Matthew McNeal, a roots musician from Fort Worth, has made waves in the local music scene after winning the inaugural JAMBALOO Music Prize for his 2025 album, HIGHLONESOME. The prize, awarded by the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, comes with significant perks, including a $20,000 cash award—an amount that can profoundly impact an independent artist’s career. With this financial boost, many might wonder whether it will be invested in touring, crafting a new album, or upgrading equipment.
For McNeal, the prize money is a chance to reinvest in his music and support the broader local music ecosystem. “Everything I do under the Matthew McNeal banner runs through Matte Black Sound,” he explained, referring to the company he co-founded in 2017. This venture serves as a label, studio, and audio production entity. “Instead of receiving the money personally, it goes to the company I run, which helps fund all the projects we undertake. Winning doesn’t change my plans; it just alleviates some of the stress involved.”
Despite the challenges of touring in 2026, McNeal remains committed to hitting the road to perform in small to mid-sized venues across the nation. “In the past, we would do around 150 shows a year, traveling coast to coast independently. However, COVID-19 drastically changed that landscape, leading to the closure of numerous venues and DIY spaces. Costs have risen significantly, making it more difficult to sustain long tours. Now, we aim for shorter, impactful tours, alongside more time spent writing, recording, and collaborating,” he said.
Alongside his work with Matte Black Sound, McNeal co-owns another production company called Roadrunner. This company focuses on providing staffing for backstage roles at various venues, ultimately directing funds to musicians. “We collaborate with many local artists in the DFW area, which makes the work enjoyable. The reality is, staying in the music industry as an artist is incredibly challenging. Diversifying your efforts is essential,” he noted.
While both Matte Black Sound and Roadrunner operate independently, they share a common goal: to foster a thriving music community in North Texas. “Matte Black Sound is dedicated to helping artists record and release music, while Roadrunner aims to establish a sustainable music industry ecosystem by addressing production needs and employing local talent,” McNeal added.
As someone deeply involved in Fort Worth’s music scene, McNeal has pondered the concept of a “DFW music industry ecosystem” for years. He has always been fascinated by the unique music communities that emerge within specific neighborhoods. Recently, his focus has shifted to the audience aspect of this ecosystem. “From my perspective, we have excellent venues and passionate live music supporters. However, I believe we should actively engage younger audiences, such as college students from TCU. These individuals, who love art and music, might not be aware of local venues like Tulips. Finding ways to connect with them is crucial, as they represent the future of cultural trends,” he elaborated.
McNeal’s musical tastes have always leaned toward underground sounds that resonate deeply. “As a kid, I was drawn to music that wasn’t mainstream. It was the hidden gems discovered through friends or live shows that truly moved me,” he reflected.
To inspire lifelong connections to live music, McNeal began touring as soon as he could, relying on the communal experiences that arise from shared musical journeys. “Building a community is essential. I would seek out bands I liked in various areas, connecting with them and fostering collaborative efforts,” he said. “This approach is also applicable in Fort Worth. It’s how we form friendships and create connections, whether through regular interactions or casual encounters at shows. North Texas is fortunate to host numerous talented artists, but the challenge lies in attracting audiences to experience these live performances.”
Winning the JAMBALOO Music Prize not only allows Matthew McNeal to continue his musical journey but also empowers him to uplift fellow musicians in their own creative endeavors.
