Thanks to certain modern miracles in technology, and the seeming magic of the internet, you too can have former Atlantic Records recording artist, member of Jump, Little Children, and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Bivins on your self-released album. In fact, it’s wicked easy.

Is your current indie-rock masterpiece missing a certain je ne sais quoi? Are you finding that it’s harder than you would ever imagine to find a local harmonica, accordion, tin whistle, or mandolin player that would truly appreciate the deeper subtleties of your art? Your life’s work? Your soul, set to music??

Well, I can’t promise that I will, either. But I’m willing to give it a shot. For a small fee, of course. (Hey, no one said that Empathy would always come for free.)

All I need from you is a mp3. A rough track, preferably with rhythm tracks, guitar, and a scratch vocal, if applicable. I will then open your song into ProTools and play along with it, using the instrument that you feel is best for the song. You can either give me, via email, stylistic suggestions on what you’re wanting on the track, or leave it up to me. I will then offer you a series of takes, depending on what is needed. You, as producer, get to choose which take you like. In fact, if you’re a audio software wizard, you can cut and paste the takes yourself, creating a “comp” of the ones I send.

Just because I use Pro Tools doesn’t mean that you will have to. The files I send you in return, based on the mp3(s) that you give me originally, should work with any audio software, from Pro Tools to Logic to Cubase and even Garage Band.

Why am I doing this, you might ask? For the sheer fun and profit. One of my favorite things is collaborating with relative strangers. Seeing what makes others tick, by their form of artistic expression. And along the same lines, if I can help in any way in supporting someone else’s dreams, all the better. And in turn, you’re helping support mine, by making more of my income art-related. It’s a win-win situation.

Are you interested? Just write to guestartist@matthewbivins.com, and let’s get started!