Meet Matt Koziol of Millersville, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Koziol.

Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been in music for over 20 years – well, if you count the first time I ever really played in front of people and got paid for it!

I grew up in New Jersey. Was always a lover of music. It was the thing I couldn’t let got of. As I got older I took singing pretty seriously, and joined bands as kid. I played school dances, and birthday parties, battle of the bands, high school choir, theatre groups – you name it, I did it. I followed my love of music to different places like LA, and Nashville when I was in my early 20’s. I was touring, and getting into writing sessions. I took my first trip to Nashville on a tour when I was probably 22. I made some incredible friends, and felt at home.

I was a fresh 27 year old, and packed up and moved South. I had some friends like Cliff Goldmacher, and Matt Odmark really encourage me to move to town. Both have had amazing careers and really gave the push I needed to move.

When I came to town I had a publishing deal out of New York, and quickly settled into writing, and working. Over a few years I signed with my current publisher (Prescription Songs) and have been in music full-time since 2018.

I took so much of the experience before Nashville and brought it to my life here, but this town has really been the masterclass on how to be great at songwriting and performing.

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?
Music is never a smooth road, and anyone who tells you it is – well, they’re lying! It’s a constant road. It’s a hilly road. it’s a knock you down road. it’s also a rewarding road. Anything but smooth. I guess if it were that way, it wouldn’t be as exciting.

I think the greatest struggle is staying motivated. I’ve had so many good conversations lately about perspective, and what does it mean for you as an artist. Music and the industry have always been a push and pull. There are your peaks and valleys, and somehow those valleys seem really long – but, with every valley comes a new peak right?

Moving into Nashville was the easy part for me. I was used to traveling around a lot, and being comfortably uncomfortable. Staying and making sure it works was the struggle. The “10 year town” mentality is a real thing. I just hit 10 years in early April and sometimes look around and go, “wow, where did all that time go?” and honestly, its what shaped a lot of my craft and my writing. I guess I’m pretty thankful for the struggles the ten years has brought me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d like to think I’m known for being a music artist, and writer. Not really sure which comes first, but they’re both me.

I specialize in storytelling. Mainly about my life, and the things I’ve seen. That and singing. It’s always been my passion and the thing that has made me unique to folks.

There’s so many songs, and projects that I’ve been so proud of, but if I had to choose one, I’d say it was my record “Last Of The Old Dogs.”

It was a real experience creative that album. My producer (Matt Odmark) and I sat with some of what I like to call the best musicians in town, and really crafted something. We made a record they way I always dream about making them. We locked up in a studio for two weeks, and really put our minds together!

I think what sets me apart is what sets everyone apart. I have my own fingerprint. My own way of singing, my own voice, and my own story. I once had a really great teacher tell me that. “Matt, if you do what is natural for you, you’ll never be number two – you’ll always be number one. no one can recreate you. So be original, and be your fingerprint”

it’s a pretty great lesson I learned early on.

I always felt like my fingerprint was my voice. It’s big, and loud. I treat singing country songs the way I used to treat singing musical theatre songs. there has to be drama in it. I’m not just singing to sing, I’m singing to make someone feel something.
I’m singing for something to feel hurt or happiness. Thats what makes it all worth it.

What matters most to you?
I think this answer has changed for me over the years.

For me, now, it’s family.

I was the only person from my family to ever move out of our home town.
Hell. I’m the only person in my immediate family to ever leave New Jersey.

I think the best part about it, for me, was realizing how much of them I carry with me everyday. I carry the morals, and the stories. I carry their love and compassion. I carry their honesty, and their creativity.

I usually go home a few times a year, but when covid hit, I went home so much. probably 60 percent of the year was spent there. It made me really look at the importance of being present in their lives, and well as having them be present in mine.

They drive me. I see how much they enjoy watching me do the things I love, and it’s fun getting to share these experiences with them. They don’t know anything about the music industry, but they love hearing about it. They love seeing my successes, as well as keep me moving when there’s a down moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mattkoziol.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattkoziolmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattKoziolMusic/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mattkoziol
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mattkoziol