From the serene suburbs of Turnersville, New Jersey, emerges Matt DeAngelis, a singer-songwriter whose music transcends simple melody and lyric, reaching deep into the realms of faith, emotion, and the human condition. DeAngelis’s journey into music began remarkably early; at just eight years old, he was already discovering the power of songwriting as both a creative outlet and a means of personal healing. What began as youthful curiosity evolved into a lifelong mission, to spread positivity and hope through sound in a world often shadowed by uncertainty. Having lived with OCD and anxiety disorder since his youth, DeAngelis developed an intimate understanding of time, fear, and the fragility of the human spirit. Rather than succumb to these challenges, he transformed them into sources of inspiration. His faith became his anchor, his compass, and ultimately, the cornerstone of his artistry. Each song he writes carries this signature mix of vulnerability and strength, a reminder that brokenness can bloom into beauty when guided by belief and perseverance.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Matt DeAngelis has dedicated himself to advocacy for climate change and mental health awareness, causes that have shaped not only his worldview but also the thematic richness of his songwriting. His fascination with weather and nature eventually led him to become a storm chaser, an endeavor that beautifully mirrors the emotional intensity of his creative process, always chasing the calm that follows the storm. His ability to balance art, activism, and authenticity has made him a voice of conscience in the contemporary independent music scene. Supported by a close-knit band and production team, including Billy Kennedy (guitarist and producer), Eric Bishop (bassist), and Cole Herudek (drummer and percussionist), DeAngelis has cultivated a sound that blends heartfelt storytelling with sophisticated musicianship. Each member contributes to a sonic synergy that feels both timeless and intimate, grounding DeAngelis’s deeply spiritual songwriting in rich, organic textures. Together, they create music that doesn’t just entertain, it uplifts, challenges, and heals.
Released on October 31, 2025, Matt DeAngelis’s single “Livin’ It” arrives as both a reflection and a revelation, a heartfelt meditation born from the shadows of the pandemic era. Conceived during a time when the world was gripped by fear and uncertainty, the song captures the fragile balance between despair and hope, reminding listeners that even in chaos, life still offers moments of grace worth holding onto. At its essence, “Livin’ It” is an emotional journey that asks a profound question: What does it truly mean to live? DeAngelis answers with faith. Through its poetic lyricism, tender melodies, and textured instrumentation, the song speaks of perseverance, the patience to endure the unknown, and the power of surrendering life’s uncertainties to a higher force. Drawing inspiration from musical icons like Yes, Gentle Giant, and Cat Stevens, the track intertwines progressive intricacy with folk warmth, all anchored by DeAngelis’s soulful voice and introspective storytelling. The inclusion of mandolin, inspired by Steve Howe of Yes, adds a bright new dimension to his sound, an instrument that dances delicately over deeper, weightier emotions. Recorded at Gradwell House Studio and Musically Speaking Studios, “Livin’ It” stands as a sonic testament to resilience, faith, and the beauty of living through love rather than fear. It’s not just a song, it’s an affirmation of existence, a musical embrace for those still finding light in uncertain times.
“Livin’ It” by Matt DeAngelis begins with an immediate sense of calm that feels like a slow sunrise breaking through the mist. The opening is spacious and atmospheric, carried by a smooth and reverberating piano progression that establishes a reflective tone from the first few notes. Each piano chord lands softly yet purposefully, resonating with warmth and emotional clarity, while the reverb gives it a cinematic glow, the kind of sound that feels alive, expansive, and intimate all at once. Beneath this, a subtle bass presence begins to hum, filling out the lower frequencies with a velvety undertone that gives the piece depth. There’s a breath-like rhythm to the flow, as if the music itself is inhaling and exhaling in time with the listener. As these elements merge, it becomes clear that “Livin’ It” isn’t just about performance; it’s a soundscape of emotion, the opening alone feels like a moment of awareness, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and truly listen.
As the intro unfolds, new textures begin to form, adding dimension and intrigue. A faint siren-like sound can be heard in the distance, softly weaving itself through the piano’s melody, a sound that feels both symbolic and realistic, perhaps representing the constant motion of the outside world. A spoken voice echoes subtly beneath the surface, grounding the ethereal sound in human presence. Soon after, a warm brass tone rises gracefully into the mix, adding richness and depth. It complements the piano’s emotional softness with a mellow brightness that feels soulful and tender. Gentle percussion begins to stir beneath the melody, barely noticeable at first, like a heartbeat finding its rhythm. The entire arrangement at this stage feels immersive and cinematic, as though the listener is being pulled deeper into the heart of the music, surrounded by sound yet perfectly at peace within it. Every instrument feels carefully chosen to enhance the mood, nothing is excessive, nothing is missing.
When Matt DeAngelis’s vocals enter, they bring an entirely new layer of soul to the composition. His voice glides effortlessly across the arrangement, beginning in a controlled falsetto that sounds intimate and emotionally exposed. The tone is warm and expressive, with a golden texture that carries both vulnerability and quiet confidence. There’s a tenderness in the way he shapes each phrase, and his phrasing feels intentional, like a conversation rather than a performance. His delivery evokes a timeless charm reminiscent of classic pop and soft rock singers, while still sounding fresh and grounded in modern production. The lyrics mirror the introspective tone of the music, they reflect on living in the moment, embracing life’s uncertainty, and finding beauty even in imperfection. As the chorus draws near, his voice blooms in strength, harmonies begin to swell around him, and the message of “Livin’ It” becomes clear: life isn’t meant to be escaped or resisted, but felt and lived fully.
The song’s progression grows richer and fuller as the rhythm section steps forward. The percussion becomes more defined, with steady, organic drum patterns adding pulse and direction to the flow. A rhythmic groove takes shape, not rushed or forceful, but confident and fluid, giving the song a sense of forward motion that feels natural and human. A soft layer of acoustic guitar begins to strum lightly beneath the piano, its tone crisp and earthy, while an electric guitar slips into the mix with a clean yet slightly crunchy timbre that adds texture and grit. The interplay between the guitars and piano creates a rhythmic sparkle that dances with energy, while the bassline continues to pulse smoothly, anchoring everything with quiet assurance. There’s an elegance in how all these elements are arranged, no single instrument dominates, yet each contributes something vital to the emotional depth of the piece. The groove feels effortless, almost like the heartbeat of everyday living.
As “Livin’ It” moves toward its peak, the instrumentation reaches a moment of perfect synergy. The drums grow livelier, the horns soar higher, and the guitars shimmer with new intensity. Background harmonies fill the stereo space, blending beautifully with DeAngelis’s lead vocals to create a lush, full-bodied sound that feels triumphant and alive. The rhythm has an infectious flow, uplifting but grounded, as if the music is physically moving the listener without demanding it. The combination of piano, brass, and electric guitar creates a sonically rich tapestry that embodies both movement and meaning. The song’s middle section feels like a release, a burst of sunlight breaking through clouds, a moment where emotion and instrumentation intertwine perfectly. The warmth of the brass tones, the glide of the bass, and the crisp snap of the drums all seem to converge around DeAngelis’s vocal expression, carrying the track into a space that feels both powerful and liberating.
Livin’ It by Matt DeAngelis is a soulful reflection on faith, resilience, and truly embracing life amid uncertainty and hope.
The closing section of “Livin’ It” returns to reflection, gently easing the listener back into stillness. The arrangement begins to soften, allowing the piano to regain its prominence, while the percussion and guitars recede gracefully into the background. The horns fade out slowly, leaving behind echoes of warmth, and DeAngelis’s voice lingers softly on the final lines, almost like a whisper of gratitude. The last few moments feel meditative, a gentle reminder of the beauty in slowing down and appreciating each passing second. The final piano notes dissolve into silence, leaving a sense of peace and emotional completeness. In the end, “Livin’ It” stands as more than a song, it’s a reflection of life itself, with its steady rhythm, fleeting moments, and quiet beauty. Through its instrumentation, texture, and heartfelt delivery, Matt DeAngelis creates a timeless composition that captures what it truly means to live, feel, and simply be.
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