San Diego artist Matthew Phillips has built a reputation on big melodies, emotional storytelling and the kind of guitar work that refuses to fade into the background. His sound pulls from pop, rock and cinematic electronics, creating songs that feel both modern and nostalgic. With a growing fanbase, major live moments and a run of breakout singles, Phillips is shaping himself into one of Southern California’s most compelling new voices.
Your music mixes big pop energy with those classic rock guitar moments. How did that blend become your thing, and what keeps you excited about it?
I started out as a guitar player, learning from the greats — Eric Clapton, Prince, B.B. King, and John Mayer. As I started to form my own sound, the music that hit me the hardest lyrically came from the alternative-pop world: the Goo Goo Dolls, Train, and 30 Seconds to Mars.
The third element is a little different, but that anthem-EDM side of me came straight from Porter Robinson, Zedd, and Illenium. That mix of influences is what makes me me. I love all these artists, and I haven’t found many people blending all these genres the way I do — guitar solos with EDM-style synths. It’s different, it’s unique, but it feels right.
There’s a quote I read years ago about an artist forming their ideas by failing to impersonate their heroes. That line nails it for me — not just for who I am as an artist, but for pretty much every artist ever. I love music so much, and being able to play it live is what keeps me excited. There’s this euphoric feeling and power that live music creates — it’s almost impossible to describe.
That moment when the kick hits… when Cory Noonan slams those floor toms… when Reese Morin hits that one note on bass or shakes the earth with the synth bass… it’s something indescribable, I LOVE it. Seeing the love and unity at shows; hearing people sing these anthems, and then telling us after the set what the songs mean to them — that’s priceless.
You’ve played some serious shows recently. Was there a live moment that made you stop and think… ok, this is really happening?
Thank you so much! I’d say the “light dance” is one of those moments where, when it happens, it’s straight-up magic. There were 1 time in particular where the band and I looked at each other like, “Yup… this is really happening.” One of them was at the House of Blues when we played the release show for “Till It’s Over.” I told the audience we were filming and that this was going to be the official music video. Then I explained that the song is about getting over a toxic relationship and finally having the courage to say no more.
I asked the crowd, “If you’ve ever been in a toxic relationship, put your lights up.” And the entire room lit up brighter than the stage lights. It was this moment of unity and vulnerability that I’ll never forget. Of course, a few jokes popped off too — some people started outing the toxic one standing right next to them. “THEY are right here!” Pointing to their partner. 1 couple yelled “I choose to stay with him! I Choose to stay with her”. Everyone was putting each other on blast. It was hilarious and perfect all in 1 moment. At about 2 minutes and 50 seconds into the song, I jumped onto the barricade to get as close to the crowd, and the way that felt… was honestly perfection. We were all moving in unison. Music really does bring us together, and every time we play, I try my best to bring moments like this everywhere we go.
Your new album feel very personal, but also cinematic. When you write, are you pulling from real life or just following whatever story the song wants to tell?
All my music comes from real-life moments or real-life experiences. I’ve always felt that if you get up on stage and sing a song that doesn’t mean something to you, the audience will feel it — and it’s just not going to land. Music has to be vulnerable. It has to come from a place that’s real.
When I was writing “Till It’s Over,” there were lines where I thought, man… this might be a little too personal. Some of those lines even brought me to tears the first time I sang them. A mentor once told me, “When you reach that moment — when it breaks you — that’s when you know you’ve got something special.” And that always stuck with me. Both “Till It’s Over” and “Time Fades Love” had me in tears while I was making them.
There’s something about those songs that pulled something honest out of me that I didn’t even know I needed to say.
At a recent show at the Del Mar Fair, a couple came up to me afterward and told me they were going through a tough time, and that “Time Fades Love” meant the world to them. They shared more with me, things I’ll keep private, but it reminded me exactly why I write the way I do. Before I play that song live, I always say, “This next song is about never giving up on someone you care about — never giving up on someone you love.” That’s what it’s all about. Real experiences, real emotions, and hoping the truth in my songs helps someone else feel seen.
With guitar brands, awards, and fans all backing you, how do you keep your head clear and stay focused on the creative side?
While I dreamed of certain things happening, in the end when we are in front of an audience all of that stuff goes away. It really has never been something that clouds my artistic vision. Only that we are doing something correct and that its resonating and moving people. The pressure, the expectations, truly disappears and people can see how much we love what we do. The connection in the room, the energy bouncing back off the walls, the feeling that we’re all in the same moment together.
That’s what keeps me centered. The human connection of what we do is everything and bringing the audience with us to be apart of the show is truly one thing we do exceptionally well. At a recent show my guitar tech Robert Bell said something unbelievably profound right before we hit the stage. “Everyone is out there is waiting for you, go be the best part of their day.” That moved me beyond words and just made me realize how truly powerful music is. Not only to me but to everyone every single day.
What’s inspiring you right now as you look toward your next chapter, whether in music or just life in general?
Getting back into the studio to make more music. This album was an extremely long journey of finding what made my sound, my unique voice. I have a great team built through the years and we are excited to keep creating and pushing further and further. 2026 is already looking incredible show-wise and I can’t wait to share what’s going to start happening next. This last album taught me a lot about who I am as an artist and what my sound is supposed to feel like. It wasn’t always easy, but the struggle is what shaped it into something real. Now that the foundation is there, I feel this wave of momentum to push further and help those around me pursue thier creative pursuits.
My team has grown with me through all the ups and downs, and we finally hit that place where everybody understands the vision and wants to push it even further. We’re already tossing around ideas, experimenting with new sounds, and figuring out where to take things next.
2026 is shaping up to be wild! The shows we have lined up, the opportunities, the energy is building… it feels like the beginning of a whole new chapter. I can’t wait to let people in on what’s coming, because if this year was about discovering my voice, next year is about seeing how far we can take it.
Matthew Phillips feels like an artist in full motion, driven by craft, connection and a clear sense of purpose.
His rise has been built on sincerity and showmanship, and the next chapter looks set to raise the bar even higher. Whatever comes next, it is clear he is only just getting started.