Quebec country artist Matt Lang signs U.S. record deals, releases new music
Posted August 27, 2025 12:00 pm.
Last Updated August 27, 2025 2:40 pm.
Quebec country artist Matt Lang is celebrating a major milestone in his career — a year marked by new music, international recognition, and a trio of major U.S. record deals that signal his growing recognition at home and beyond.
A breakthrough in Nashville
In December, Lang signed three major contracts in Nashville, a longtime dream for the francophone singer-songwriter from Maniwaki, Que.
“It’s pretty major for us, and I’m really excited about that,” said Lang.
“We signed as a publishing deal. We signed for agency and also management in Nashville — all in Nashville, Tennessee,” Lang added. “Yeah, we’re super excited about that, so there’s a lot of great news for us.”
The deals, signed with Anthem Entertainment (songwriting), River House Artists (management), and William Morris Endeavor (booking), mark a significant breakthrough for Lang.
“I don’t know if I’m closer (to my dream of playing the Grand Ole Opry), but I feel like I am,” he said. “I think we’re closer than one year ago.”
Overcoming language barriers in country music
Lang, a native French speaker, has been steadily working to break into the predominantly English-speaking country music industry — a process he describes as both difficult and rewarding.
“That was hard for me. In the same time, that was really, really fun, you know, like really, really fun,” he said. “Everybody around me speaks French … I still need to practise. I’m not perfect. And I know that I got a huge accent, but I’m still working on it. I really, really love the English language.”
Lang said he was initially intimidated by breaking into the U.S. scene as a Canadian artist, but has found confidence through performing and connecting with fans.
“I was scared a little bit. But now I’m like, I’m not doing politics, I’m doing music. And I’m doing what I love and I’m super lucky to do this job,” he said. “Every night, we’ve got great fans, great crowds. Every night it’s sold out. So I’m just doing my job, and I’m comfortable with that.”
New singles explore different sounds and stories
Alongside his breakthrough in Nashville, Lang has been releasing new music in 2025, each reflecting a different style and personal meaning.
“We’re really active right now. We’re releasing a lot of stuff. And I try to be in Nashville more often. I’m there once a month. So it’s better for me, I think,” Lang expressed.
Among the new songs is “Back to the Bar,” a country-pop crossover featuring Montreal DJ Mike Demero. The collaboration came together after Demero messaged Lang on Instagram and TikTok about doing something together.
“I didn’t know Mike a lot, but he was like, ‘Hey man, let’s do something together. Let’s do like a country-pop song,’” Lang recalled.
Although the style was outside his usual lane, he decided to give it a shot. He reached out to his friend Nate Smith, who sent over a song that turned out to be the perfect fit.
“I showed the song to Mike and he he fell in love with the song,” said Lang.
The track has since charted, something Lang says has been “super nice” for both artists.
“He’s a little bit in the country scene, and I’m a little bit in the pop or dance scene. So it’s good for both of us.”
Lang also released “Outta the Bar,” a more traditional country-pop song written with Danick Dupelle and Jimmy Thow.
While both tracks are upbeat, Lang’s single “I’ve Learned,” released in May, carries a more emotional weight.
“That was for my mother. She passed away a few months ago … in the same time we signed the contract,” he said. “We learn from everybody. We learn from ourselves. We learn from everything. So just live your life.”
Lang added that a French expression captures the song’s message: “gaz au bout.”
“It means live your life. We only have one life. So yeah, do what you want and believe in what you want to do.”
National recognition with CCMA nominations
Lang’s latest album, All Night Longer, has been nominated for album of the year at the 2025 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) — a first for the artist.
“I’m super, super proud for real,” he said. “It’s my first time, by the way, album of the year.”
“We got four nominations this year. It’s amazing.”
Staying connected with fans
Whether through his lyrics or his live performances, Lang said he values personal connection with his audience above all.
“My music reflects who I am,” he said. “If I live something, it’s true. It’s simple, but it’s true.”
He said he’s often moved when fans share how his songs have impacted their lives.
“It touches me a lot, for real, every time,” he said. “Lots of people come up to me and say, ‘This song means a lot to me.’ And I want to hear their story, because it’s important.
“I’m always close to my fans or the crowd. I love it.”
What’s next for Matt Lang?
Lang said he’s spending more time in Nashville, travelling there once a month to continue writing and recording new material.
“We’re really active right now. We’ve got some new stuff coming up,” he said.
Though his current tour schedule is packed, he said he’s eager to return to Montreal for a future show.
“Of course I want to play in Montreal. I don’t know when, but that’s going to happen for sure,” he said. “I love you and hope I’ll be here soon, for sure.”
As for his personal philosophy, Lang said his guiding belief is simple: “If you want to do something, do it. Don’t wait, do it,” he said.
