About EJ Mathews

EJ Mathews hails from the backroads of East Texas and Oklahoma, where red dirt, pine trees, and front-porch pickin’ shaped his sound from an early age. Raised in the rural community of Bivins near the Louisiana state line, EJ’s earliest musical influence was his Georgia-born grandfather, who played slide guitar on the porch and never leaned on cover tunes. As EJ shared in an interview, “I don’t want to sound like everybody else; I just want to be me. Granddaddy never played any cover tunes. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just not me.” That independent spirit still defines his music today.

With three full-length releases and a string of standout singles, EJ has built a catalog rooted in authenticity and originality. His sound—often described as “Backwoods Blues with a Shot of Country”—blends foot-stompin’ rhythms, swampy grooves, and raw acoustic melodies into something unmistakably his own. His music is catchy from the very first beat, pulling listeners in with grit, soul, and undeniable hooks.

In 2017, EJ was named Breakout Artist of the Year by Living Blues Magazine, a recognition that cemented his place as one of the genre’s rising voices. As Living Blues noted about EJ, his approach honors tradition while carving out new ground—rooted in heritage but driven by originality.

On stage, Mathews delivers lively, high-energy performances that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether in an intimate venue or a festival setting, he brings a distinct, swamp-bred sound that reflects his upbringing and ensures every crowd leaves engaged, energized, and wanting more.