via Mattie Schell with permission
Audio By Carbonatix
Talk about having one helluva a year! Singer-songwriter Mattie Schell has certainly had one—touring with the Allman Betts band, playing at the annual MerleFest among other marquee venues, signing with Nashville-based Compass Records and releasing a promising new album.
“You want to say it’s validation for all your hard work,” she told me on the most recent episode of The Load Out Music Podcast. “I just don’t feel entitled to what’s happening but I’m also super excited. I’m just very grateful.”
A native of St. Louis with a vocal style reminiscent of the late Janis Joplin, Schell combines the heartfelt honesty of Americana with the raw power of soul—creating a sound that is both fresh and rooted in tradition. She began her professional career in 2014 as a member of River Kittens, a promising St. Louis-based duo celebrated for its harmonies, heartfelt lyrics and raw energy. But eventually, Schell and her then-Kittens partner Allie Vogler decided to split.
“Mattie is a monster vocalist that knows how to light up any size room and drop jaws,” said Allman, the son of the legendary Greg Allman, who has appeared on The Load Out prior.
Schell credits him for much of her exposure, saying, “All of that wouldn’t have happened without him taking us (The River Kittens) under his wing.”
Her debut solo album for Compass — entitled, Everything Means Nothing — was produced by JD Simo, who has worked with the likes of Jack White, the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, Dave Cobb, past Load Out guest Joe Bonamassa, Chris Isaak and more. The album is an excellent showcase of Schell’s soulful vocals on a set of original compositions that explore the universal emotions of love, loss and redemption. From tender ballads to anthemic tracks, the album establishes Schell as one of the most powerful and engaging new artists to emerge on the Americana scene.
Yet, with all of the exposure and accolades, Schell remains grounded and doesn’t find herself overwhelmed.
“No, never overwhelmed,” she told me. “It’s like, ‘Don’t ever forget that this is happening…Be in this moment.’ For example, singing with Jimmy Hall from (the band) Wet Willie. I’m like, ‘Ok, remember this. Remember that you’re singing backup for Jimmy-fucking-Hall right now.’ And years later you can look back on this moment.”
Schell spent the summer touring with Jackson Stokes after performing much of the year with the Allman Betts Family Reunion, the Southern rock collective led by Allman and Duane Betts. As she forges ahead, with support from Compass—which also represents artists such as Leftover Salmon, past guest John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, A.J. Croce, Colin Hay, Molly Tuttle, Robbie Fulks and others—Schell is focused on enjoying the ride and making sure her fans know that she loves what she’s doing.
“I can’t not full-out do something when I’m on the stage,” said Schell. “I think that’s what an audience wants more—not perfection, but feeling. If you’re just being yourself and being genuine, you can’t help but being enhanced by that.”
So yeah, it’s been a good year for Mattie Schell and there’s more to come. We were thrilled to welcome her to the Load Out music podcast.