Born in Eugene, OR, singer/songwriter Mat Kearney began his musical career at California State University, Chico, where he studied literature and played on the soccer team. After completing his junior year, Kearney went to Nashville with friend and producer Robert Marvin, with the intention of only staying the summer to lay down a few songs. However, after the offers for recording deals began coming in, Kearney decided to remain in Tennessee to seriously pursue music.