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Arlene Matza-Jackson is a gifted songwriter/producer whose work with recording artists, bands, music producers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals has yielded a wide-ranging, original, ever-evolving body of work.
Arlene began her professional music career in Los Angeles at Columbia Records, now Sony/BMG, working in A&R for artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Ringo, Michael Jackson, Heart and Jessica Simpson. Later, Arlene traded the boardroom for the sound stage and became a Music Supervisor for feature films working with directors such as Oliver Stone, Randall Kleiser, and Penelope Spheeris.
Eventually, Arlene left the constraints of the corporate world behind to follow her muse. She started her own recording studio and devoted herself to songwriting. Maintaining her previous relationships and cultivating new ones with artists, producers and up-and-coming indie singers and musicians has allowed Arlene to create a rich and extensive song catalogue. Her company, Alethea Music, houses this ever-growing, exciting, diverse body of work.
Not content with simply writing, recording, or collaborating on projects, Arlene also shares her musical talent and industry experience in the classroom. She has taught classes and seminars at UCLA Extension, Los Angeles and at the Musicians Institute, Hollywood. In 2006, Arlene was awarded the UCLA Extension Distinguished Teacher Award. Arlene is an active member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and the Performance Society of BMI.
Arlene has written songs for, and in collaboration with, many talented artists such as: Earth, Wind & Fire, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, David Foster, Robbie Nevil, Code, Tata Vega, Joclyn Brown, Lulu, The Emotions, Kazu Matsui, Nia Peeples, and Hadas. In 2009 Arlene penned "Sweeter than Sweet" for the official Hello Kitty CD "Hello World," released the same year. "Brand New World," the 2010 release from Swedish rock band Grand Illusion, was co-written with band band producer/bass player Anders Rhydholm.
Arlene is currently collaborating with Grammy-winning arranger/composer, Paul Buckmaster, whose previous work with such venerable recording artists as Elton John, David Bowie, Ben Folds Five, and Train have garnered him many accolades. Arlene and Paul, along with acclaimed European songstress/recording artist, Noa Dori, are crafting an impressive body of work for Noa´s up and coming CD. The album is currently in production.
Arlene complements her talents by taking her knowledge and experience into the classroom. She has been teaching for many years at UCLA Extension (Performing Arts), and the Musician's Institute in Hollywood. Arlene represents the A&R field as a judge for a variety of songwriting contests and festivals. She frequently appears on music industry panels and forums and conducts songwriting seminars several times a year.
Emma Hunton (Ilse in the Emmy-winning Broadway musical, Spring Awakening) sang “Sweeter than Sweet” for the official Hello Kitty CD "Hello World"
Other musical collaborations have widened Arlene’s international horizons even more. She has been busily working alongside Grammy-winning English, arranger/composer, Paul Buckmaster, whose previous work with the likes of recording artists such as Elton John, David Bowie, Ben Folds Five, and Train have garnered him many accolades. Arlene and Paul, along with international recording artist, Noa Dori, are crafting an impressive set of songs for her up and coming CD. Their combined talents complement Noa´s incredible vocal range and unique style. The album is due to be released in 2011.
2010 has also brought the debut of the work of another successful creative partnership, this time with Swedish musician/composer/arranger Anders Rydholm. Together, Arlene and Anders have co-written all the songs for the rock band Grand Illusion´s reunion album, "Brand New World." The CD was released in May, 2010 in Japan/Asia, Europe and the UK while excitement is building amongst the band’s already strong fan base! This summer, Grand Illusion is touring festivals in Europe and the UK. In between show dates, Anders and Arlene are in the studio writing and recording some great new songs for Grand Illusion’s 2011 CD release.
LOS ANGELES
June 29, 2010 thru September 14, 2010
UCLA Extension: Elements of Hit Songwriting
Designed for both musicians and lyricists, this hands-on introduction to the craft of songwriting focuses on collaboration and teaches a step-by-step method for writing a professional quality song. Instruction emphasizes the elements that make up a successful song and the completion of a demo in preparation for a marketable product. Participants gain an understanding of all aspects of hit songwriting from structure to groove, covering the different approaches for writing rock, pop, alternative, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and country. They practice creating and developing a hook, learning where to place it, how to set it up, and how to exploit it within different types of song structure. Discussion includes a wide variety of guests from the industry, such as A&R/record companies, music supervisors, record producers, and film and television executives. More info on this UCLA Extension course . . .
