(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines  

Blacktop Mojo’s story starts in East Texas, in the small town of Palestine, where two friends, Matt James and Nathan Gillis, decided they didn’t just want to play music for fun anymore. They wanted to go all in. In 2012, they formed a band with one goal: to make loud, honest rock music and give it everything they had.

At first, it was just hard work and long nights. They played wherever they could, hauling gear, setting up their own shows, and slowly figuring out who they were as a band. Their sound grew out of the music they loved, ’90s grunge, hard rock, southern blues, and classic rock, with big riffs, heavy drums, and lyrics that actually meant something.

In 2014, they released their first album, I Am, which introduced people to Matt James’ powerful voice and the band’s emotional style. It didn’t make them famous overnight, but it gave them confidence. They knew they were onto something.

Everything changed a few years later when they made a bold decision: no backup plan. The band members moved in together and committed fully to music, even though it meant financial risk and uncertainty. That mindset led to their 2017 album Burn the Ships, a title that perfectly described where they were in life and there was no turning back. That album connected deeply with fans and helped Blacktop Mojo break out beyond Texas.

From there, the band kept pushing forward. They toured constantly, building their fanbase one show at a time. In 2019, they released Under the Sun, an album that showed growth, but was still heavy, but more refined and emotional. Songs felt bigger, lyrics felt more personal, and the band sounded more confident than ever.

By 2021, Blacktop Mojo released their self-titled album, which felt like a statement of identity. This album defined who they were: a hardworking rock band that blended raw emotion with big, inspiring sound. Around this time, their lineup settled into a solid core, including Matt Curtis, Malcolm Booher, and Ryan Kiefer, alongside the original founders.

They didn’t slow down. In 2024, Blacktop Mojo released Pollen, an album that showed maturity without losing grit. The songs explored darker emotions, resilience, and personal struggle, while still delivering the heavy chorus fans expected. It proved they weren’t just surviving, but that they were growing.

What really defines Blacktop Mojo isn’t just their albums, though, it’s how they operate. They’ve stayed largely independent, handling much of their own recording, promotion, and touring. They have built their career the hard way, through relentless touring, honest songwriting, and connecting directly with fans. On stage, Blacktop Mojo is known for being intense and genuine. Matt James doesn’t just sing, he gives it his all, pouring emotion into every word. The band plays tight, loud, and with purpose, making their live shows a big part of why fans stick around. And that’s really what Blacktop Mojo is about, burning the ships, standing your ground, and turning grit into sound.

That will do it for this report on Blacktop Mojo. Thank you for reading!! In closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Until next time... Rock on friends🤘

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