Sometimes, an artist comes along with music that tells stories that feel like lived experiences you can see, hear, and even taste in the air. Matt DeAngelis has always been that kind of artist. Coming from Turnersville, New Jersey, Matt is no stranger here; he’s been featured on this platform before, and each time he brings something fresh, since and something that reminds me why he’s arguably one of the best singers I’ve come across in my time as a blogger. Today, it’s a real pleasure to welcome him back with his single, “I’m Just The Keyboard Player.”
Released on July 25, 2025, this track feels like Matt is defining moment of identity, growth, and resilience. For years, he’s been the storyteller behind the keys, shaping atmospheres with melodies while often standing in the background. But here, he flips the spotlight onto himself, using his signature blend of honesty and poetry to narrate the overlooked perspective of a musician who’s too often just “the keyboard player.”
Right from the opening verses, “So here you are, Sitting by the bar. You say, I like this show a lot,” the song unfolds like a diary entry. There’s a bittersweet humor in lines like “I just play till I get paid. While the guitarist is getting laid,” yet beneath the wit is a longing for recognition, a desire to be seen as more than just a supporting role. It’s self-deprecating and deeply human, the kind of writing that makes Matt such a powerful voice in today’s singer-songwriter landscape.
Vocally, Matt is in top form. His delivery is warm yet tinged with grit, carrying vulnerability and conviction. You can feel the weight of his experiences in every note, especially when he leans into the chorus: “I’m just the keyboard player. By God, I ain’t no mayor, I’ve got a job, I’ll do it right, And hey, one day I’ll see the light.” There’s a defiant glow in the way he sings these words, as if he’s reclaiming his role with pride while also hinting at something bigger ahead.
Musically, the production shines with a balance of intimacy and polish, thanks to its recording at Gradwell House Studios; a space known for shaping authentic, heartfelt records. The instrumentation is rich without being overbearing: steady rhythms, textured guitar lines, and of course, Matt’s keys carrying the soul of the song. The arrangement gives room for the storytelling to breathe while still keeping the energy alive, almost like you’re sitting in on a late-night gig at a dimly lit venue.
What strikes most is how the song captures a universal truth. It’s not just about being the guy behind the keys; it’s about anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or stuck in the shadows, waiting for their moment to step forward. Matt has taken that feeling and turned it into a soaring anthem of quiet strength and recognition.
In many ways, this song isn’t just about music; it’s about Matt himself. About his evolution from the sidelines into a front man, a storyteller, a voice that refuses to go unnoticed. And if this track is any indication, his light isn’t just something he’ll see “one day”—it’s already here, glowing brighter with every release. With this piece, Matt has given us yet another reason to listen closer, to feel deeper, and to believe in the quiet power of the ones who’ve been waiting their turn.
Listen to “I’m Just The Keyboard Player” on Spotify
You can follow Matt DeAngelis here for more information.
