The Rise of Matt Oakley: A New Voice in Country’s Next Generation
Matt Oakley is a country singer who is on the rise and ready to take his place on the global stage. With a creative spirit and a sound that harkens back to country music’s roots, featuring an infusion of modern sounds, he plans to release his debut full-length album in 2025.
A Musical Storyteller
Born into a military family, Matt Oakley was raised in various states across the East Coast of the United States and in South Korea. The experiences of his upbringing in Maryland, Virginia, and Rhode Island have informed his unique perspective and infused his songs with genuine heart and spirit. As a singer and songwriter, his songs are influenced by his background both lyrically and musically. His song “Party on 95” was inspired by the road trips he and his roommate took on Interstate 95 when he was attending college in South Carolina. His single “Soldier’s Son” is dedicated to his father and Gold Star Families. He also takes inspiration from a wide array of artists, including musical icons such as Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, and Morgan Wallen.
Though Oakley is heavily inspired by classic country music, he doesn’t shy away from blending those traditional sounds with modern rock and pop. His songs are filled with nostalgia and a sense of adventure. His musical influences are evident in his singles “Can’t Take The Dogs,” “Single This Summer,” and “Party on 95.” He has had the pleasure of working with producer David Ray Stevens, who has also worked with rapper/country singer Jelly Roll and country star Luke Bryan.
Oakley first started to break out to a national audience when he performed at the Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) in 2023. This “standout performance” was followed by appearances at major events where he shared stages with big acts such as country singer Bailey Zimmerman, country music duo Big & Rich, and rock band 3 Doors Down. These showcases highlighted his musical talent and versatility as well as his ability to connect with audiences.
Innovation and Relatability
Oakley is committed to making music with heartfelt lyrics rooted in his life experiences. His relatable genre-blending music and ability to put on exciting shows that draw in the crowd appeal to a growing audience that spans multiple generations of music fans. Though his talent is at the center of his performances and success, his determination to succeed has also driven him forward, even during difficult times.
One such obstacle that he had to overcome was the pandemic. Unable to do live performances, Oakley turned to social media, specifically TikTok, to reach out to music lovers and build a fan base. Oakley’s hard work has paid off with recognition on the All-New Country and Fresh Finds Country Spotify Editorial lists. Additionally, his singles have been praised in reviews by music critics and embraced by listeners.
After the release of his album in 2025, featuring around 14 songs, Oakley plans to tour and perform on stages around the world.
Fans can listen to Matt Oakley on Spotify and enjoy his often touching, relatable, and fun-filled songs.
