Originally from Rockmart, Georgia and now based near Athens, Matt’s journey into music is still in its early chapters, but it’s moving quickly. After picking up guitar just a few years ago, he immediately began writing songs and has already built a growing catalog inspired by real-life moments, unexpected turns, and the kind of stories that don’t need embellishment to hit hard.
Throughout the conversation, Matt opens up about what pushed him to take music seriously, how everyday life continues to fuel his songwriting, and why authenticity matters more than perfection in a genre built on storytelling. They also talk about his influences — from Travis Tritt and Randy Travis to newer voices carrying the 90s country spirit forward — and how he’s working to blend that classic sound with his own modern perspective.
They dive into the highs and challenges of being an independent artist, including hearing his music on the radio for the first time, navigating social media as a new voice in a crowded space, and the excitement of building toward live band performances and bigger stages.
We also get into his latest release “NEON ON,” and what it means to him to grow not just as an artist, but as a songwriter first — someone focused less on chasing trends and more on telling honest stories that connect.
If you’re a fan of country music that leans into storytelling, faith, and real-life experiences, this conversation is one worth hearing.
Follow Matt Ryan on all social media!
Instagram: @mattryanmusic
Facebook: @mgiudice2
TikTok: @mattryanmusic
YouTube: @MattRyanMusicOfficial
Spotify: Matt Ryan
Apple Music: Matt Ryan
The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street... with LIVE Music every weekend, All You Can Eat Wings and Trivia on Wednesdays, and NOW serving BRUNCH on Saturday and Sunday!
Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist and support local music in the Chattanooga area and make sure to follow Hits 96 on Instagram!
Also if YOU are a local musician and you would like to be featured on Season 3 of The Proximity Playlist, please send your music and information to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
The Proximity Playlist is a local Chattanooga podcast dedicated to shining a spotlight on the vibrant music scene of Chattanooga and its surrounding areas. Each episode invites listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of the local music community, featuring talented musicians and bands who call this region home.
Through in-depth interviews, captivating storytelling, and plenty of tunes of all genres, Gino D helps tell the stories of the up and coming artists from Chattanooga.
The Proximity Playlist is brought to by WanderLinger… Where Local Flavor Meets Community. Located right in the heart of Downtown on Station Street. Get their menu, beer selection, events, and more at WANDERLINGER.COM
Please subscribe to The Proximity Playlist, support local music in the Chattanooga area, and make sure to follow along!
If you are a local musician and you would like to be featured on The Proximity Playlist… please send mp3 or wav files of your songs as well as any and all social media and video links you’d like to share, to Gino D at gino@wdodradio.com
Submissions DO NOT have to be clean edits, however if selected you will need to provide a clean version for radio airplay.
If you get selected for a spot, Gino D will be in contact with further instruction. All genres of music are welcome, but please understand Hits 96 is a Top 40 radio station so we are looking for music that will appease a mainstream audience. Any further questions, please do not hesitate to send them to Gino D. Thank you!