However, the demands of lead vocal duties began to strain Good personally, with live performances limiting his ability to engage fully in the band's high-energy stage antics due to the need to focus on singing.[19] These challenges compounded internal shifts, including the late 2009 departure of founding guitarist and unclean vocalist Travis Richter, cited by the band as a result of members growing apart and a loss of creative synergy, though they maintained no lasting animosity.[20] By 2010, From First to Last signed with Rise Records and released their fourth album, Throne to the Wolves, on March 16, with Good handling co-production duties alongside Lee Dyess and taking center stage on vocals for its raw, venomous tracks like "Cashing Out" and "Now That You're Gone," the latter addressing personal themes of loss and fractured relationships.[21] The album debuted at number 118 on the Billboard 200 with approximately 4,800 first-week sales, signaling a continued but modest commercial trajectory amid ongoing lineup instability.[22] Tensions from vocal strain and creative differences culminated in Good's announcement of an indefinite hiatus on July 28, 2010, after nearly eight years and four albums of relentless touring.[23] In his statement, Good emphasized the evolving personal priorities of the members—himself, drummer Derek Bloom, and bassist Matt Manning—while affirming their close friendship and absence of bad blood, noting, "The times are changing and we all have new things we want to pursue... We just feel like it’s time to move on to new things."[23] This pause allowed the band to end on a note of gratitude toward fans, preserving their legacy without further discord, as Good shifted focus to individual endeavors in the immediate aftermath.[19]D.R.U.G.S. formation and activity (2010–2012)
Following his departure from From First to Last in 2010, Matt Good joined forces with vocalist Craig Owens (formerly of Chiodos) to form the post-hardcore supergroup Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, commonly abbreviated as D.R.U.G.S.. The band was assembled that year in Pontiac, Michigan, with Owens recruiting Good on lead guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, programming, and backing vocals; Nick Martin (ex-Underminded) on rhythm guitar and backing vocals; Adam Russell (ex-Story of the Year) on bass and backing vocals; and Aaron Stern (ex-Matchbook Romance) on drums. This lineup drew from established scenes in the post-hardcore and emo communities, aiming to create a collaborative project that showcased each member's strengths in a fresh context.[24][25] D.R.U.G.S. released their self-titled debut album on February 22, 2011, through Sire Records and Decaydance Records. The record featured 12 tracks blending aggressive post-hardcore riffs with electronic elements, including synthesizers and programming that added atmospheric layers to the chaotic vocal deliveries and breakdowns, evoking influences from electronicore while rooted in the genre's emotional intensity. Standout songs like "Sex & Satellites" and "My Swagger Has a First Name" highlighted Good's multifaceted contributions, from shredding guitar solos to intricate synth textures that propelled the band's dynamic sound. The album received positive reviews for its high-energy production and supergroup synergy, marking a pivotal shift for Good into a more electronically infused style.[26][24] To promote the album, D.R.U.G.S. embarked on extensive touring throughout 2011 and into 2012, including a prominent slot on the Vans Warped Tour that summer, where they performed alongside acts like A Day to Remember and Bring Me the Horizon. The band headlined U.S. tours, such as a 2012 run with support from Sparks the Rescue and Hit the Lights, focusing on mid-sized venues to build a dedicated fanbase through high-octane live sets that emphasized Good's keyboard-driven breakdowns and Owens' soaring vocals. These efforts solidified D.R.U.G.S. as a live force in the post-hardcore scene, with promotional videos and pre-order incentives like early track releases helping to generate buzz around their electronic-tinged aesthetic.[27][28] The band disbanded in April 2012 after Owens announced his return to Chiodos, prompting Good, Martin, and Stern to depart due to shifting priorities and the inability to sustain the project without its core vocalist. In a joint statement, the departing members expressed gratitude for the collaboration but cited the need to pursue individual paths amid the abrupt changes. This dissolution ended D.R.U.G.S.' initial run after just one album and a series of tours, though it left a lasting impact on Good's evolution as a multi-instrumentalist in heavier music circles.[29]Solo projects and interim work (2012–2015)
Following the dissolution of D.R.U.G.S. in April 2012, Matt Good pursued independent creative endeavors, including his electronic music project Kit Fysto, a duo formed with collaborator AJ Calderon.[30] The project emphasized experimental dubstep and melodic electronic styles, diverging from Good's prior post-hardcore work by incorporating rap influences and heavy bass drops.[31] Kit Fysto released a series of remixes in 2012, functioning as an informal EP under the pseudonym, with key tracks including "Middle Finger" by Cobra Starship (Kit Fysto Remix) and "Wake Up" by Story of the Year (Kit Fysto Remix), alongside others like "Prom Night" by Jeffree Star (Kit Fysto Remix).[31] These productions showcased Good's exploration of digital sound design and genre fusion, earning attention in the electronic scene through online platforms and live performances, such as a show at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on September 29, 2012.[32] The duo's output remained limited to these experimental remixes during this period, reflecting Good's interim shift toward production-heavy solo efforts. Amid speculation about a potential revival or new iteration of D.R.U.G.S. in late 2012 and 2013, Good clarified in interviews that contractual obligations from the band's breakup prevented any immediate continuation, redirecting his energy to Kit Fysto and other ventures.[33] No formal developments materialized from these rumors, though they highlighted ongoing interest in Good's contributions to the project. Good also began establishing himself in Arizona's local music scene during this time, relocating to Tempe and laying the groundwork for his production studio, Good Sounds, where he handled mixing and engineering for emerging acts.[34] This interim phase included side collaborations on electronic remixes and local performances, bridging his band experience with independent production. By 2015, these efforts culminated in explorations toward new band formations, setting the stage for the 2016 announcement of Kill It With Fire, a supergroup project featuring Good on guitar and vocals alongside members from Asking Alexandria and The Word Alive.[35]From First to Last reunion and ongoing involvement (2013–present)
In November 2013, Matt Good announced the reunion of From First to Last, returning to the band as lead vocalist and guitarist alongside original members Derek Bloom on drums, Matt Manning on bass, and Travis Richter on rhythm guitar and unclean vocals. The reunion was driven by persistent fan demand, including a dedicated Facebook group called "Revive From First To Last," and Good's desire to recapture the band's aggressive, high-energy sound from earlier albums like Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Count. To fund the project, the band launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new EP, which exceeded its goal and ultimately expanded into a full-length album produced by Good himself.[36] Following the addition of clean vocalist Spencer Sotelo of Periphery in 2014, From First to Last released their comeback album Dead Trees on April 28, 2015, through Sumerian Records. The album featured a blend of post-hardcore aggression, electronic elements, and melodic hooks, with singles like the title track and a re-recorded version of "Note to Self" marking the band's evolution toward a more polished production style. Reception was mixed, with critics praising the tight instrumentation and Sotelo's soaring vocals on tracks like "Acidic" while faulting others for feeling derivative and overly commercialized within the genre. For instance, Sputnikmusic described it as "unoriginal and stale," one of the weaker post-hardcore efforts of the era, whereas The Circle Pit noted the strong opening half that exceeded expectations for a reunion project.[37][38][39][40] The reunion propelled From First to Last into a period of active touring and creative output, including a 2015 headlining U.S. tour supporting Dead Trees with dates across major cities and appearances at festivals that tapped into nostalgia for the 2000s post-hardcore scene. The band's efforts aligned with a broader revival of the genre, as evidenced by fan campaigns pushing for their inclusion in events like the inaugural When We Were Young Festival in 2022, which celebrated emo and post-hardcore acts from that era—though From First to Last was notably absent despite Good publicly expressing surprise at the oversight. Subsequent lineup shifts, such as Sotelo's departure in 2016 and the temporary return of original vocalist Sonny Moore in 2017 for singles like "Make War," did not disrupt Good's central role as the band's primary songwriter, producer, and performer. Through 2022, Good maintained steady involvement, contributing to sporadic releases and live shows that sustained the group's cult following in the post-hardcore community.[41][42]Recent band activities and announcements (2023–2025)
In September 2023, Matt Good announced via social media that From First to Last had begun developing new material with him handling lead vocals, signaling a creative resurgence for the band.[43] In early 2024, Good voiced public frustration over the band's exclusion from the When We Were Young Festival lineup, describing it as "literally insane" that organizers had never approached From First to Last despite their pivotal role in the early 2000s emo and post-hardcore scenes. He highlighted the addition of Taking Back Sunday to the October 19–20, 2024, event in Las Vegas as particularly perplexing, suggesting the festival overlooked the band's enduring fanbase and historical significance.[42] By September 2025, From First to Last released the single "Mirror Soul," featuring a guest appearance by Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens, which was written and recorded in a rapid three-hour session. The track underscored the band's spontaneous approach to creativity, with Good noting in a contemporaneous interview that such quick collaborations kept the project dynamic without rigid planning. This release preceded two key performances: a 25-minute set at Louder Than Life in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 20, 2025, and a longer 50-minute show at Furnace Fest in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 3, 2025, where Quinn joined the lineup including Good, Travis Richter, Matt Manning, and Chris Lent on drums.[44][45] During a September 19, 2025, appearance on DJ Rossstar's show, Good discussed the band's future, emphasizing opportunistic bookings over formal tours and hinting at potential additional shows in 2026 while affirming no immediate plans for a full album or extensive unreleased material beyond ongoing demos. As of November 2025, no further tour dates or major project announcements had emerged, with the focus remaining on these festival appearances to gauge fan response.[45]Production and studio work
Establishment of Good Sounds
In the early 2010s, Matt Good transitioned from performing primarily with bands to focusing on production, establishing Good Sounds Studios in Tempe, Arizona, around 2012–2013 as a dedicated space for recording and mixing.[46][36] This move aligned with his growing interest in engineering, prompted initially by a manager's suggestion to assist local band Chivalry Is Dead with production and songwriting, marking the beginning of his hands-on involvement in the studio environment.[46] As owner and operator, Good outfitted the studio with professional-grade equipment tailored for efficient workflows in rock and metal genres, including Pro Tools as the primary DAW, Apogee Symphony MK II audio interface, Slate Digital Trigger plugin for drum processing, JST Jason Richardson signature guitar plugins, and vocal chain components such as the Sony C100 microphone, Universal Audio U 1073 preamp, and 1176 compressor.[47] The setup emphasized quick template-based starts with heavy emphasis on impactful low-end elements like drums and bass, reflecting Good's multi-instrumentalist background and desire for high-volume, aggressive mixes suited to post-hardcore and metalcore aesthetics.[47] Tempe's location in Arizona's active underground music scene provided strategic access to emerging local talent, allowing Good to build a client base without the high costs of larger markets.[48] Initially purpose-built for post-hardcore and metalcore projects, the studio served as a hub for Good to experiment with local acts, capturing raw energy and helping bands refine their sound through stylistic evolutions like incorporating EDM-inspired elements into rock structures.[46][47] Over time, Good Sounds evolved from a modest operation handling demos and EPs for regional artists into a cornerstone of his production career, enabling high-profile sessions by streamlining processes like MIDI editing and resampling for unique tonal character, which supported his shift toward major-label collaborations while maintaining a focus on artist trust and vision.[47]Key production credits and collaborations
Matt Good has established himself as a prominent producer in the metalcore and post-hardcore scenes since 2016, collaborating with major acts to refine their sound through polished, high-energy recordings. His production on Asking Alexandria's self-titled album, released in December 2017 via Sumerian Records, marked a pivotal reunion project for the band, featuring co-production with Jonathan Davis and emphasizing aggressive riffs and dynamic vocal layers recorded at Good Sounds Studio in Tempe, Arizona.[49][50] The album's production highlighted Good's ability to balance raw intensity with clarity, contributing to tracks like "Alone in a Room" that showcased the band's evolved electronic-metal fusion. Good continued his partnership with Asking Alexandria on their 2023 album Where Do We Go from Here?, released via Better Noise Music, where he handled full production and mixing across all 11 tracks.[51][52] Recorded at Good Sounds and Alexandria Studios, the project incorporated orchestral elements and thematic depth, with Good's oversight ensuring a cohesive blend of hard rock aggression and melodic hooks, as evident in singles like "Bad Blood."[53] This collaboration reinforced his role in elevating the band's commercial trajectory. In 2023, Good co-produced The Word Alive's seventh studio album Hard Reset alongside Hiram Hernandez and Erik Ron, released via Thriller Records, infusing metalcore with electronic textures on tracks like "One of Us" featuring Bad Omens.[54] His contributions extended to songwriting and production on select cuts, such as "War With You," where layered synths and heavy breakdowns amplified the album's themes of personal reinvention.[55] Good's production work extended to Escape the Fate's single "M.O.N.S.T.E.R.," released on October 31, 2024, via independent distribution, delivering a high-octane post-hardcore track with visceral guitar tones and rhythmic drive.[56][57] The song's production emphasized monstrous, anthemic choruses, aligning with the band's evolving sound while maintaining tight, impactful dynamics. Further diversifying his portfolio, Good produced TX2's Cruel World EP, a five-track release on October 30, 2024, via Hopeless Records, blending alternative metal with electronic influences on songs like the title track and "MAD" featuring Ice Nine Kills.[58] His mixing brought a sinister, heavy edge to the EP's motifs of isolation and rage, utilizing distorted programming to enhance its atmospheric tension.[59] In 2025, Good produced Survive Said the Prophet's Luv Sux Sessions, their first full-length album in three years, released on September 3 via Sony Music, overseeing the entire 10-track project with a focus on genre-blending rock and electronic elements.[60] Recorded in Phoenix, the album features his production on tracks like "State of Mind," incorporating live instrumentation with precise mixing to capture the band's global rock vision.[61][62] Good's production style draws heavily from his background as a performer in bands like From First to Last, where experiences with live energy and audience dynamics inform his emphasis on visceral, high-volume mixes that prioritize primal emotional impact over subtlety.[47] This performer perspective enables him to foster deep artistic bonds with clients, often spending extended sessions discussing shared influences to align on a song's core identity. Notable techniques include deploying pre-built Pro Tools templates with multi-layered drum samples—blending up to five kicks and snares via Slate Trigger for punchy rhythms—and MIDI-driven bass setups featuring sub-synth layers cut below 100 Hz alongside distorted, wide-phase elements for low-end cohesion. He also incorporates distortion on programmed strings and high-end shelving to integrate synthetic and organic sounds seamlessly, while advocating pitch adjustments across multiple keys to optimize vocal performance without relying solely on guitar tunings. The establishment of Good Sounds Studio in Tempe has served as a key enabling factor for these collaborations, providing a dedicated space for efficient, creative workflows.[47]Personal life
Family and relationships
Matt Good is married and maintains a private family life centered around his wife and one daughter. In a 2018 interview, he was described as a dedicated family man, emphasizing the importance of his wife and young daughter in his personal priorities.[63] Details about his daughter's birth year or name have not been publicly disclosed, reflecting Good's preference for privacy regarding his family.[63] Good has openly discussed how fatherhood has shaped his approach to his career, influencing him to focus more on studio production rather than rigorous touring schedules to better accommodate family time. For instance, he has noted that his daughter is unlikely to experience the hardships of van tours that marked his earlier years in music.[63] This balance allows him to remain involved in band activities and collaborations while being present for family milestones. In a 2024 interview, Good referenced his daughter regarding their shared interest in watching anime together, such as My Hero Academia and SPY x FAMILY, highlighting ongoing familial influences in his life.[64] Good operates his recording studio, Good Sounds, in Tempe, Arizona, where he resides with his family.[34][2]Residence and other interests
Matt Good relocated to Tempe, Arizona.[47] He maintains strong ties to the Tempe music scene, contributing to its vibrant post-hardcore and metal communities through ongoing collaborations and local performances.[2] Outside of music, Good pursues interests in video gaming, particularly enjoying competitive player-versus-player battles in World of Warcraft.[47] He also engages with comedy and alternative media, having attended a live recording of the podcast Last Podcast on the Left at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.[47] These hobbies provide a balance to his professional life, which he integrates with family responsibilities, including time with his daughter.[64]Discography
As performer
Matt Good's early performances as a musician took place in the grindcore band The Color of Violence, where he served as guitarist and vocalist on self-released demos and EPs from 1999 to 2002.[11] As a founding member of From First to Last, Good contributed lead guitar and co-lead vocals to the band's debut full-length album Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount (2004, Epitaph Records), which featured his songwriting on tracks like "Note to Self" and "Emily."[65] On the follow-up Heroine (2006, Epitaph Records), he shifted to lead guitar, backing vocals, and programming across most tracks, including the single "The One Armed Propeller."[66] Following Sonny Moore's departure, Good assumed lead vocal duties alongside his guitar work for the self-titled album From First to Last (2008, Suretone/Interscope Records), delivering performances on songs such as "Worlds Away" and "Two as One."[67] He continued as lead vocalist and guitarist on Throne to the Wolves (2010, Rise Records), co-writing and performing on the release's aggressive post-hardcore tracks like "Going Loco."[68] After a band hiatus, Good rejoined From First to Last in 2013 and provided lead guitar and co-lead vocals on Dead Trees (2015, Sumerian Records), sharing vocal responsibilities with Spencer Sotelo on cuts including "Dead Trees" and "Surrender."[69] In September 2023, he announced his full return as lead vocalist, marking a renewed focus on the band's classic lineup.[70] This led to the release of the single "Genesis" in July 2024 and "Mirror Soul" (feat. Kellin Quinn) in September 2025, where Good handled lead vocals and guitar on both, signaling ongoing projects.[70][71] Good expanded his performer role with the post-hardcore supergroup D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows), contributing guitar and songwriting to their self-titled debut album (2011, Equal Vision Records), notably on tracks like "The Duration" and "Sex Is Art."[72] In solo endeavors, Good launched the electronic project Kit Fysto in 2012 alongside collaborator A.J. Calderon, blending dubstep, rap, and rock elements in remixes such as those for Cobra Starship and Story of the Year.[31] He formed the band Kill It With Fire in 2016 with members from Asking Alexandria and The Word Alive, intended as a pop-punk project, though no releases have been issued to date.As producer
Following his involvement with D.R.U.G.S. in 2011, Matt Good began focusing more intensively on production work for other artists, establishing himself as a key figure in the post-hardcore and metalcore scenes during the mid-2010s. His early post-D.R.U.G.S. credits from 2012 to 2016 included producing A Fall to Break's debut album Disaster, Destruction and After (2014), which marked one of his first major external projects outside his performing roles. He continued with Nekrogoblikon's Heavy Meta (2015), Veil of Maya's Matriarch (2015), and Stands with Fists' Cinematic Mind (2015), showcasing his ability to blend aggressive riffs with polished electronic elements. In 2016, Good produced The Word Alive's Dark Matter, co-produced with Scott Stevens, and Memphis May Fire's This Light I Hold, both of which highlighted his growing reputation for delivering high-energy, radio-friendly metalcore soundscapes.[73] Good's production partnership with Asking Alexandria proved particularly enduring, starting with their self-titled album in 2017, where he handled production and mixing alongside Jonathan Dolgen, helping the band transition to a more mature rock-oriented sound upon Danny Worsnop's return. This collaboration extended to Like a House on Fire (2020), emphasizing straight-ahead rock influences, and culminated in Where Do We Go from Here? (2023), an 11-track effort that Good produced and mixed, mastered by Howie Weinberg. Meanwhile, his work with The Word Alive continued through Violent Noise (2018), where he served as the primary producer, incorporating the band's first official keyboardist Matt Horn and achieving strong streaming numbers with singles like "The Guillotine." These projects solidified Good's role in shaping the genre's evolution toward hybrid rock-metal aesthetics.[74] In recent years, Good has expanded his credits to include emerging and international acts. For TX2, he produced the Cruel World EP (2024) on Hopeless Records, contributing to tracks like the single "So Numb" and blending pop-punk with electronic breakdowns for a fresh alt-rock vibe. He also handled production on Escape the Fate's forthcoming album, announced in early 2025 sessions at his Good Sounds studio in Tempe, Arizona, building on his history of revitalizing post-hardcore lineups. Most notably, in 2025, Good produced and mixed Survive Said the Prophet's Luv Sux Sessions, their first full-length in three years, released August 20 via Jisedai Inc., featuring guest appearances including his own vocals on "State of Mind" and emphasizing the band's anime-inspired rock fusion. Notable singles under his production include Asking Alexandria's "Antisocialist" (2020) from Like a House on Fire, which amassed over 40 million Spotify streams as of 2025, and The Word Alive's "Trapped" (2016) from Dark Matter, a breakout track that underscored his knack for crafting viral metalcore hooks.[58][75] Overall, Good's production discography spans over 30 full-length releases and numerous singles since 2012, with a focus on metalcore, post-hardcore, and alternative rock acts; his collaborations have collectively garnered hundreds of millions of streams and multiple chart placements, often leveraging his Good Sounds studio as a central hub for innovative mixing techniques.[2]| Year | Artist | Release | Role | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | A Fall to Break | Disaster, Destruction and After | Producer | Debut album for the metalcore band. |
| 2015 | Nekrogoblikon | Heavy Meta | Producer | Folk-metal album with orchestral elements. |
| 2015 | Veil of Maya | Matriarch | Producer | Djent-influenced progressive metalcore. |
| 2015 | Stands with Fists | Cinematic Mind | Producer | Atmospheric post-hardcore release. |
| 2016 | The Word Alive | Dark Matter | Producer (co-) | Lead single "Trapped" exceeded 10 million streams. |
| 2016 | Memphis May Fire | This Light I Hold | Producer | Featured Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter on guest vocals. |
| 2017 | Asking Alexandria | Asking Alexandria | Producer, Mixer | Reunion album with Danny Worsnop; peaked at No. 27 on Billboard 200. |
| 2018 | The Word Alive | Violent Noise | Producer | First album with keyboardist Matt Horn. |
| 2020 | Asking Alexandria | Like a House on Fire | Producer | Shift to mainstream rock; No. 3 on UK Rock Chart. |
| 2023 | Asking Alexandria | Where Do We Go from Here? | Producer, Mixer | 11 tracks; mastered by Howie Weinberg. |
| 2024 | TX2 | Cruel World (EP) | Producer | Hopeless Records debut; includes "So Numb." |
| 2025 | Survive Said the Prophet | Luv Sux Sessions | Producer, Mixer | 10-track album; features "State of Mind" with Good on vocals. |
| 2025 | Escape the Fate | Untitled (forthcoming) | Producer | Sessions began in early 2025. |