Living in our 20’s is just like starting the new season of a TV show – it can be exciting, questionable, emotional, and full of the most unexpected plot twists. Along the way, we’re even introduced to the most interesting characters as we navigate our own messy, yet transformative stories.
Matteson Gregory is taking on the first season of her musical journey by embracing her experiences with a bright boldness, and through raw, authentic storytelling. After being booed off stage in her hometown’s rendition of The Gong Show when she was 13, Matteson had two options: to give up entirely or to continue to pursue doing what she loved, proudly and without fear. Years later, after taking vocal lessons, an opportunity arose for her in high school to perform a song she wrote, which gave her the confidence to keep pursuing music.
“I was kind of quiet about writing songs, especially throughout high school,” she said. “But then, I got a chance to sing a song of mine in front of the whole school when I was a senior and everybody clapped and cheered. It was the moment where I was like, ‘I’ve got this!”
Music has always played a huge part of Matteson’s life and since then, she has marched on proud, channeling her inner rock star through her stylish 90’s wardrobe, and heartfelt and upbeat lyrics, launching her into what she considers the first season of her music career. Her song Phoenix in the 90’s, pays great homage to the The Phoenix 90’s Rock Scene and to her parents.
“My dad was in different rock bands and would play stages like The Mason Jar. He even played some of the same stages that Nirvana would play, and I believe he even opened up for the Gin Blossoms as well,” she said. “He was very involved in that music scene and my mom would always be out in the crowd doing photos.”
Her parents have always been her number one supporter, and have always encouraged her to follow her dreams, with nothing holding her back, regardless of others’ negative opinions.
“One of the biggest things that [my parents] taught me is that people are always gonna have their opinions, but the most important thing you can do is to live the life that you want to live, because you don’t wanna have any regrets. Ignore the haters!”
Matteson is no stranger when it comes to new beginnings. Throughout her ‘season one’ of her career, inspiration struck after watching the iconic TV show Friends. In an episode where Chandler Bing reassures the group that they are no longer in their 20’s, going to parties and staying out late, it brought her comfort that growing up was a beautiful process.
In her fun and upbeat single, 21 Ain’t So Fun, she reflects on her 20’s, and that the way we have fun can change and to give ourselves permission to embrace it. She also reassures us that we should not be afraid of getting older, as we continue to learn and grow more into ourselves.
“We kind of live in a world where it’s a bad thing getting older. Adulting is hard, trust me!” She exclaimed. “I don’t think you stop having fun, just the way you have fun changes. It’s not a bad thing. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of getting older, and you’ll learn more about yourself and that’s something to look forward to.”
With 2026 continuing to unravel, it’s safe to say that we may have a Matteson Gregory summer on the horizon. As she continues to write and release new music that captivates her fans, she has a few new and exciting plot twists of her own – her musical journey has officially been renewed for a season 2! With an upcoming EP and a tour in the works, Matteson is thrilled to start the next phase of her career as accelerates to new heights.
“I’ve got a lot of big plans for doing more live shows! So, right now it’s the time to really prepare for everything. I’m really excited for that! And I’m releasing the EP where I’ve got a few other songs on that. I’m just really excited for just this next chapter!”
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