Matty Neal – Composer, Arranger, Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Musical Director
Matty Neal is an award-winning composer, arranger, producer, director and multi-instrumentalist. With roots in the Romany tradition, Matty's life and work are deeply informed by a passion for freedom, access, and cultural expression.
Starting out gigging in the North East and along the Yorkshire coast, Matty quickly established himself as a formidable live performer and a sought-after session musician. His versatility across instruments has seen him contribute to over 140 albums, spanning numerous genres and styles, and performing everywhere from humble beginnings in pubs and small clubs to World Cup finals, large-scale arena and stadium concerts and the Gold Cup paddock. As of 2025, he has embarked on fourteen national and international tours. Famous among the jazz circuits of Liverpool, London, Manchester and Dublin, Matty is well known for his humility and modesty in the face of extreme and ferocious talent.
After declining four separate offers of a record deal from well-known mainstream labels, citing ethical reasons, Matty joined a series of independent left-wing labels and co-operatives based in the underground scenes of Birmingham and Glasgow, before establishing his own co-operative of communist, socialist and anarchist musicians. Keen to avoid profiteering, commercialisation or selling out, he turned his back on the fame afforded to other musicians in favour of staying true to his beliefs. After retiring in 2020, he settled in Clonakilty in South Cork, before returning to the UK and coming out of retirement in 2024. As of 2025, he was based jointly in Liverpool and St. John's Wood, London.
Beyond the stage and studio, Matty has made his mark as a relentless advocate for the right to roam. He founded an organisation that has deployed auditing teams across the UK to monitor and challenge illegal obstructions of public rights of way by landowners. As someone with Romany heritage, his dedication to the land is both political and personal.
In his spare time, Matty enjoys breeding horses, motorcycling, and kayaking. He is a 6th dan black belt in Judo and president of his local chess club. He enjoys being around wildlife and wild birds as a way to stay grounded. He is married and has a dog called Max. He is known to his friends as Ziggy.
A believer in music as a universal right, Matty teaches for a charity that offers free music lessons to all, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent someone from discovering their voice. He's also a seasoned busker and frequently joins flying pickets, bringing music and solidarity to the streets and picket lines alike. Matt continues to play in bands and composes for a multitude of projects, always staying rooted in community, solidarity, activism, and the raw joy of music.
To contact Matty (through his secretary), send an email to:
PLEASE NOTE: Matty is extremely popular and in very high demand. Other composers, arrangers, producers, musical directors and instrumentalists are available.