Matt Starr

Gretsch Artist Since: 2026

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Sarah McLachlan

Current Kit Setup:
Vintage 1980s USA Custom in Piano Black
8x10, 8x12, 9x13, 14x16, 16x22

Influences:
Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega, Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Fred White, James Gadson, Jim Gordon, Jim Keltner, Hal Blaine, John Guerin, Stan Lynch and so many more.

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
To my ears, Gretsch drums sound exactly how drums are supposed to sound and are uniquely musical. The tone goes deeper than is even possible to explain with words.

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
Be a good person, keep your ego in check and be a great player. If you do those things consistently, everyone will want to make music with you.

Bio:
Since 2002, Matt Starr has lived and worked in Los Angeles as a professional drummer. In that time, he has done many varied gigs, including label artist touring, live national television appearances, numerous recordings and major music festivals.

From 2004-2015, Matt taught private lessons and classroom seminars at his Alma Mater (Los Angeles College Of Music) under the leadership of the legendary Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey.

Matt is currently the drummer for multi-Grammy winning artist Sarah McLachlan. He has also toured and recorded with artists such as Christopher Cross (2008), Chris Shiflett (of the Foo Fighters 2018-2019), Deana Carter (2015-present), Amanda Shires (2022-present), Aleks Syntek (2012-2013), Alphonso Johnson (2011-2013) and Rita Wilson (2015-present).
In the studio world, Matt has worked with such notable producers and artists as Glen Ballard, Lawrence Rothman and Rich Jacques with whom Matt recorded drums for Lisa Loeb’s 2018 album titled “Feel What You Feel” which won a Grammy.
He works regularly out of his remote drum tracking studio in North Hollywood, CA named “Starrdrum Studios.”