Meet Matthew Key | New American Folk Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Key and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When my first son was born, I wanted him to know that he could create anything he wants in this world. That’s when I decided I needed to start sharing the songs I had been creating my whole life. So I started playing anywhere that would let me and started saving up to record. From there it was just a matter of fulfilling the urge to keep going and creating.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a singer and songwriter from north east Texas, with a modern spin on folk music. I like to sing and write about growing up in a modern south. So I sometimes refer to it as a sort of “new American folk” built around my experiences in life. Some of my stories come from myself or people I meet or are just made to reflect a certain idea or experience. I’ve been blessed to have so many people resonate with what I’ve put out so far. I believe on a spiritual level that music is a sort of universal language that can share ideas and change hearts and minds. It’s with that in mind to say that I got this far only for the fact that I chose to never stop sharing my struggles and successes through this beautiful blessing of music, as long as I am able. Even when it’s hard, or you have other responsibilities, you just keep taking steps, keep moving. So no. It hasn’t been easy. You just have to be patient with yourself and others, and use time that you have wisely. When people see my hat and glasses logo, or hear one of my songs, I want them to know that everyone has a struggle, but it’s the one’s that commit to themselves to keep going, to persist passed their own struggles, to keep doing what their heart tells them to do, regardless of anyone else, that make the path easier for those around them, and in doing so make the world a better place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, definitely stop in downtown McKinney, grab a Guinness at the Celt, or hit up the arcade, maybe check out the Tupps brewery or Lockwood Distillery. Do dinner at Square Burger, and check out some stand-up at the Comedy Arena. Keep an eye on the Texas Music Association events and plan accordingly. Lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Chele Wells, from “Hitting the Streets Podcast”, and “Artrageous Art Hub” in Sherman, has really been a huge mentor and friend to me, and has shown me what hustle, drive and passion look like. She’s been a huge supporter and promoter of my craft and passions, and is the most brutally honest person I know. Chele is one of my absolute favorite people!

Also my friend and producer Jonathan Jeter who really pushed me in the beginning to start getting stuff on record, and ultimately helped shape the sound of what i have so far.

Website: https://www.matthewkeymusic.com

Instagram: @matthewkeymusic

Twitter: @matthewkeymusic

Facebook: https://facebook.com/matthewkeymusic

Youtube: @matthewkey9374

Other: https://matthewkeymusic.com/businesscard

Image Credits
Studio Photography by Courtney Mitchell, www.courtneymitchellphotography.com