Today we’d like to introduce you to Tana Matz.
Hi Tana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where I grew up playing music by ear as a little girl. I was actually too shy to play in front of anyone at first, but a few close friends in high school pulled a couple songs out of me, and the rest was history. I started playing live shows at 17 and went on to perform over 1,400 shows throughout Ohio before eventually making the move to Nashville in 2017. Those early years taught me how to truly connect with an audience and shaped me into the artist I am today.
After moving to Nashville, I released my debut EP In Time, which reached #11 on the iTunes Country chart. As a songwriter, I’ve had the opportunity to co-write a #1 all-genre iTunes song with Alexandra Kay and contribute additional songs to her debut album—including the title track All I’ve Ever Known—which also hit #1 on the iTunes All-Genre chart. She also took me out on two tours early on, which played a huge role in my growth—giving me the chance to perform on bigger stages and connect with audiences who really resonated with original music.
As an independent artist, I’ve since had the opportunity to open for artists like Carly Pearce, Chris Lane, Maddie & Tae, and Avery Anna, as well as tour with the indie-pop band Smallpools. I also made my main stage debut at the Voices of America Country Music Fest, which was a full-circle moment performing back in my home state.
Alongside my music career, I’ve also built a rental property business, which has allowed me to create stability and continue investing in my artistry long-term.
Now I’m gearing up to release what I believe is my best music yet!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think anytime you choose a creative path, especially as an independent artist, you’re signing up for a lot of uncertainty, rejection, and learning things the hard way. There have been seasons where things were really exciting and moving fast, and other seasons where it felt like I was doing everything right and still not seeing the results I hoped for.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to trust my own voice and instincts in an industry where there are so many opinions. I’ve had to navigate difficult relationships, heartbreak, shifting dynamics, and moments where things didn’t unfold the way I expected, even after investing a lot of time, energy, and heart into them. At the same time, those experiences have really shaped me, not just as an artist, but as a person.
I’ve learned that growth isn’t always visible. A lot of what you build happens behind the scenes, whether it’s your craft, your resilience, or your sense of self. Looking back, the struggles were so necessary! They pushed me to become more confident, more intentional, sharpen my discernment and become more grounded in who I am and what I want to say through my music!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer-songwriter and recording artist, and at the core of what I do is storytelling. I write songs that are honest, emotional, and rooted in real-life experiences, with a focus on creating something people can truly connect to.
I’m most proud of building my career independently while staying true to my voice, both as an artist and a writer. I’ve had the opportunity to co-write a #1 all-genre iTunes song with Alexandra Kay and contribute to her debut album, including the title track, which was a defining moment for me.
What sets me apart is my focus on authenticity. I’m intentional about everything I release, and I care deeply about my fans and about creating music that feels real, lasting, and meaningful.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the industry is going through a huge shift right now. There’s more music being created than ever, especially with technology and AI, which makes it harder to stand out, but also puts more value on real artistry and connection.
At the same time, independent artists have more power than ever. You can build a career, own your work, and connect directly with fans without needing a traditional path.
I also think live music is only becoming more important. Even with everything happening digitally, people still crave real experiences. I think the artists who can create both a strong online presence and a meaningful live show are the ones who will see longevity in this space!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.tanamatzofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanamatz?igsh=OWlqemJ0N2twOXYy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TanaMatzMusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/tanamatz?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tanamatz
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fIo4OuK3QICpvkUD26WFR?si=tpDI8rsAQoaJwlaSGNrF5w
