Matthew McCartney


Matthew McCartney is a Florida-based traveling musician whose soul-stirring performances echo through the Southeast like a beacon of raw, unfiltered passion. This solo acoustic act isn’t just music; it’s an experience, a window into the heart of a true American singer-songwriter. Every time he takes the stage, his smile radiates, pouring his spirit into each note and lyric with an intensity that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. His music is a unique yet comforting blend of folk, gospel, punk rock, country, and blues—styles that come together to create something that feels like home, no matter where you are. Whether he's playing in the cozy corners of a coffee shop, a lively honky-tonk, a chic winery, a beach bar, a pub, or a neighborhood dive bar, Matthew’s sound is as versatile as it is compelling.
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Born and raised in the vibrant St. Pete/Tampa area, Matthew’s musical journey began in the churches, classrooms, and underground punk scenes. But it wasn’t until 2016, when he moved to Georgia, that he truly found himself and his voice. With a guitar in hand and a pen in the other, the songs began to flow, and he hasn’t looked back since. By 2020, he had already released seven full-length studio albums, each more dynamic and heartfelt than the last, and there’s no sign of him slowing down.
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Drawing inspiration from the world around him—from childhood memories along the Accotink Creek in Northern Virginia to hiking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina to feeling the sand between his toes at Sandbridge Beach, Virginia and of course the Gulf beaches around Tampa Bay—Matthew’s music paints vivid, unapologetic stories of life’s most intimate moments. His debut album, Georgia Clay (2020), captures the essence of his journey, telling tales of love, struggle, and the human condition with unfiltered honesty and a unique blend of simplicity and depth.
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His second album, Movin’ On (2021), was born from one of the wildest, most uncertain years of our lives. But Matthew’s words are a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and to the beauty of living life to its fullest. He pours his heart into every track, creating an album that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about pure, unadulterated fun.
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In March 2022, Matthew released his third album, Let Go For Dear Life. It’s a raw, cathartic journey through love, loss, addiction, and redemption. From the bone-chilling cold of Blackberry Winter to the warm embrace of the Gulf Coast beaches, this album will take you on a ride through the highs and lows of life and leave you feeling liberated. So let go for dear life!
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The autumn of 2022 brought Different River, Different Man, a milestone album that marked the turning of a new chapter as Matthew embraced his 40s. The tracks are a deep dive into his evolution—expressions of love, memories, friendship, and the endless pursuit of the next great song. It’s a testament to living fully, writing deeply, and celebrating the journey.
- ​"Time brings change."
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With Songs For Rainy Days, released in 2023, Matthew’s writing takes on a deeply personal tone. This album reflects his roots—his family, his love of Georgia, the comfort of his mother's voice, and the quiet peace that comes from being surrounded by those who matter most. It’s a poignant reflection of the good, the bad, and everything in between. 🌦
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Also released in 2023 was his first cover album! 'So Long And Thanks For All The Songs' is 11 acoustic NOFX covers. A tribute to one of his favorite punk bands after the bands announced retirement after forty years. Recorded live in the studio, it's easy to hear t passion and love put into this album.
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And now, with his seventh album, Living In The Clouds, Matthew takes us deeper into his world. Written in both Georgia and Florida, this album is a culmination of dreams, memories, and the unwavering pursuit of a life lived authentically. It’s an album about rising above life’s challenges, chasing dreams, and staying true to oneself, no matter where the road leads.
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Matthew McCartney’s music reflects his life in all its complexity—raw, real, and always moving forward. Each album is a new chapter in his story that continues to unfold with passion, purpose, and a lot of heart. The writing never stops, and neither does the music.
