In the heartland of America, where the rock and country lines blur under the influence of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, singer-songwriter Matt Jordan is building a career on his own terms. His high-energy, heartland-rock-meets-country sound has landed his music on national playlists, and his catalog is rooted in authenticity, crafting a storytelling style that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Although he spends a lot of time in Nashville, Matt says St. Louis will always be home for him and his family.
Matt's story is one of balance—between ambition and authenticity, between music and family, between the pull of the road and the roots of home. His songs carry that same duality: powerful, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. He's an independent artist who values human connection over industry hype.
Matt's debut album, The Gamble (2022), and his second full-length album, Low Lights (2024), showcase his unique blend of rock restlessness and lyrical depth. He is set to release two separate albums back-to-back in 2026. This creative burst came from a writing process that yielded a collection of songs too diverse to fit into a single project. Operating with freedom from a recording label, Matt said: "I think it's an exciting time to be an independent musician because you can record what you want without a label pushing for radio-friendly singles.”
This freedom, however, comes with its own set of challenges and a lot of work. Matt and his small, dedicated team handle everything from booking shows to marketing. Matt’s degree in entrepreneurship from Belmont University helps with the business side of the industry, but he noted: "It's like a sales job when you're trying to book shows or get in front of a publisher... you've gotta have a brand to take to 'em."
This hands-on approach has shaped his perspective on what it means to make it in the modern music industry. He's keenly aware of the financial realities. "There's just very little money in it to give away that much of it," he stated, explaining that a typical label deal might see an artist keep only 13% of their revenue. When asked about measuring success in an era obsessed with streaming numbers, Matt referenced a recent post-game interview with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow: "He said, 'I'm a man. I get to play a kid's game for my job. I have nothing to complain about.' I kind of feel that way about music sometimes. To make music for a living—whatever I get, I'm happy with."
Matt’s journey began simply enough—a teenager picking up a guitar with no grand ambitions. "When I sat down when I was 15 or 16 years old, I never even thought about playing it for someone," he reflected. "It just kind of came to me, and I enjoyed it.” Matt moved from St. Louis to Nashville after college, but when it came time to settle down, the decision was clear. He and his wife Jenna chose to leave the Nashville grind and return home to St. Louis because they are both close to their families. “We knew we wanted to raise our family here,” Matt said. His commitment to his wife and young children is the engine behind his hustle, proving that you can pursue your dream while still being a present father and husband. His song “Outskirts of Grace” explores what it means to navigate faith, family, and dreams.
"Runaway Heart" was named a Rolling Stone Magazine Country Music Pick for the Week.
Fifth of July – A fan favorite that captures Matt’s Springsteen-inspired energy.
Anyone but Me – A raw, emotional single showcasing his lyrical honesty.
Stray Dogs – Title track from his 2025 EP, balancing vulnerability with grit.
Runaway Heart – A soaring anthem that highlights his knack for melody.
She Was – A recent single that blends storytelling with Matt’s signature sound.
Greatest Story – A 2024 release that’s quickly become one of his most-streamed songs.
Taillight Side – A standout from Stray Dogs, full of imagery and drive.
Wrangler – A gritty, rootsy track that resonates with a country-rock audience.
Matt Jordan is a storyteller. Whether he’s on stage in a packed club or playing acoustically in an intimate venue, his goal is the same: to create a connection. His journey is a powerful reminder that in music, as in life, the most rewarding path is the one you build yourself, step by step, song by song.
Matt is playing at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center on Friday, February 20th, at 7:00 p.m., and you are all invited as part of Kirkwood City Lifestyle's free concert series.
The most rewarding path is one you build yourself, step by step, song by song.