Matt Stell: The Drift, Growth & Staying Inspired

In this episode of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Arkansas native and hitmaker Matt Stell for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into his latest musical chapter. From his early days navigating the industry in Nashville to the inspiration behind his upcoming project The Drift, Stell opens up about embracing new creative directions and staying motivated amidst the chaos of modern music. They explore his passion for writing songs with emotional weight, what it means to play “inspired music,” and how friendships and collaborations have helped shape his artistic identity. Stell also reflects on the evolving country landscape, his relationship with fans, and the grind of life on the road—plus a few thoughts on social media, creative burnout, and why chasing greatness is a lifelong process. Follow on Social Media: Matt Stell: @mattstell Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt Outside The Round: @outsidetheround Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy Chapters (00:00:00) - Rage Rowdy(00:02:57) - Arkansas Story(00:04:43) - Texas songwriter Brandon Lee on moving to Nashville(00:10:03) - Country Singer on Working in Music(00:12:53) - Tennesse DJ on the Round Scene(00:17:07) - Adam Levine on Reuniting With His OG Bandmates(00:19:12) - Matt Stell on His Turn from Hot Country to Country(00:24:33) - Adam Levine on Being Full-Time Artists(00:29:09) - "It Could Change Your Life"(00:31:26) - Do you have any memories of seeing an Artist Take Off?(00:36:41) - Luke Combs on His New Direction(00:41:06) - "A Tool in My Toolbox"(00:43:33) - The 90s Decoration Videos(00:47:13) - Nikola Jokic Is Having One of the Greatest Seasons in(00:50:41) - Pete Wentworth on SportsCenter Proposals(00:53:23) - Drake on "(00:54:39) - Favorite Tour Dates of All Time(00:57:55) - Adam Levine on Touring The Midwest(01:01:00) - Buddy Will Meets His Real Estate Appraiser(01:01:36) - Odie on To The Drift New Project(01:04:55) - Riding Rowdy in the Surfside