Global creative audio network Squeak E. Clean Studios has signed Matthew “Cornbread” Compton as sr. composer. His compositions combine the unique tenor of each narrative with the well-honed musical pedigree of a mainstage act, resulting in standout earworms on television properties such as Saturday Night Live, American Dad, Death Valley, The Simpsons, Friends with Benefits, and Punk’d, and films including Better Start Running, MacGruber and the recent Sundance Film Festival record-breaking Palm Springs. In commercials, he has brought cinematic expertise to such brands as Apple, Lincoln, Nissan, Activision, KIA, Starburst, and Bud Light. A multifaceted artist, he continues to oscillate between composing and performing, informing his work across his performing, entertainment and commercials to craft compositions that reflect pop culture.
A writer and performer for the critically acclaimed L.A.-based indie rock band Electric Guest, he has written for and performed alongside chart-topping bands and artists including Carly Rae Jepsen, Cold War Kids, Portugal The Man, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Cursive, The Pierces, Joyo Velarde and many more. The band’s debut album Mondo was produced by musician and record producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton). Electric Guest’s songs have been featured in several films including Annie (2014), Love Rosie, and Disconnect.
“CB’s work speaks for itself. He’s an immense talent with the ability to elevate any brief. His pedigree and creative instincts make his return to Squeak a no brainer,” noted Squeak E. Clean Studios creative director Rob Barbato.
Added Compton, “As a freelance composer, Squeak E. Clean Studios has been my go-to commercial shop for quite some time. Their lineup of composers are some of the most talented in the industry and the team is a blast to work with. The company has grown exponentially over the past several years both in terms of talent and output, and I’m excited to officially be a part of the team.”
After spending several years on the touring scene performing with various punk bands nonstop, Compton found himself eager to flex his creative muscles in new genres and formats. Constantly composing soundtracks to the things he was most passionate and excited about, he began collaborating with musical comedy trio The Lonely Island on tracks for a number of projects, including the Judd Appatow-produced feature Popstar: Never Stop Stopping. Following his excitement for the exploration at the intersection of comedy and pop music, he has continued to expand his artistic horizons across a wide range of commercial and entertainment work.
Compton united with Electric Guest bandmate Asa Taccone in 2011, collaborating as shared renters within an artist home, releasing their album Mondo one year later. Synonymous with up-and-coming indie band fame, Electric Guest released their second album Plural in 2017 and Kin in 2019. When the pandemic halted live performances overnight, Compton found musical inspiration in the comic series The Untold Adventures of Trader Brandon, crafting Tiki-inspired tracks for the its first vinyl record.
