Getting To Know... Matt Whataguy

Rising pop-rock artist Matt Whataguy steps into 2026 with his emotionally charged new single ‘We Weren’t In Love’, a powerful release that captures heartbreak at its most immediate and unfiltered. Blending pop-punk urgency with cinematic production and vulnerable lyricism, the track transforms raw emotion into an anthemic, scream-along moment built for both headphones and live stages.

Driven by punchy guitars, soaring vocals, and a chorus designed to linger, ‘We Weren’t In Love’ explores the disorienting aftermath of a breakup. It’s a song that balances nostalgia with a sleek, modern edge, drawing on influences from across the alt-pop and emo spectrum while maintaining a voice that feels distinctly his own.

So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Drums. Choosing an instrument in 4th grade I wanted to be a drummer but we had too many I guess and they made me play the bells. So lame. I switched to trombone a year later because my uncle gave me his old one AKA it was free. Still to this day I say I was born to be a drummer, but that means I can’t be a frontman…quite the dichotomy!

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I had so many phases. Video games like Tony Hawk and Madden exposed me to so much rock and punk. Got into a lot of pop though radio and burnt CDs. My first job dishwashing the kitchen guys played exclusively alt rock and Eminem.

What was the first album you remember owning?

A Stadium Rock CD: We will rock you, money money, tequila, green onions. Very weird.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Berenstein, the Band Camino. In another universe, on a different timeline, we had it…but not this one. A Mandela effect song?! C'mon that is *chefs kiss* Plus Taylor Swift loves that song too.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Have a clear head and canvas and try to let an idea or hook come to you. Dig through the Notes app for things I’ve written down and try to pull the string till you can’t anymore. Maybe you have something, maybe you don’t.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

It’s a heavy Band Camino, Knox, Taylor Acorn rotation. Lately The Maine, I somehow missed them growing up.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Can I say Taylor Swift just to meet her? Realistically and sonically I would love to open for The Band Camino. I think I’m right up their alley and would gain many new fans.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

I’m starting to get more frequent messages about people enjoying and relating to my music. Most are so supportive and it means a lot that a 3 min song I created is making someone feel something. That’s the goal, right.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Wearing so many hats. Songwriting and performing are only a fraction of what people see but I am managing a business and have to create content, advertise, book myself and my band, design art, merch and way more. It’s endless but this is a grind that I love.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

The business side of owning your publishing and music as much or as long as you can. Thankfully the ecosystem is trending more toward the indie artist for a livable wage and sustained success. That’s the goal on the boring side….but I just wanna rock man.

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Matt Whataguy's new single 'We Weren't In Love' is out now. Check it out in the player below.