Former World #1 Ranked Surfer Matt Wilkinson Became A Country Music Singer, Conducted A Majestic Photo Shoot

The next step ain’t always clear for a professional surfer when contracts begin to disappear. 

Some become surf coaches. Others, team managers. Some get into real estate and some get into drugs. It all depends on the individual. 

Throughout Matt Wilkinson’s surf entire career, surprise has been a constant. Think: Designing outrageous wetsuits, winning events as an underdog, wearing a singlet out for a night on the town after claiming victory at the 2016 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, etc. 

Wilko’s first step outside of surfing continues that surprising—and highly entertaining—theme. 

Today, under the stage name Uncle Willy, he’s releasing a country music single complemented by the most majestic surf-ish photography we’ve seen in a very long time. 

We had to get the backstory.

DANNY JONSON: You called me up and said you’ve got an interesting career change coming. 
MATT WILKINSON: Yeah, I guess it’s not every day that surfers become country musicians. I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while, but being on tour took up a lot of my time. I was a bit nervous coming out as a country singer, but I’ve always enjoyed it. As soon as I came off tour, I started working on some music and now’s the time to drop it.

It’s fucking amazing. When you sent it to me I initially thought it would be a joke, but it seems like you’ve gone all out on the production value and the songwriting.
I’ve written a whole lot of songs over the years and I’ve got a mate who helped me with production. The first album is a bit of fun, but I want to go deeper in my next few singles. For now, I’m really excited to get it out there and see if people like it.

How was the reaction from friends and family when you told them this is what you’re doing?
It’s been kind of mixed. Everyone seems to love the songs, but they kind of have to because they’re my friends and family. They’re definitely surprised that I’m really going for it.

Yeah, there’s a ton of photos of you wearing cowboy hats over the years. Is this country music love affair a Matty Wilkinson secret you’ve been sitting on?
All the boys I’ve traveled with know that whenever I’ve got a few beers in me and I have control of the playlist, country music will come on. And anytime I have a chance to dress up, or even when I try to dress nice, I’ve worn a cowboy hat and a bolo tie. I’ve always really been into that vibe and now I’m setting it free.

It seems like people aren’t always comfortable admitting they’re country music fans. Were you ashamed of it at all? 
Yeah, I guess it cops a bit of slack. I’m not ashamed of it, but not everyone likes it so you don’t want to push it on people. Some of it is kind of hick music but then there’s country music that’s easy listening and good for a road trip. There’s also that Lil Nas X vibe with a bit of hip hop behind it. I think it’s becoming more mainstream. 

What do you like about country music and who are your heroes?
Can’t go past a bit of Willie Nelson and all the OG country stars. I like that you can be deliberate and not disguise anything. You can tell a story and show people how you’re feeling. Everyone knows what you’re talking about and there’s no trying to decipher what the songs are about. I think it makes easier listening. 

Are you still a pro surfer? 
Yeah, I’ve still got some sponsors. Once the borders open up, I want to do as many trips as I can and get tubed, but it’s obviously slowing down. The less sponsors I have, the more other obligations I get, it seems. I’ll keep pursuing it, but we’ll see if the music takes off.

Would you stop surfing and go 100% at the country music thing?
I’m going to push it as hard as I can and if I end up living in Nashville, then…there’s a wave pool over there, right? I’ll follow it as far as it takes me. I’m excited to actually give it a nudge.

The photos for the launch are insane. Talk me through the process of hitting go on this thing.
I’ve always put out surf clips and have a lot of friends who can make great videos and take great photos, so we had some wild ideas for the shoot. I’d seen a photo of this horse playing around with floaties behind it on a flooded day, and I have a friend at Zephyr Horses. I hit her up and was like, “Could you surf behind this thing?” She said we could give it a go. When the conditions were right, we got some awesome stuff done. I was blown away. 

Was it fun? 
The light was beautiful and I couldn’t believe how powerful the horse was. The horse was way stronger than a jet ski. It had no idea that I was even behind it. She’d kick it and go hard out; I’d have to just step my foot on and we were off and going. And then I’d pull off to the side and do a big turn and she wouldn’t sway at all. She was just powering through the water, it was incredible.

You’ve got this second act, pro surfer turned country musician, what’s the dream?
Maybe win the Hottest 100? [laughs] Nah, I’m not too sure. I just didn’t want to die wondering. I always wanted to do this and it felt like I had an opportunity to give it a crack. We’ll see if people like the music. If not, I’ll go to a whiskey bar and wear my cowboy hat and be satisfied that I tried. And if it does take off, then I’ll just be at a whiskey bar wearing my hat in some other country.