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To watch the video of Corbin Bleu's "Push It To The Limit" (co-written & produced by Matthew Gerrard), please Click Here Matthew Gerrard Co-Writes & Produces Big Hits For High School Musical Soundtrack and Other Artists
By Dale Kawashima Los Angeles-based Matthew Gerrard has been one of the most in-demand, pop writer/producers for the past decade. He co-wrote the Kelly Clarkson smash “Breakaway,” and he has also had hits with Hilary Duff (“I Can’t Wait” and “Why Not”), Jesse McCartney (“She’s No You”), Eden’s Crush (“Get Over Yourself”) and Nick Carter (“Help Me”). But it’s been during the past year that Gerrard has enjoyed even greater success, co-writing & producing three songs on the multi-platinum High School Musical soundtrack album, including the hits “We’re All In This Together” and “Start Of Something New.” In addition, he wrote & produced many cuts for other hit soundtracks such as the multi-platinum Hannah Montana album (including the theme song of the TV series) and six songs on the platinum Cheetah Girls 2 CD (including the single “The Party’s Just Begun”), plus songs for the and Jump In soundtrack (including the singles “It’s My Turn Now” sung by Keke Palmer and “Push It To The Limit” sung by Corbin Bleu). Gerrard is an excellent example of the modern-day writer/producer, who can play every instrument, and produce state-of-the-art tracks in his studio. Many artists come to his studio to record and/or collaborate, including Lindsay Lohan, Avril Lavigne, Plain White T’s, Jon McLaughlin, Jessica Simpson, Australian star Delta Goodrem, Steve Harwell (of Smashmouth), Chris Botti, Ross Copperman and Kimberley Locke. He also collaborates regularly with hit writers Bridget Benenate (who co-wrote Breakaway and JoJo’s "The High Road" with Gerrard) and Robbie Nevil. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Gerrard learned to play piano and bass guitar at a young age. He started playing in a band at age 12, and soon after was writing songs for the band. By 18, he became a professional bass player, doing sessions and jingles. Gerrard also was in a band called Regatta, which signed with BMG Canada, and had a hit called “Wherever You Run.” By 1989, Gerrard was already a successful writer/producer, who had his own studio in Toronto. “I was doing projects in every imaginable style, from dance mixes, rock, pop, country and swing,” recalled Gerrard. “I produced a lot of independent bands. I just loved being in the studio - producing, playing, and writing songs.”
After a decade of work in Canada, Gerrard moved to Los Angeles in 1999. “When I came to LA, I found out I could make a living doing any number of music things,” said Gerrard. “A few people asked me to produce their demos. Then they would ask me to write with them. I began writing with Michelle Vice, and our first cut was the hit “Get Over Yourself” for Eden’s Crush (for the Popstars TV show). Things started to progress from there.” Gerrard & Vice also wrote “Help Me,” which was a Top 40 hit for Nick Carter. Gerrard then began working with several artists on Hollywood & Walt Disney Records. He co-wrote & produced the key, early singles for Hilary Duff, “I Can’t Wait” and “Why Not.” Gerrard has done six songs with Duff, including “What Christmas Should Be” (from the Cheaper By The Dozen soundtrack). In addition, his success with Duff led to him producing seven cuts with Jesse McCartney. Probably Gerrard’s biggest hit to date is “Breakaway,” the worldwide smash which he co-wrote for Kelly Clarkson. “The song was originally written for Avril (Lavigne), it was inspired by her life,” said Gerrard. “As it turned out, it wasn’t quite right for Avril’s album, so we pitched it to Kelly Clarkson. It all worked out great. Kelly sounds great singing it, and it was a big hit for us.” “Breakaway” was also featured on the Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack.
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