Matt Talbott
I started out engineering bands in my little home studio around 1998. Eventually, I accumulated enough gear and had enough bands interested in working with me that I decided to give it a go, and GWRR is the result. I purchased the property in 2000, spent the year designing and building the studio, and opened for business in January, 2001. Along with being the resident head-engineer and bill payer, I also clean the toilets, vacuum, make the beds, and select and purchase the gear. When I'm not working at the studio, I teach engineering and music business courses at Millikin University and serve as a volunteer assistant with their football team.

Aaron McCallister
Long-time local and touring soundman Aaron McCallister partnered with GWRR in Spring of 2010. Aaron plays bass for the Tractor Kings and Chemicals, and does sound for my bands Hum and Centaur. His live sound experience and many years of recording out of his home contribute to him being an accomplished engineer, and he shares my passion for all things analog.

Other freelancers that work at GWRR...

Paul Malinowski
Kansas City resident and bassist of the legendary and now disbanded Shiner, Paul has taken a liking to the drum room and versatile tracking situation that Great Western offers. Paul brings in a number of bands from all over the US every year to cut basic tracks. Overdubs and mixing usually takes place at Kansas City's Westend Studios. Paul brings with him a wealth of engineering and record making experience and coaxes some great drum and guitar sounds out of GWRR.

Joel Hamilton
Joel is another ex-shiner member. Several years ago he moved to Brooklyn and has since become a mainstay in that city's recording and music making scene. While his schedule and location make his visits to GWRR somewhat infrequent, he has been impressed enough with the tracking space, living arrangements, and overall value that the studio offers to bring in a few of his many projects.