Matteson Gregory
The singer-songwriter draws on her parents’ creative legacy and the raw energy of the 90s to inspire a new generation of dreamers.
In her new single, Phoenix in the 90’s, Matteson Gregory channels a powerful blend of nostalgia, personal reflection, and inspiration. The track, an indie-pop rock anthem that pulls from the raw energy and cultural vibrancy of the 1990s, is as much a tribute to her parents’ creative legacy as it is a personal statement about resilience and living authentically. With her mother’s photography and father’s music shaping the backdrop of her childhood, Matteson’s path as an artist feels both natural and inevitable. But it’s her own journey — the years spent questioning her place in music, facing self-doubt, and ultimately finding her voice — that fuels the heart of this song. We sat down with Matteson to discuss the making of Phoenix in the 90’s, the inspiration behind it, and how she’s bringing her parents’ creative spirit into the future of her music.
Here’s our conversation with the artist on how the 90s influenced her sound, the advice she’d give her younger self, and why her latest song is an anthem for anyone daring to live life on their own terms.
Let’s start with your new release – “Phoenix in the 90’s.” What inspired you to write this song, and what does it personally mean to you? What was the moment you knew you had to write this song?
This song was initially inspired by the fact I wanted to create a song that would inspire people to live their life the way they want. Let the haters hate. I think I wanted to write a song that I wish I would’ve had when I was 13 and questioning if I should do music or not because people told me I wasn’t good enough.
You mention that the song is inspired by your parents’ creative life in Phoenix in the 1990s. What are some specific memories or stories they shared that helped shape the song?
They have so many stories which was great for writing the song. I went home one afternoon and we filmed my parents and I going through old posters and photos from back in the 80’s &the 90’s. Some of the stories they shared were setting up concerts in the dessert and when my dad saw Nirvana play at the Mason Jar. Which was a place his band would play at all the time. Those were probably the two stories that stuck out to me and that I knew I had to put in the song.
You’ve come full circle – your mom was a photographer, your dad a musician, and now you’re the artist, with your husband behind the camera. How does that legacy of creativity influence your own artistic expression today?
I think it definitely continues to inspire me because creativity was never something that I had to fight for. Growing up in a house that never hid creative passions, like music, has always made me feel grateful because I know I have support. My parents understand the path I’m taking because they’ve done the same thing.
Even though you didn’t live through the 1990s as an adult, your song captures a strong sense of nostalgia. Do you feel nostalgic for that time? And if so, where do you think that feeling comes from? What aspects of the ’90s do you feel are missing in today’s creative world, if any? And what would you bring back if you could?
100%. If there was another decade I could go back and live it would be the 90’s. I feel like that was just a time where some of the best movies, tv, and music came out. Everything just felt very raw and real. There were stories that were behind everything that felt honest which is something that I always strive for in my music. I do think we are heading back to being more authentic with our music and presentation. I think in the end people want to have something to come back to that makes them feel like “oh someone else has felt this way. I’m not alone”.
Is there a particular photo your mom took or a song your dad played that really brings that era to life for you?
My mom took the photo for one of my dad’s albums that actually was a picture of her. Whenever I see that album it makes me smile because it just reminds me that my parents did the same thing that my husband and I are doing. It’s really inspiring.
What was the songwriting and recording process like for this track? Did anything surprise you creatively while working on it?
This songwriting process took like 5 years. When I first started writing the song, it wasn’t really based on my parent’s story. I knew I wanted to write an inspirational anthem but I kept trying to create these stories in my head that felt fake. It wasn’t until last year that I realized they were the missing piece to the song. I wrote a complete draft and then brought in Breigh Hammel to help co-write the rest of the song and we loved it. Once it was solid, I knew it was time to record so I brought in my producer, James Cronier, and we went back and forth discussing how we wanted the song to feel. The biggest thing was feeling like the song could almost be a ballad but I knew I wanted it to feel like an anthem. After a few mixes, we got what I would say is an amazing balance of the two.
How would you describe the sound of “Phoenix in the 90’s” to someone who hasn’t heard it yet? What kind of emotions or imagery do you hope it evokes?
I would describe it as an indie pop rock anthem that is about living your life the way you want. I want this song to bring back the nostalgia of the 90’s and inspire them to live the life they want to live. If there’s one thing my parent’s story has taught me is that there will always be an opinion for a choice you’ll have to make. The biggest thing is to not make the choice that makes someone else happy.
Did you explore any vintage or nostalgic musical influences from the ’90s while working on this song? If so, who or what were they?
For sure! Over the past two years I went down a 90’s music rabbit hole and fell in love with artists like Alanis Morissette and The Cranberries. For this song specifically I wanted to dive a little more into the rock/indie side. We also used some modern day inspiration from Lorde, Imogen Heap, and Taylor Swift.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Phoenix in the 90’s” –whether they lived through the ‘90s or not?
I want this song to make listeners believe they can live the life they want. They can love who they love. Chase whatever dream they want. No matter what people say. I want them to know that people will always have their opinions, but in the end they need to do what makes them happy.
Beyond this single, what’s next for you? Are you working on a larger project or planning any live shows?
Right now I am working on my debut EP that I plan to release next year. I’m also releasing another single this year from the EP and working on booking more live shows.
How has your personal journey—helped shape your identity as a songwriter?
I think my personal journey has definitely shaped me as a songwriter because a lot of my inspiration comes from my experience. I think I used to be a little shy when it came to speaking my mind but I’ve found that certain events over the past few years have given me more of a backbone to stand up for what I think is right. To write about real experiences that everyone goes through; to show them theyaren’t alone.
Looking back, what advice do you think your parents would give you now, as you continue your music career? And what advice would you give your younger self?
They would definitely tell me to continue going. I know they are so proud and they love that I wrote a song about them. I think they feel like the cool parents (which they are.) The advice I would give my younger self is to not be so concerned with what people think. You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, so don’t focus on them. Focus on the people who tell you they love your music cause they are who you’re playing for.
Official website of Matteson Gregory.
Listen to Phoenix in the 90’s here.
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