We were lucky to catch up with Mattie Rose recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mattie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Gosh, it feels like ages ago. From the time I was three years old in the back of my mom’s car singing along to a Disney princess CD I knew I loved music. Growing up I always played sports but I never felt called to it the way music called to me. As I got older I stuck my foot in any door with the words music on it. This included leading worship at the local church, performing in musicals, choir, performing at bars, etc. Growing up around Fort Worth, Texas, country music has always been a big part of my love for music. It wasn’t until I discovered songwriting that I started to fall in love with being an artist. There is a particular moment that comes to mind when it comes to knowing what I wanted to pursue though. I was newly 16 and began to dig into the songs my mom used to play when I was young. She played Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and so many other incredible artists. This inspired me to begin playing guitar and writing my music. Having been to Nashville many times, I knew that was where I needed to be if I was going to start a career in country music. From that day forward I have pursued my career as a country artist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Texas Country Singer/Songwriter born and raised 25 minutes north of Fort Worth, TX. I depends on my Texas twang and “I’m fixin’ to” showing in both life and songwriting. I like to think my music is raw and passionate. ​
I began her musical journey at the early age of three when I started singing Disney princess songs in the back of my mama’s car. Later on, around age eight, I started taking vocal lessons with a classically trained opera singer to further my vocal technique. Through the years, I’ve experimented with many genres that I enjoyed before finally pursuing country music in 2020. From being in musicals, and worship bands, to performing in local bars, festivals, and more I love to do it all!

My debut single “Square One” was released on December 28th, 2021. Following the upbeat love of “Square One” I released a heart-wrenching ballad titled about long-distance relationships called “Leavin’ Tennessee” (released May 1st, 2022). Nashville is my home away from home. If I’m not in Fort Worth, Texas, you can find me in Music City.
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In January of 2023 I released my debut EP titled “Whiskey Me Away.” The songs represent the stages of grief one goes through when their heart is broken. I wanted the EP to have the essence of Texas country rock and the vibes of Americana and I rooted the songs in true stories both about my life and other’s lives. I am currently in the studio process of creating my next few songs.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Utilize people’s knowledge. We all have a different experience in this industry and it is impossible to be successful on your own. Networking is, in my opinion, one of the most important resources one can use. And I’m not talking about finding the right people to get what you want, I’m talking about creating genuine relationships with people and helping them in any way you can. Some of my very best friends and the most helpful people in the music industry have come from a networking process of some sort. When you first get into the music industry it can be dauntingly intimidating but once you open yourself up to not only working with co-writers, producers, and industry officials but also being their genuine friend, you will find that is the best way to grow as an artist. My best advice will always be to build each other up. Go to someone’s show that you want to write with or send your favorite producer and email just letting them know how much you admire their work, the little things matter in this industry and I cannot stress this enough, make genuine relationships.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There are so many things people can do and nowadays with the power of social media, they can do it from the comfort of their own homes! One of the best things you can do for an artist in this day and age is simply share their art, post their latest song on your Instagram story, make a video of you singing along to your favorite album, and comment on their posts. There are so many things that seem small but make all the difference. Like I said for the question above, it’s the little things! Some more basic but incredibly important things, for instance, going to performances/shows. Find your favorite independent artists and see where they are playing! And if they’re small enough, they may even stay after the show and hang with you (that’s what I usually do haha)!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/mattierose
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themattierose
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattierose.kelton.1
• Twitter: @themattierosek
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3YwfcKgZZ5-FU32AUwSRBw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themattierose

Image Credits
Photos By: Chelsea Erica Smith – NashBashCollective