Exclusive Interview with Matt Axton

Artist Spotlight: Matt Axton

Songwriter. Performer. Inheritor of a family tradition. California-based musician Matt Axton is many things.

Most of all, he is bringing his joyful brand of “mountain soul rock and roll” across the United States. A primary example is his latest EP, Same Old Story, with the lead single, a funky dance number called “Musclechops.”

“Musclechops” has become a kind of theme song for Axton’s mission of spreading positivity. It was the first song he wrote when he moved to Los Angeles five years ago. Through the ups and downs of life, he says, the song is about trusting that, more often than not, you’ll land on the upside.

This Q&A gives fans a rare glimpse into the mind of one of music’s most respected voices.

Outverge: Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics and melodies?

Matt Axton: My inspiration comes from life, experience, nature, love, loss, pain, and joy. Mix them altogether, and you get the ingredients for a great song. It also helps that I come from generations of songwriters (Mae Boren Axton, my grandmother, co-wrote "Heartbreak Hotel" for Elvis and other songs. My father, Hoyt Axton not only penned many songs for himself but wrote hits for other people, such as "Joy to the World" - Jeremiah was a bullfrog - for Three Dog Night, the "No No Song" for Ringo Starr. My mother, also a music maestro, taught me to play guitar. 

Outverge: What comes first for you: the music or the lyrics?

Matt Axton: It's a toss-up. Sometimes it's just a melody in my head, and I build the lyrics from that, or sometimes I'm driving in the car, and the lyrics come to me, and I go home and pick out the melody on the guitar.

Outverge: How do you stay true to your sound while experimenting with new styles?

Matt Axton: As an Americana artist, we inherently mix together many genres, so it's just a natural process for a songwriter like me. It's all about serving the song—wherever the song wants to sit.

Outverge: Have you experimented with different genres or styles in your music?

Matt Axton: My version of Americana incorporates blues, country, soul, folk, and rock and roll. I call it mountain soul rock-n-roll.

Outverge: How do you adapt your studio recordings for live performances?

Matt Axton: It’s the opposite for me. I tour with a small band around 200 days a year, so when we get into the studio, we are pretty well-versed and enjoy adding musicians to the core band to create a more full sound.

Outverge: What’s the most technically challenging song you’ve worked on?

Matt Axton: A song coming up on our new album (release in early 2027) with a 10-piece band, including horns, backing vocals, multi-guitars, you name it!

Outverge: What impact do you hope your music has on your listeners?

Matt Axton: JOY and appreciation for organic, original songwriting and eclectic performance style that's a mashup of traditional and modern Americana music.

Outverge: What’s your favorite song to perform live and why?

Matt Axton: We have an outlaw country song called "Badmoon" - our band name and theme song - which features a guitar duel in the middle, and we let the crowd pick the winner.

Outverge: How do you keep your live performances fresh and exciting for both you and your audience?

Matt Axton: We add a lot of improvisation in our shows; it's an important part of our formula. A song could be extended or shortened, and we bring in a lot of guest musicians to keep things organic and interesting. I always connect with the audience, telling stories of family history or life on the road, which keeps it fresh.

Outverge: What’s your favorite part of being on tour?

Matt Axton: Seeing the amazing sights and meeting the amazing people that make up the fabric of this country. And no matter how big or small the city, I always come away with a few good stories and a couple of new friends.