Mattias Stynen, aka Jerry in the Basement, is a musician, producer, recording and mixing engineer and a lifelong music obsessive. Sign him up for anything that’s indie, rock, alternative, (post)punk, singer-songwriter, folk, blues, americana, bedroom pop or electronic music.

“I started playing piano as a kid, picked up guitar and bass in my teens, and by my early 20s I studied as an audio engineer under Staf Verbeeck (Stiff Studio) in various well known Belgian studios such as Nice Recordings, Rockstar Recordings and Jet Studio. Today, I am a musical swiss army knife both on stage and in the studio. And that’s a big asset! Understanding both the creative and technical sides of music allows me to support artists intuitively, staying focused on what matters most — making music that makes you feel something.

My role as a producer and engineer goes beyond capturing sound — it’s about making your music better. And because music is personal, the process should feel personal too. I prioritize building a real connection and trust with the artists I work with. Whether that means thoughtful conversation or cooking a family dinner on the first night of a session (always), I want the studio to feel human, safe, and collaborative — a place where you can express yourself freely and fully commit to the project.

Besides all that I am also a massive gear nerd, but I don’t believe great sound is about price tags or vintage status. Gear always serves a purpose and ‘the best piece of kit’ is simply the one that serves the song best.”