Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattie Rose.
Hi Mattie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in Texas, I tried just about everything. I played sports, discovered I had a knack for math, and even spent time riding horses. But no matter what I was doing, music was always where I felt the most like myself. While a lot of kids thought it was “cringe” to care about choir or music class, I was the one diving in headfirst. It became the place where I could be completely authentic.
By high school, I had fully embraced being the music kid. Instead of spending weekends at parties, I was teaching myself guitar, writing songs in my bedroom, and figuring out how music actually worked. That passion eventually led me to Belmont University, where I earned a B.B.A. in Music Business and Finance. I wanted to understand not just how to make music, but how to build a sustainable career and avoid becoming another artist who signs a bad deal because they don’t know the business side.
After graduating a year early in 2024, I stayed in Nashville and threw myself into the songwriting community. I played anywhere that would have me, wrote more than 120 songs, and spent countless hours learning from some of the best writers and musicians in town. At the same time, I found myself driving back to Texas more and more for shows, and it became clear that something special was starting to happen there.
Leaving Nashville after nearly five years wasn’t an easy decision. My friends, my routine, and the community I’d built were all there. But sometimes you have to recognize when a new chapter is calling. Moving back to North Texas has opened doors I never expected. Since returning, I’ve had the chance to open for artists like Kat Hasty and Mike Ryan, become the only female finalist in the 2026 Larry Joe Taylor Songwriters Contest, perform at Texas Music Revolution and the Fort Worth Music Festival, and co-write at Big Loud Texas. It’s been incredible to find a community that has embraced me while still carrying everything Nashville taught me. I’m excited to keep building a career that bridges both places and to see where the next chapter leads.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. I think if anyone tells you the music industry has been an easy ride, they’re either incredibly lucky or leaving out a lot of the story. I’ve been underestimated, talked down to, had people break promises, and even been told that I would never make it because I’m a woman. Those moments sting because music isn’t just a job… It’s personal. When someone criticizes your art or your dreams, it hits differently.
One of the biggest lessons I had to learn had nothing to do with songwriting or performing. It was about people. When I first moved to Nashville at 18, I thought working hard would be enough. I quickly realized this industry is built on relationships. Talent matters, but so do your character, your reputation, and the way you treat people.
I also had to check my own ego. Like a lot of young artists, I thought I had everything figured out. Spoiler alert! I didn’t! I made plenty of mistakes, but every one of them taught me something valuable. Over time, I realized I’d much rather celebrate someone else’s success than see them as competition. That mindset completely changed my career.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the tough moments because they led me to some of the most genuine friends, collaborators, and mentors I could have asked for. The music community has shown me that when people support each other instead of competing with each other, everyone wins.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the end of the day, I’m a songwriter first. Performing is what people see, but writing songs is where I feel most at home. I grew up on artists who could tell a story in three minutes, and that’s always been the standard I hold myself to. I want people to hear one of my songs and think, “I’ve lived that.”
People always ask what genre I am, and honestly, I usually let the music answer that question. Country is my foundation, but I pull inspiration from Americana, Motown, Southern rock, and anything with a great story to tell. I care a lot less about fitting into a box than I do about writing something that’s honest.
The thing I’m probably most proud of is building everything independently. There isn’t a major label or giant team behind me. Every show, every release, every opportunity has come from a lot of hard work, a lot of late nights, and a lot of incredible people who believed in me along the way. Those wins mean more because I know exactly what it took to get there.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not trying to be the loudest person in the room. I’m just trying to be the most genuine. Whether I’m writing a heartbreak song, a drinking song, or something that’ll make people laugh, I want it to feel real. I’ve never been interested in chasing trends or pretending to be someone I’m not. My hope is that people leave my shows feeling like they know me a little better, and maybe they know themselves a little better too.
What makes you happy?
Honestly, what makes me happiest has very little to do with being on stage. Don’t get me wrong—I love performing. But what really fills my cup is getting to bring the people I love along for the ride.
One of my favorite things is inviting my friends and family into rooms they may have never imagined themselves in. Whether it’s backstage at a festival, on the guest list for a show, or introducing them to people they’ve only ever heard me talk about, I love creating experiences that make them feel seen and appreciated. Those moments remind me that none of this is just *my* journey. It’s ours.
I’ve always believed that success doesn’t mean much if you don’t have people to share it with. The people who have supported me through every crazy idea, every late-night phone call, every tiny victory, and every setback deserve to celebrate those wins just as much as I do. Being able to give back to them in even the smallest ways is one of the greatest gifts this career has given me.
Of course, I love writing songs and playing shows, but the relationships I’ve built along the way are what I’ll remember the most. If my career can create opportunities not just for me, but for the people around me, then I’d consider that a life well lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mattierosemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themattierose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattierosemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themattierose
