Erick Matthews: The Soulful Voice of Modern R&B

Erick Matthews is an American R&B singer and songwriter known for his smooth vocals and contemporary production. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, he achieved mainstream success with his platinum-certified sophomore album, "Midnight City," which spawned multiple top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Early career

Born in 1988, Matthews began his musical journey in church choirs in Atlanta, developing his vocal style from a young age. His first professional steps came through songwriting, penning tracks for local artists before self-releasing the independent EP "First Light" in 2012, which caught the attention of several A&R representatives.

Breakthrough

Erick Matthews' breakthrough arrived in 2016 with his major-label debut album, "The Long Way," released on Capitol Records. The lead single, "Stay Awhile," became a slow-burn hit, eventually reaching number five on the R&B charts and earning a gold certification, establishing his signature blend of classic soul and modern electronic textures.

Key tracks

Stay Awhile — This gold-certified single served as his commercial breakthrough, introducing his sound to a national R&B audience.

Midnight Drive — The lead single from "Midnight City" peaked at number two and is his most streamed track to date.

Fool's Gold — A notable collaboration with producer Kaytranada that expanded his reach into alternative R&B circles.

Never Enough — This fan-favorite album cut showcases his skilled songwriting and vocal range.

Following the success of "Midnight City," Matthews has focused on high-profile collaborations, working with artists like H.E.R. on the 2020 duet "Better" and contributing to soundtracks for major film productions. His third studio album, 2022's "Reflections," debuted inside the top 20 of the Billboard 200, demonstrating consistent audience engagement. He continues to be a sought-after writer and featured vocalist within the genre, maintaining a steady release schedule of singles and EPs. Fans of his polished, emotive style should also explore the work of similar artists like Brent Faiyaz for a grittier take on contemporary R&B. SiR offers a comparable blend of smooth vocals and laid-back, jazz-influenced production. The songwriting depth of Daniel Caesar shares a spiritual and romantic resonance with Matthews' work, while Gallant matches his powerful vocal delivery and genre-blending ambition.

Erick Matthews' music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on urban adult contemporary and modern R&B stations that champion soulful vocals and sophisticated production. His hits are staples on both commercial FM stations and curated online R&B streams, ensuring his voice reaches a broad audience of genre enthusiasts.

Listeners can discover the soulful R&B catalog of Erick Matthews on the radio stations featured here. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear his defining hits and latest releases.