About Mike Matney

Originally from Virginia, Mike Matney, a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, creates genre-blending music that fuses blues, funk, hard rock, and heavy metal—an experience that must be heard. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of the most renowned names in rock music. His musical influences include Billy Gibbons, Frank Marino, Pat Travers, and Robin Trower. 

Matney began piano lessons at six, but by eight, he was inspired to pick up a guitar - a moment that changed the course of history. His childhood included several moves, but music remained a steady presence in his life. 

A pivotal moment came when a friend invited him to a basement jam session with older musicians playing electric guitar, bass, and drums, which ignited his passion. He performed in bands throughout his school years and, after graduating, moved to Nashville. There, he met Kriss and took Ron Keel's place in the band Tabu when Keel left for Los Angeles to join Steeler. This connection allowed him to mingle with notable figures such as Adrian Belew, Willie Dixon, and Roy Acuff. 

After six to seven months, Matney returned home briefly and spent time at a local record store with a small four-track studio. The owner permitted him to record there. During his tenure with Tabu, he earned the nickname "White Boy," which inspired the name of his next band, White Boy and The Average Rat Band. The band pressed 300 albums. Their debut album from 1980 has since become a cult collectible, valued at over $1,000 each, and in 2023, Matney signed a record deal with Riding Easy Records for its fourth reissue. 

He also played guitar for David Allan Coe in the mid-80s. In 1997, Matney earned a music degree and a degree in recording industry management from Middle Tennessee State University. While in Nashville, he interned in the A&R department at Asylum Records and worked for a public relations firm on Music Row. 

Currently, Matney has partnered with multi-platinum producer and artist Stevie Salas to create an album with his new band, Matney. Salas, who has worked with legends like Buddy Miles, Mick Jagger, and Rod Stewart, is also an award-winning composer. Rolling Stone recognized Salas as one of the 50 greatest guitar players of all time. He has sold two million albums and won a Sundance Film Festival award for his documentary "Rumble." The album has been recorded at Assembly Line Studios in Austin, Texas. With Stevie Salas producing and playing guitar, Matney on guitar and vocals, and Matt Novensky on bass, this album is poised for significant success.