iHeartRadio's smooth jazz artist Rico Maatre was born and raised in Chicago, IL. The recording artist, audio engineer, producer, and composer learned music at an early age playing in his grade school band. A graduate of Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Rico Maatre studied Audio Production in which he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. While attending college, Maatre took an internship which evolved into an assistant recording engineer position at the “Jim and Kay Mabie Performance Studio,” Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5FM. Specializing in various genres and music styles, Maatre has worked with many artists and clients during his span of over ten years as an engineer/producer, and over twenty-five years experience as a saxophonist. Since 2008, Maatre has had a career as an independent recording artist, audio engineer, and producer with his independent production label, M Double A Productions.
With his saxophone bandit type approach, sort of like borrowing from a jazzy style and sharing with this new age music era, this young performer has structured his own sound and style created with hard work, dedication, heart, soul, and passion which allows for him to stand out in the crowd. Fine-tuned through the bell of his saxophone, Rico Maatre captivates his audience with his unique and unorthodox style as he sets the stage on fire each time he performs. Working in the studio countless hours on his soon to be released "Urban Jazz" album and also performing all around Chicago and surrounding areas, this young musician has set high goals of getting his music out for the world to hear. Listening to his relaxing sounds you can hear his love for R&B, Oldies, Hip Hop, and most of all Jazz. The impression left by these styles of music proves why Contemporary Jazz fits him so well and also why collaborations with artists outside his genre are at such a high demand. Within his energetic stage presence, Rico Maatre sets the tone and through his unique angle and stand-alone style, this saxophonist makes music for all ages of people to enjoy. After years of hard work and determination this extraordinary musician has become the artist we all now know today.
Independent recording artist Rico Maatre, (Army Veteran), continues to serve his country as a public figure and music mentor to the Chicago community. Making good music for the world to enjoy.
Rico Maatre's highly anticipated album "Only Pluto Understands Me" is set to release this summer (2013).