Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Rogers.
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got into music like most typically start, in the church. I put my first band together for praise and worship music, however, our rehearsals usually consisted of rock song covers. From there, I went on to college at St. Andrews University, where a portion of my scholarship consisted of music. I sang in the choir and took guitar classes alongside my biology and chemistry major. It was here I also started writing songs and started playing in bar/club-type venues.
After undergrad, I moved back home to Georgia for some more school as I transitioned into the field of health care. I continued to write songs and would play solo acoustic-type rooms most weekends. I put a band together in Macon and we started playing everywhere that would let us in and started recording and releasing the songs I had written. I started visiting Nashville more and more often and networking to get to know people. I could feel my passion calling to be a career.
So in the spring of 2015, I put in my notice work for a group of neurosurgeons, packed my bags, and headed north to pursue my music full-time. Since that June, I have tried to capitalize on the opportunities that I have been fortunate to have and continue to write, record, and perform the best music I can.
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?
A majority of the road is rough. This is not a journey for the faint of heart. You do it because you love it and you feel you have perspective and something to say. It makes the highs that much higher. It’s what keeps you getting back up after you knocked on your ass. It’s why you preserve after every no, and keep honing your voice and craft to get where you want to go.
Everybody has a struggle. It is real. Breaking down and missing shows, executives telling you no, gear failing, things getting stolen, and terrible live shows that make you question why you ever decided to chase this dream are all part of the path most times. I believe it’s how you push through it and keep grinding that reminds you how much you love it and find your self-worth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a country music artist and songwriter. I write, record, and perform my music for a living. I hope to be known for my willingness to go the extra mile and work tirelessly to be professional and consistent. I work very hard to perform a live show that is entertaining and energy-filled. I want you to enjoy yourself and maybe feel something along the way.
In a town full of the most talented singers/songwriters/players in the world, I think it’s critical to be unapologetically you. God made us all unique so you may feel ordinary or boring, it’s the only time you are inherently unique. It takes a certain amount of courage to lean into that. So outside of any of my art or anything career-wise I try to be true to myself.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Two weeks does not mean two weeks. I’m joking of course, but man what a period to live through. It was eye-opening to be caught off guard. It was an unexpected audit of how I operated up to that point. Adapt or die.
I had to pivot and figure out how to continue to make music and a living. I try to not go on cruise control as much and always think outside of the box. I try to find the balance between planning for the future and enjoying the little moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mattrogerscountry.com
- Instagram: @mattrogerscountry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattrogerscountry
- Twitter: @mrogerscountry
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/mattrogerscountry