Check Out Robbie Matley’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robbie Matley.

Hi Robbie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started the band in 2019 as a solo project. At the time, it was simply an outlet — a way to process thoughts and experiences I couldn’t say unless it was through music. I’ve always sung and played guitar, and songwriting became the most honest form of expression I had. and learn how to do everything on my own

In 2020, Malcom Wood and Dhruv Mysore joined the project. That was the first time the music truly felt collaborative. They came in during a point when I was working on Everything Will Be Okay’. We were figuring things out in real time but also just being kids making music. they stepped away in 2021 during the end stages of that album, I returned to working solo through 2023. That period was important I stepped away and tried new things and It forced me to become more intentional, both creatively and personally.

In 2023, After Too Her And All Of My Dreams released. My Best Friend Zendert joined, bringing new perspective Then in 2024, Will Lavery, Drew Coker , and Niko Lee became part of the lineup, and the project expanded again. And that year was a massive for the band. we went from nothing then into a actual band in our community and Lineup changes are never easy, but they’re part of the journey. Will and Drew are no longer in the band as of 2026, and in December 2025, Longtime Collaborator and Best Friend Tristan Crisp joined, marking another new chapter for us.

The foundation of the band has always been rooted in honest songwriting. We describe our sound as indie punk, but our influences range across alternative rock, emo, post-hardcore, and shoegaze. Those genres shaped how we think about everything

Every phase of the band has taught me something different: how to lead, how to collaborate, how to adapt. It’s not been easy but I’m proud of the evolution. It’s never been about chasing trends or moving fast; it’s been about building something real, with the right people, at the right time.

At the end of the day, we just want to make good music and to create music that connects with the people

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I think that’s true for most bands that are building something from the ground up.

Starting the project solo in 2019 meant I was figuring everything out on my own at first — writing, direction, identity managing. When members began joining in 2020, it was exciting, but it also came with the challenge of learning how to collaborate and align creatively and Every person brings a different background and influence Finding a shared vision takes time and patience.

The lineup changes have probably been the hardest part. When people join, you build chemistry musically and personally. And when they leave, there’s always an adjustment period. Between 2021 and 2023, when I returned to being solo again, there were moments of doubt. You question whether you’re building something sustainable, whether you’re leading well, and whether the sacrifices are worth it. And for me if there was in purpose in me trying to continue with my art, and personal struggles

There are also the practical struggles — balancing music with life responsibilities, funding recordings, booking shows, staying motivated when growth feels slow. None of it is glamorous in the beginning.

But every challenge shaped the band into what it is now. The setbacks forced me to grow as a leader. They made the current lineup stronger and more intentional. So while it hasn’t been smooth, but it’s meaningful

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the core of everything I do is songwriting and performance. I’m the lead vocalist and as the front man, my role goes beyond just writing and playing it’s about setting the tone creatively and emotionally for the band. Most of our songs start with me, whether it’s a lyric, a riff, or a melody, and then I bring it to the band to shape it into something bigger.

As a front man, I take a lot of responsibility for the connection between the music and the audience. Live shows are a huge part of our identity. I focus on delivering performances that feel raw and immersive and emotionally present. I want people to leave a show feeling like they experienced something real, not just watched a set.

We’ve independently released 3 albums multiple singles and EPs since forming, and seeing the response grow organically has been incredibly rewarding. we’ve had the opportunity to play sold-out local shows, and share stages with other acts in the indie and alternative scene. Every milestone, whether it’s a streaming number, a packed room It feels earned because it’s been built from the ground up.

What sets us apart is our focus on dynamics and sincerity. We’re not trying to follow trends we’re trying to create music that feels timeless and honest.

What I’m most proud of is the growth. The band has evolved through lineup changes and different eras, but I’ve stayed committed to the vision and to leading it forward. Building something that has endured challenges and still continues to expand creatively and professionally means more to me than any single achievement.

At the end of the day, I see my role as both the voice and the anchor of the band. My job is to make sure the music stays authentic, the performances stay passionate, and the direction stays intentional.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think choosing to pursue music seriously is a risk in itself. Starting the band in 2019 as a solo project was the first major leap. There was no guarantee anyone would listen, connect, or even care. It was just an idea and a belief that the music mattered. One of the biggest risks has been continuing through uncertainty especially during the periods when the lineup changed and I found myself back to being solo from 2021 to 2023. It would have been easy to step back or treat it as a closed chapter. and I did for a year but slowly I kept writing ans started to release again, That period taught me that risk isn’t always dramatic sometimes it’s simply choosing not to quit when things feel unstable. For me, risk isn’t about chasing extremes it’s about choosing progress over comfort. And every phase of this band has required that choice. Creatively, vulnerability is a risk too. A lot of our music is personal. Putting that into the world especially in a loud, high-energy genre can feel exposing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/dogwoodofficial
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsdogwood/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://x.com/heyitsdogwood
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsdogwood
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/heyitsdogwood

Image Credits
Julezproductions

ellenardenphoto

gabriel acosta

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