Born in April 1967 in Virginia MN. Began playing music at the age of 4 beginning with concertina, then cello, bass, guitar, drums, and piano/keys. Started first band in 1981 with neighborhood buddies. Also started writing songs around this time. Moved from West Eveleth (MN) to Minneapolis in 1987 to play music. Main bands: The Glenrustles, Ol' Yeller, the Odd, Danny Commando y los Guapos, the Bitter Spills, Junkboat, the Tisdales, Rich Mattson and the Northstars.

Began recording with a Foster x15 cassette 4 track in 1985. In 1991 purchased an AKAI MG1212 recorder/mixer and opened Flowerpot recording studio in basement of party house. In 1996 Flowerpot moved to a basement in Northeast Minneapolis, and then to it's final location in a garage around the corner from Grumpy's Bar.

In October 2005 moved back to the Iron Range (Sparta) and opened Sparta Sound studio in an old country church. Between Flowerpot and Sparta Sound, over 5,000 artists have recorded music with Rich.

Rich Mattson continues to write songs, record, and perform.