Re Mattei's music: "A real smooth Pinot Noir, mixed with a little dirt and an ice cube." Re Mattei's musical influences are widespread to say the least, ranging from Tammy Wynette to Def Leppard and everything in between.
The Trenton, New Jersey, native grew up in a home with parents who shared their love of music with her. Re's early memories are of stories of her mother playing the violin as a child. Her dad played accordion as a young man and had his own band.
Through her parents, Re was introduced to many genres of music including country legends such as Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Johnny Rodriguez. When it came to pop music, Neil Diamond was one of her mom's favorite artists, so the sound of his music often filled the house, along with songs by The Four Seasons and Elvis.
How did Re come by her unique name? Christened Marie, she and her family shortened it to the nickname "Re," pronounced like the last syllable of "Marie," and the name has stuck ever since.
As a curious young child, Re asked her mother what those people singing on the radio actually did for a living. Her mother responded by saying, "That's what they do. They're professional singers." Re remembers that she then told her mother, "Well then, that's what I want to do!
Re has just finished co-producing her first album, Believin' Is Seein' with Producer Bartley Pursley who has worked with noted artists such as Gretchen Wilson, Randy Owen and John Rich. It is due for release Spring of 2024. Re has been inspired by everything from country to pop to rock to jazz. "I admire the strong women who sing and write in a way that touches my heart; artists like Miranda Lambert, Katy Perry and Colbie Caillat," she states. "I think Ann Wilson from Heart has one of the best rock female vocals of all time. I love listening to the 80s music and I'm a big Def Leppard fan. I admire Linda Ronstadt because she could sing any style and do it really well."
With her sophomore album well on the way, Re has strong feelings about the direction of her music. "Writing songs for my album is like wanting to take someone on a roller coaster ride," she says. "I know that these
days a lot of people are just putting out singles, but
when I'm writing for a CD I want them to be able to
listen to it from start to finish ...start them out kind of
medium tempo and then go up the hills... rock out a
little, have them feel all these emotions when we get to
the top, then come down that hill, laughing and crying at
the same time. And I hope, as we get to the bottom, they
will walk away from the ride feeling hope, smiling, and
empowered like they can get past any obstacle!" So how
would Re describe her musical style? "You take a real smooth
Pinot Noir, mix it with little dirt, add an ice cube, and stir it up
real hard," she says with a wicked smile. Re's years on the road
have taught her that it's important to have fun onstage and
entertain the fans. Re is also a Family Nurse Practitoner and
states "My hope is that my music can be medicine for others, so
they leave the show with a smile on their face and a song in their
heart."
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Lastest Single
'Save It For Someone Who Cares'