Georgia-Country.com Artist of the Month

On a monthly basis, Georgia-Country.com spotlights a Georgia artist that we feel is furthering their career in country music. Below is our current artist of the month. We hope you enjoy reading their interview and getting to know this artist more. Be sure to check out their music, videos and schedule for the month. If you are a Georgia-based artist, 18 and over, and would like to be considered for Artist of the Month, please contact us with your name and a website to review.

Our June Artist of the Month is Tracie Victoria Mattox. Read her interview below as GC catches up with Tracie and discusses her career. Then check out her music in videos at bottom of page.

GC: Tracie, lets get Georgia familiar with you. Where were you born, raised and a little bit about your family today?

TVM: Born and raised in Blackshear, Ga. Growing up I had a "normal" family I suppose, with both parents together and an older brother. Both sides of my grandparents were close by and involved and I'm very lucky to have had that. Things changed as I got older, my paternal grandparents passed, followed by my brother, and my mom a few years after that. Its not the most pleasant thing to talk about but my experiences have really shaped who I am.

GC: Who were your most earlier influences in country music?

TVM: One of my first cds was Deana Carter's album "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" and my favorite track was "Brand New Key". Riding the school bus we would listen to country stations, and I would always borrow my friends Dixie Chicks albums. But even before that I got my first taste of country music through my grandmother and great grandmother through listening to Hank Williams, Everly Brothers and the like, and gospel on their record player and on the tv on Sundays when we would have lunch after church.

TVM: Yes! I love writing! Real emotions and different takes on perspectives inspire me to write, and I love a good witty lyric.

GC: When and where was your first performance to any kind of audience (outside of family)?

TVM: I remember being in church and participating in choir and chorus at school, but as far as by myself I think I was in the 4th grade and I sang at a talent show that was put on by the girl scouts (which I was part of) and I got a badge for it.

GC: Did growing up in South Georgia have an influence on your music career and how?

TVM: I think growing up here taught me work ethic regarding my music career, I've always booked my own shows and developed my songwriting craft independently - which I believe has made me a better songwriter.

GC: Where is your favorite place to play and why?

TVM: Anywhere that people will listen! and I mean actually listen, as opposed to being background noise. I love what I do and getting to play for new audiences but I love engaging with my audience and getting to share my original music and my stories, and have others be moved. So far I've really enjoyed playing at The Plant Cafe in Waycross, Applebees in Waycross, Salt Life in Fernandina, and Eddies Attic in Atlanta.

GC: What do you like to do in your spare time?

TVM: Right now, clean my house and do laundry! As funny as that sounds i'm constantly working on new songs to add to my set list to keep it fresh, or working on posting a video for my You Tube channel, or writing new material, as well as working as a waitress during the day. But other than that, I take advantage of being a little lazy. I drive out of town a lot to gigs, come home at times real late, get up early for work the next day - it can get exhausting, so I love to have time to myself to just do nothing. I love watching random videos on You Tube and spending time with my boyfriend and our families when I get free time.

GC: If you could OPEN UP for any one act (past or present), who would that be and why?

TVM: Probably Kacey Musgraves. She is a pioneer but stays true to her roots. I love that she's always stayed true to her vision as an artist and hasn't swayed. She fought for her first single "Merry Go Round" and because of that she won a Grammy for Best Country Song that year. She's crossed over genres with her newest album and made something unique and beautiful.

GC: Whose music are you listening to right now?

TVM: I love Pinegrove, Lake Street Dive, Allen Stone, Wild Child, Jillian Jaqueline, Madison Kozac.. I could literally go on and on. I love to keep up with independent or up and coming artists - I've had my eye on Caylee Hammack for a while and WOW what talent! I've loved watching her start from the bottom and achieve her dreams. Such an inspiration. I gotta also give a shout out to Anna Vaus, can't stop listening to this little clip she put on her IG of a song she wrote, "Wild Honey", I hope to hear her finish that one and release it.

GC: What plans do you have for the rest of 2019?

TVM: Right now I plan to continue to write, post videos, and do shows, but I plan to release a couple singles this year along with some videos to accompany them. I am also hoping to do a little tour of the south, maybe travel as far as Louisiana and come back this way to Georgia, and/or do one travelling up the east coast. I want to make as many friends that I can, play in as many different towns as I can, share my music with anyone that wants to listen.