Matt Gary

Matt Gary has an invigorating verve for life. He has a natural glow that radiates joy to friends, family, and strangers alike. With a heart full of love for life and people, he sings his soul to all who will listen.

A 27-year-old Kansas City, KS native, Matt was an atypical boy next door. While spending summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, Matt daydreamed about becoming a country music star.

As a teenager, Matt was drawn to vivid lyrics within heartfelt, realistic songs. “Just about every song Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban record is just my style. Their songs are diverse and always sincere, which gives them the ability to connect with listeners of all ages. They definitely know what to look for during the song selection process and that’s exactly what I aim to do.”

After graduating from high school, Matt’s goal was to head to Music City to pursue his career in music, but, his parents had a different game plan. “My mom called me her ‘little dreamer,’ because I was always in my own little world, but she understood. My parents have always been supportive of me and my desire to pursue my music career. We made a deal; if I went to college to secure a Plan B, they’d support me in the pursuit of my dream, my Plan A.”

Today, a graduate from the University of Tampa, with not one, but two degrees (a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a B.A. in Digital Art with Concentration in 3-D Animation), Matt is a full-time resident of Nashville—a recording artist set to illuminate the country music scene. Plan A!

With a solid education behind him, Matt’s career options in the technical design field were endless. Yet rather than take the golden road to become a prospectively successful graphic designer, his personal dreams, love and passion for the country genre, drove him to Music City. “You have to be happy and enjoy what you’re doing; music and performing is what I enjoy. I just feel like this is what I’m supposed to do. I’ve never wanted something so badly in my entire life! It consumes me. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last thing on my mind when I go to bed. It’s intense, like a haunting lover. How can I deny it?”

Matt established a working relationship and friendship with Grammy award-nominated producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton/Neal McCoy/Michael Peterson); he worked with Wells recording demos, honing his vocals and vocal style. Twelve months later, Matt recorded songs for his own project and made his country music debut with his single, aptly titled, “The Days You Live For” (produced by Frank Myers and co-written by Wade Kirby and Myers) in April of 2009.

“This song is the perfect introduction to who I am as a person and as a recording artist. It’s everything I believe in. It’s about remembering what’s really important in life and the experiences and people that made you the person you are today. It’s about enjoying and living everyday to the fullest and not taking life for granted. It’s my nod to Tim McGraw’s ‘Live Like You Were Dyin’—the song is an anthem to ‘live’ by.”

Matt has since captured the attention of music critics and country music lovers alike. In the months that followed his 2009 single release, he was showcased in Country Weekly, CMA Close-Up and the Nashville Lifestyles’ feature, “Single in the City.” Matt was also an active participant in a number of music industry functions including Country Radio Seminar and the CMA Music Festival.

Matt formed his own independent label, 17 Music Entertainment, and working along side Frank Myers, recorded his first full-length album. Set for release in Spring 2010, his self-titled project is a 10-track summation of Gary’s talents and priorities; the album offers hook-heavy, up-tempo songs about taking chances on love, appreciating the simple things and loving every minute of it!

In addition to music, Gary is also fueled by his commitment to giving back and serving others. Working with nonprofit charity organizations like Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Christmas4Kids and The Angelus, Matt Gary relishes every opportunity to raise awareness and money for causes that he feels passionate about.

An extraordinarily gifted right-brain/left-brain individual, Matt has an insightful perspective on his music career. “I enjoy being part of every element--both the creative and the business side. My ‘wiring’ and my education have enabled me to think beyond just writing and recording the music that I love. In today’s day-and-age, there is so much more to it than just releasing a great song. It’s about making good music and making good decisions to develop a career plan and modern-day strategy that will enable us to stand out, to stand the test of time.”

With the support of his family, a solid foundation of team members, and a magical yin and yang insight on the grand scheme of things, Matt Gary is poised to become the greater whole of the sum in country mu