Bio
BIOGRAPHY
Matthew James Gear
Record Producer • Songwriter • DJ
Matthew James Gear is an Australian record producer, songwriter and DJ based in Darwin, Northern Territory, whose work spans commercial record production, original artist releases and live performance.
His career spans original music production, songwriting and live performance through two creative identities: Matthew.Gear is Matthew’s original recording and production project, and DJ GRZA is his current artist project combining original record production with live DJ performance.
Matthew’s work blends contemporary R&B, Afropop, electronic music, hip hop and pop, with every production built around strong songwriting, memorable melodies and modern production techniques. Throughout his career he has collaborated with artists across Australia and internationally while continuing to develop a catalogue of original releases, commercial productions and live performances.
Matthew.Gear
Matthew.Gear is the production identity through which Matthew first established himself as a songwriter, producer and recording artist.
His debut album LIFEBUOY introduced a catalogue of original electronic and pop records featuring collaborations with artists from Australia, Ireland, Canada and the United States. The project showcased Matthew’s approach to songwriting-led production and laid the foundation for his work as a professional producer.
The album’s single IT IS IMPORTANT TO FEEL GOOD featuring Irish topline songwriter Sarah O’C received editorial support from Triple J Unearthed and national airplay on Triple J’s Home & Hosed, marking Matthew’s first national radio recognition. The project also received coverage from Rolling Hype and commercial radio throughout Australia.
Today, Matthew.Gear continues as Matthew’s production catalogue, showcasing original releases, songwriting and collaborations while documenting the creative foundation behind his work as a record producer.
Matthew.Gear producing and recording drums at Yolngu Radio, Nhulunbuy. Image courtesy of Aris & Grimes.
DJ GRZA
DJ GRZA is Matthew’s current producer and artist project, combining original record production, songwriting and live DJ performance.
As both a producer and DJ, DJ GRZA has released original collaborative records including Losing Kontrol and Get To Know Ü alongside South African vocalist Tumi Radebe. These releases have continued to receive editorial support from Triple J Unearthed, with Losing Kontrol also receiving national airplay on Triple J’s Home & Hosed.
Alongside his studio work, DJ GRZA has performed at Darwin Festival, Bassinthegrass and Eden Festival, as well as clubs and events throughout the Northern Territory. His performances draw from house, R&B, hip hop and contemporary electronic music while maintaining the same songwriting-focused approach that defines his productions.
As the DJ GRZA project continues to evolve, original music production now sits alongside live performance as an equal part of the artist’s identity.
Production Philosophy
With more than fifteen years of experience in songwriting and music production, Matthew approaches every project from the perspective that great productions begin with great songs.
Matthew approaches production from a songwriter’s perspective, believing that memorable records begin with strong themes, emotional connection and the right layers before technical perfection. Whether producing under Matthew.Gear or DJ GRZA, every project is built around creating music that connects with listeners while remaining commercially competitive.
Career Highlights
- National airplay on Triple J’s Home & Hosed (2024 & 2026).
- Triple J Unearthed editorial support across multiple releases.
- Performed at Darwin Festival (2025), Bassinthegrass and Eden Festival (2024).
- Released the debut album LIFEBUOY (2024).
- Produced Losing Kontrol and Get To Know Ü (2026).
- Featured by Rolling Hype.
- Collaborated with artists from Australia, Ireland, Canada, South Africa and the United States.
While audiences know him as DJ GRZA on stage, every record, production and collaboration begins with songwriter and producer Matthew James Gear.