Chris Mathews, Jr. is the 25-year-old Port Orchard man behind "Live @ Joonior Studios," a great video series you've probably seen a number of times without even realizing it. Mathews has nearly 300 videos in his YouTube channel, featuring a wide range of Northwest artists—Monogamy Party, Grenades, Tex, Arpeggiator, Lemolo, Colonies—and his work has been posted over and over again here on Line Out. But while we're usually talking about the bands within the videos, I've found myself watching the live clips again and again not just because I like that particular song, but because I love the video itself. Mathews films all the "Live @ Jooniors" videos at his home studio in Port Orchard and he has a knack for visualizing the energy of each performer, whether he's playing with light, tight crops, sweeping shots, or shifting focus. Sometimes he even toys with subtle special effects (see this Tex video, where all instruments are magically played by the same dude).

The impressive thing is: Mathews is completely self taught. And while he does occasionally get paid by the bands he's working with (not much, mind you), he really does it because he loves it.

"This whole 'Live @ Jooniors' series started as both an accident and an experiment while I was under- and self-employed," he says. "It felt natural, too, considering my childhood obsession with live music and live DVDs, which is something my father instilled early in me. I love the creative, experimental side of art and music as much as the technical process. Had I known that it would become more popular than this, I might have named it something that felt a little less vain."

Read my interview with Mathews after the jump. Warning: It might make you feel really lazy.

What kind of training or experience do you have in sound recording and videography?

I have no formal training in anything I do. I am a firm believer in autodidactism, or, I suppose it's known today as the 'University of Google.' Everything I've learned comes from my own stubborn pursuit of trying to best myself, to try new things I haven't done yet, and from some of my very talented friends. Sometimes I get a little too excited or too ambitious, but I'm okay with that. Another part of me thrives on competition both real and perceived.

Is it just you doing this? Do you have a team or staff?

While it is usually me all by my lonesome, I sometimes have the help of my little brother and roommates—they really cut down on the stress level when there is one less thing for me to worry about. I hope they know how much I appreciate that.

You've recorded some really rad bands—Monogamy Party, Grenades, Arppegiator. Do these artists approach you about doing live videos or do you choose the artists you'd like to work with? Or maybe there's a little bit of both?

Often I'm approached, which I enjoy a lot! Sometimes I search out my friend's bands or bands I wish I could see. I tend to get ignored by bands more than I'd like, but it has never stopped me from trying. Perhaps that won't always be so, but I already feel very lucky and honored to have worked with some of the musicians I have.

About how much time, including pre- and post-production, goes into each session?

It takes about an hour or two to set up and get sounds ready for the session, and typically another two to film four or five songs, depending on how many takes the musicians feel like doing. I then mix later (when my ears aren't blown out) then edit and upload, which takes an additional four hours (a lot of waiting). So... an average of eight hours per session.

Are you paid for your services? Or is this a project done out of love? If not paid, you must have some kind of day job, yeah? I'd imagine all that equipment isn't cheap.

Being involved in music is something I feel I HAVE to do, regardless of the income. I work a day job almost solely to play and help create music, but I also have a dog to feed. When I started, I did everything for little or nothing. It's still very little income relative to the time invested, but when my second-hand equipment began falling apart around me, I started asking for donations here and there. On some level, I must enjoy that kind of stress and challenge, otherwise I'd have given up a long time ago.

Are you working on any new videos/recording sessions right now that we can expect to see posted soon? Or do you have anything lined up in the near future that you're particularly excited about?

I'm really excited about a short documentary series I'm in the middle of producing with my girlfriend. We've been filming some of our favorite artists and creative minds in the Puget Sound, starting with a unique fellow named Derek Nobbs, from my hometown, Bremerton. I've slowly been filling my studio with his art and I am very excited to release it, hopefully in February. I'm also directing a few more music videos starting with a Mos Generator video in February, coinciding with their new record.

I'm sure it's impossible to pick a favorite—you have nearly 300 videos posted—but do any particular recording sessions stick out in your mind as being extra fun, special, or hilarious?

Witty banter between some musicians that come through here is unmatched and I often wish cameras were rolling for all of it. I cannot imagine in any way that would be remotely good for anyone’s reputations. There is a really early session with Tyler Lewis (Alligators, Dawn Solaris) where he was trying to reprogram his drum machine on the floor of our very old and very miniature studio where my dog was being less than helpful by stepping all over it. Another favorite moment is being completely surprised that everything worked during the Lemolo sessions, because it was the very first day I set up my gear in a new house and the whole thing was untested and we were under-prepared and over-ginned. I had no idea it would go on to be my most-viewed session.

Can bands contact you about setting up a recording session? If so, how would you prefer to be contacted?

I am easiest to contact through email at chrismathewsjr@jooniorstudios.com, but I can be found making bad jokes on Facebook and Twitter, too. I rarely say no to a project, especially if it's something I haven't tried yet. I just ruined my whole week by accidently pressing 'thumbs up' to a Dwight Yoakam song on Pandora.

See all the Joonior Studio videos (and subscribe to his YouTube channel) here.