Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Matheo Techer of Palms

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Matheo Techer. Check out our conversation below.

Matheo, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Most meaningful relationships, both personal and professional, need time and patience to grow. Many of my achievements came from not rushing but instead trusting the process. The fine line is staying proactive without being pushy.

On a recent major project, I could have pressured the team for opportunities, but instead I focused on building an honest, trust-based relationship. In the end, that patience paid off. I’m convinced that had I rushed, the door would have closed.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Matheo Techer, a French musician (composer, producer, drummer). I grew up on the beautiful Réunion Island (the equivalent of Hawaii for France, in a way), where I was fortunate to be surrounded by music and a rich culture.

I moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, after graduating from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA).
I have been loving the LA life and all the opportunities it has brought my way: I was fortunate to collaborate with artists such as Naika, Maro, Nasaya, and many more (as a drummer & producer) and have been composing for films and TV (for multiple network TV shows, movies, and documentaries).

I am passionate about creating a unique sound palette for each production I’m involved in, always striving for the most appropriate musical elements to serve the purpose of the project. Whether I am working on a movie or playing drums with an artist, I always enjoy the collaborative aspect of this industry.

As a film composer, my ultimate goal is to serve the picture and create a musical landscape that is appropriate.
For example, writing for symphonic orchestras is always fun, but not always the best choice to serve the message and the identity of the film. I enjoy the process of figuring out what works best in order to create a musical environment that brings spectators inside the movie’s universe.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, both accomplished musicians, shaped my understanding of work. Growing up, I saw not just the artistic joy of music but also the discipline it demands, from preparation to performance, from the studio to the stage.

Without realizing it, they taught me invaluable lessons: respect everyone’s time, always be prepared, and consistently give your best. That combination of passion and professionalism became part of me long before I entered the industry.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
We all have moments of doubt and questioning, and I feel like this can turn out to be very healthy.
In the music industry specifically, if you don’t ever go through those phases, you are either lying to yourself or in real need of an ego/reality check.

At one point in my life, soon after moving to Los Angeles (which, by the way, is the furthest point on earth from my homeland, Réunion Island), self-employed with no serious project lined up, I started questioning my life decisions. While I never fully gave up, that was the moment where I came the closest.
Being away from your family, in a competitive city like Los Angeles, is definitely a challenge that will teach you a lot about yourself.

I remember a specific day when things were particularly complex (financially, professionally). I started to wonder if the patient and resilient approach was the right one, and if the overall choice of moving to LA to pursue this career was even realistic.
That same evening, after spending the day thinking (probably overthinking, actually), I got a phone call from a film producer who urgently needed a composer for a serious project. This turned out to open so many doors for me.

A similar story happened when I got to meet and work with the legendary Quincy Jones. I was introduced to him by a collaborator with whom I had built a trust-based relationship over time. Meeting Quincy Jones and getting on board for a project with his team was a patience game that became possible because it’s LA and that’s where those crazy encounters happen.

I am positive that being patient while trusting the process can only lead you on the path to success. That is only true if you give the most of yourself along the way, though.
This is obviously easier said than done, especially in the rough moments of doubt, but I believe that this mentality is a key ingredient to success.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
There’s a French saying: “you reap what you sow.” I can’t scientifically prove it, but I believe the energy you put into the world comes back to you, both good and bad.
Even if it isn’t literally true, that mindset has guided me to healthier choices. Caring for others, working with integrity, and staying optimistic has consistently led me toward meaningful opportunities and joyful experiences.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe that figuring out what we were born to do is a lifetime quest, to which we might never actually find a definitive answer.

That being said, at this point in my life and with my current understanding of it, I believe that I am where I belong and that I am doing things I was meant to be doing.
At the very least, I know that I feel happy and privileged to be accomplishing my childhood dream of making music (whether composing, producing, or performing) every single day and calling it a job.

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