Music Maker Matt McArthur on Hosting Battle of the Bands at The Sinclair

Not everyone can become a rockstar. Few know that better than Matt McArthur, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. He admits that he once did fantasize about moving like Mick Jagger at Wembley Stadium, but discovered his true calling as a facilitator helping musicians find their beat. In 2011, he founded The Record Company, a nonprofit focused on providing high quality music resources and a recording studio for aspiring artists and students.

The Purpose: My job is to make sure that people around me have the resources and the network to accomplish their goals.

Breaking Ground: The Record Co. is expanding from 5,000-square-feet to 12,500-square-feet of community music workspace, including additional recording studios, rehearsal suites training room and an event venue. Seeing our community walk through the doors on opening day is going to be an emotional experience. We still need to raise money.

The Impact: We hosted 1,325 affordable community recording sessions last year for more than 3,700 people. When people make music, they’re expressing their ideas and their views. They are broadcasting experiences for others to hear with them. By democratizing people’s ability to create music, we help give people a voice.

The Party: We’re hosting a Battle of the Bands at The Sinclair in Cambridge on May 2. A lot of our donors have their own bands will perform as well as emerging and super established musicians. For tickets, check out therecordco.org!