The Matt Clarkson Band, a Springfield-based country rock quintet, made a strong impression at the 10th Annual Josie Music Awards in Nashville this October. The group was nominated in four categories for their 2023 single “Bad News,” including Fan’s Choice, Music Video of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
The Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House, honor unsigned and independent artists, and the Matt Clarkson Band competed alongside musicians from across the United States and 40 other countries. Although they didn’t win any awards, the band’s first-year nominations — which saw them beat out 75,000 applicants — were a major achievement.
“It was honestly just excitement and gratitude,” said frontman Matt Clarkson. “Being nominated felt like a win in itself. The whole experience felt like being part of a big family.”
During the awards ceremony, Clarkson and guitarist William Dekle walked the red carpet and mingled with fellow nominees. The band, who described the atmosphere as supportive and welcoming, is now even more determined to return as strong contenders in future JMAs.
Meanwhile, the Matt Clarkson Band is celebrating the release of their latest single, “All I’ve Ever Known,” out December 14. The song is a heavier follow-up to their hit “Bad News,” maintaining the band’s signature modern country music sound. Clarkson wrote the song after hearing the line “It’s been raining for three whole days” while cleaning out his garage. The song was quickly written and later recorded at the request of fans. Produced by Nate McDonough at Sound Cellar Recording, the track draws inspiration from Nashville’s own The Steel Woods.
As the Matt Clarkson Band continues to gain recognition, their journey is only just beginning, with “All I’ve Ever Known” marking an exciting new chapter for the group.
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