Growing up in Kansas City, Kan., singer-songwriter Matt Gary decided early that he wanted a career in country music, and he sang everywhere he could, joining the Kansas City Youth Choir, and was soon performing at school, church and community functions. As a teenager, he felt a strong affinity for the songs of country performers like Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban, but he also kept a keen ear on various rock and pop artists like Jack Johnson and John Mayer and bands like Linkin Park and Maroon 5. After graduating from high school, Gary attended the University of Tampa, earning a pair of bachelor degrees while still finding time to drive to Nashville and work on song demos. Following his graduation from the university, Gary was finally able to move to Nashville and take a serious shot at his dream. He developed a working relationship with producer Kent Wells, singing on a series of demos while learning the ins and outs of the business. Eventually, Gary began recording material for his own project, forming his own independent label, 17 Music Entertainment, and carefully managing both the creative and business sides of his emerging career.