Matt Johnson’s Keyspace: Synths Fit for a Funk Arena

Matt dives into his effects and pedalboard with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for free pizza. He’s running his Rhodes through a Dream Audio Universal pedal, which adds a layer of aggression and bite that’s essential for those big arena moments. It’s not just about making things louder—it’s about making them come alive, with more grit and attitude than a warehouse rave at 3am.

He’s also got a Moog Muse in the mix, plus clever routing to keep everything tight and responsive. The way he stacks and tweaks his effects isn’t just technical wizardry—it’s what gives his live sound that signature edge. If you think pedals are just for guitarists, Matt’s setup will make you think again.

Matt isn’t just about static patches—he’s all about live layering, arpeggiators, and on-the-fly tweaks. He talks through his approach to building up sounds and keeping things fluid on stage, making sure every performance has its own flavour. It’s this flexibility and willingness to jam that keeps the Jamiroquai sound fresh, night after night.

The real treat? Matt fires up each piece of gear and lets the sounds do the talking. From lush pads to biting leads, every synth and keyboard gets its moment in the spotlight. You can hear the Prophet 6 and OB-X8 flexing their muscles, while the Rhodes, run through effects, sounds like it could start a riot in a jazz club.

But let’s be honest—words don’t do these sounds justice. If you want to feel the full impact of this rig, you need to watch the video and let those tones hit you in the chest. Matt’s playing is as slick as his gear choices, and the whole demo is a masterclass in arena-ready funk.