In-Demand Songwriter Matt Koziol Makes His Artist Debut With ‘Wildhorse’ Album, Out May 20th

Vibrant songwriter Matt Koziol didn’t come to Nashville to see his name in lights but rather, to see his name in the album credits of the musicians he admired. His knack for storytelling and his salient blend of southern rock, country and Americana soon grabbed the attention of artists like John Paul White, Joy Oladokun, Jimmie Allen, Charlie Worsham and more who he came to collaborate with.

Now, Koziol is stepping out of the writer's room and onto the main stage with his debut album ‘Wildhorse,’ due May 20th via RED Creative Records. Written and co-written entirely by Koziol, it’s a ten-song collection that recounts a decade long journey through heartbreak, dream-chasing and self-discovery. Today (3.11), he shares “House To Build A Home,” a song that paints a wishful picture of a picket-fence future from a man whose demons hold him back from reaching it.

Listen to “House To Build A Home,” HERE.

“I was at a really good point in a relationship where I thought things were going to progress forward,” says Koziol. “I wrote this song based around the idea of what I always wanted. The first line is I’ve got demons, and I’ve got things that take away the night, and I think that came from me being a traveler, playing music on the road. I’ve had moments of reflection when I look at the things that have held me back, and I tell myself that if I want the future I’m writing about, I have to beat these demons.”

‘Wildhorse’ is a reflection of moments that have shaped Koziol as an artist and person over the past ten years — mistakes in love and the slow-burning end of a tumultuous relationship, risk-taking and dream-chasing, allowing himself the freedom for self-discovery and introspection, and more. 

"Wildhorse is the most unexpected and most needed collection of work I’ve done in a long time," says Koziol. "It's a melting pot of songs that encapsulate the last 10 years of my life, and you can feel the change of seasons through every song. I’m so excited to take people on that journey with me through the record."

Koziol, who came to Nashville from the Tri-state area after studying music in college and traveling around the country to perform his songs, delivers music inspired by influences like The Rolling Stones, Chris Stapleton, John Mayer, Jason Isbell, Tom Petty and others. Previously released songs offer a taste of the sonic diversity Koziol showcases on the album — “Work All Day'' is a rugged blue-collar anthem, while the angsty “Slow Burn” sounds like a countrified Bob Dylan. The album’s “Loving You Loving Me” is a Tina Turner-meets-Keith Richards southern rock tune that also tips its hat to ‘Dirty Dancing’ with its guitar solo, while the gentle “Hired Gun” channels James Taylor-inspired acoustic guitar work. 

‘Wildhorse’ pre-order is available today, HERE. For updates on Matt Koziol, visit mattkoziol.com.

‘Wildhorse’ tracklist:

*Produced by Matthew Odmark

1. “Work All Day” (Matt Koziol & Samuel Lee)

2. “Slow Burn” (Koziol & Wes Harllee)

3. “House to Build a Home” (Koziol)

4. “Loving You Loving Me” (Koziol, Adam Roth, Bill Delia, Tim Bruns)

5. “The Weight of It All” (Koziol & Logan Wall)

6. “Wildhorse” (Koziol)

7. “Before We Break It” (Koziol, Jimi Bell, Jonathan Sherwood)

8. "Leave a Little” (Koziol, Andrew Dixon, Rosi Golan)

9. “Hired Gun” (Koziol & Steve Moakler)

10. “This House” (Koziol)

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