Ashley Matte

Self-taught guitarist Ashley Matte might not have grown up in San Diego, but she certainly has grown into its lifestyle. San Diego’s laid-back surfer ethic—along the Pacific Ocean—breeds its very own style. It’s slower. It’s faster. It’s a perfect mixture of sun and soul. Ashley’s style resounds her San Diego surroundings. You know it before you even hear it. It’s a jangle of the acoustic guitar. It’s a sweet voice with a touch of rasp. It’s feel-good music you might not take notice of because you wear a smile while hearing it. It’s a little pained and a little volatile. It’s strong but tired. It’s the beach mixed with the 80-mile-per-hour fury of the “5” Freeway. 

All the Southern California allegories in the world give way to the poetic sound Ashley croons. It’s a Nashville-inspired music. A southern sensibility keeps Ashley grounded as her singer/songwriter peers share the stage with this melodic guitarist possessing a pleasing voice. And speaking of peers, Ashley’s shared the stage with Chris Isaak, Dave Matthews, Gavin DeGraw and The Fray to name a few. They are as plentiful as they are complimentary to Ashley’s unique brand of San Diego pop-folk.

So it’s in listening to Ashley Matte you may think of being stuck in southern California traffic, on that 5 Freeway, but as Ashley’s voice lifts through the speakers, it might just be okay to spend some time jamming to the tunes.