Today we’d like to introduce you to Mattie Rose Kelton.
Mattie Rose, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Throughout my younger years, I did all the activities a normal Texas kid does. I played sports, found out I’m good at math, and even learned to ride horses, but music was always the one place I felt truly at home. As a kid, I would get made fun of for being so invested in my music classes since most of my classmates thought it was “cringe” to take it seriously, but I couldn’t help it. Music was the one place I could be my authentic self. As I got to be a teenager, I decided it was time to choose a path, and I became THE school music nerd. I learned to write music and play guitar alone in my bedroom while other teens were out partying. Later, I decided I wanted to learn the art of “not getting screwed over,” also known as taking full advantage of my Music Business and Finance B.B.A. at Belmont University. After graduating a year early in 2024, I took some time to figure out “where the hell do I go from here.” I played music all around Nashville, wrote over 120 songs, and started making the trek back and forth to Texas to play shows. I started to realize that there was a path being paved for me back home in North Texas. So, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life and decided to leave the comfort of my friends, routine, and life in Nashville. After almost 5 years in Music City, I moved back to Texas! Since my move to the 817 area, I have opened for amazing acts, like Kat Hasty and Mike Ryan, competed in the Larry Joe Taylor Songwriters Contest, and became the only female finalist this year. I’ve performed at the 2026 Texas Music Revolution and 2026 Fort Worth Music Festival, co-written at Big Loud Texas, and enjoyed getting the opportunity to become a part of the amazing Texas music community. I can’t wait to see where this road takes me!
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?
I wish I could tell you that the music industry is all sunshine and rainbows, but I’d be doing you a disservice. I have been laughed at, scolded, betrayed, underestimated, and even told, “You’ll never make it in this industry as a woman.” The truth is, this industry can dig at you in so many ways because it is deeply personal. In contrast, the corporate world has its own “language,” and if someone violates the rules, there is a department ready to deal with that. There is no such thing in the music industry. The majority of the music business is based on relationships and connections. At 18, when I first got in, my own ego tried to deny that… I didn’t get too far. I quickly learned that I would so much rather bring people with me to the top than do this alone. Once I figured that out, things smoothed out. But man… I made some INCREDIBLE mistakes as a newbie. Moral of the story, I had to learn that ego would get me nowhere. And since then, I have found some of the BEST people I’ve ever known, and we have worked together to build each other’s music industry careers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist and songwriter. I don’t identify with a specific genre, so that the audience can decide! However, I grew up on classic country storytelling, and that’s still at the heart of everything I do today. Whether I’m writing, recording, or performing, my goal is to create songs that feel honest. Songs that sound like real life, real heartbreak, real joy, and everything in between.
I’d say I specialize in storytelling. I love writing songs that paint a picture and make people feel like they’ve lived the story themselves. My music blends traditional country influences with a modern Americana edge, and I’m drawn to songs that are a little gritty, a little nostalgic, and deeply human.
What I’m most proud of is building my career independently. There have been plenty of moments where the easier option would have been to quit, but I’ve continued to bet on myself and keep moving forward. Every song released, every show played, every person who connects with my music feels like a victory because I know how much work went into getting there.
I think what sets me apart is authenticity. I’m not trying to fit into a trend or chase what’s popular. I’m just trying to tell the truth through my music. Whether I’m playing for a packed room or a handful of people, I approach every performance the same way; with gratitude, honesty, and a genuine love for music. If someone leaves one of my shows feeling seen, understood, or a little less alone, then I’ve done my job.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Man.. There is a giant list of people. My biggest cheerleaders are my family. My parents, little brother, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends have all poured their hearts into supporting me through the ups and downs of being an artist.
I especially want to thank the following people.
Slade Monroe: Slade is an actor, producer, director, and more! He is one of the most talented and hardworking people I know, and out of the kindest of his heart, he has poured that love for creating into my career. I would recommend him to EVERYONE for content creation, short film directing, screenwriting, and so much more.
Brett Penington: fellow songwriter, duet partner on our song “Neon Has A Way”, and one of my truest friends. Outside of my family, nobody has believed in me and supported me the way Brett has.
Jordan Harazin: also a songwriter, amazing guitar player, and someone who has believed in me through thick and thin. This guy helps stay honest and always reminds me that sometimes the biggest wall blocking me is myself!
Eden Wilkerson: Eden is a music industry WIZARD, if I need any advice about fashion, merch design, or management, she’s my girl!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mattierosemusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themattierose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattierosemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themattierose
- Other: https://mattierosemusic.com/music
