Matthew Campbell is the founder and Chief Party Playlist Officer (CPPO) of My Wedding Songs, a leading online resource for wedding music inspiration, playlists, and trends. Drawing on his background as a professional wedding DJ in Montana, Matthew launched the site in 2017 to help couples easily discover the perfect soundtrack for their big day. Since its inception, he has curated thousands of song recommendations for every wedding moment, blending timeless classics with today’s hits, while building a trusted platform used by millions of couples and wedding professionals worldwide.
In addition to running My Wedding Songs, Matthew hosts the Wedding Songs Podcast and publishes the Wedding MusicLetter, a weekly newsletter featuring handpicked playlists, industry insights, and music tips. His expertise has made him a go-to voice in the wedding industry, known for combining deep music knowledge with a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations.
Can you tell us how My Wedding Songs came to be? What inspired you to start curating music for one of life’s most important events?
I’ve been connected to weddings and music for decades, starting as a wedding DJ in Montana. Over the years, I saw how the right song could transform a moment, whether it was a first dance, a father-daughter dance, or the last song of the night. But I also noticed how stressful it could be for couples to choose songs from the millions available. In 2017, I launched My Wedding Songs to make that process easier by curating playlists, sharing music ideas, and giving couples a resource they could trust to make their day unforgettable. It started as a passion project, and it’s grown into a full-time mission.
Many couples still choose timeless Rhythm and Blues songs for their weddings. Why do you think artists like Etta James, Otis Redding, and Bill Withers continue to resonate with modern couples?
Great music never goes out of style. These artists created songs with raw emotion, heartfelt lyrics, and melodies that feel as fresh today as they did decades ago. Their music speaks to universal experiences of love, joy, and celebration that connect across generations. It’s because those songs make people feel something in the moment, whether they’re 25 or 75.
All that being said, I think it’s part of my responsibility to share the hits. From your list, I love Otis Redding’s version of “Stand By Me.” Everyone loves “At Last” by Etta James, but don’t miss “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” that was sampled on “Levels” by Avicii. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers is a legendary wedding hit, even for the ceremony.
How do you go about researching and curating songs for your website and books?
It’s a mix of constant research, industry insight, and feedback from real weddings. I follow music charts, dig through streaming data, watch trends on TikTok and YouTube, and talk to DJs, wedding pros, and couples about what’s working on the dance floor. I also keep a pulse on timeless classics that still get heavy streaming. Every song I feature has to fit a wedding moment, have clean lyrics, and bring the right emotion for that point in someone’s big day.
Are there any surprise genres becoming more popular at weddings?
Absolutely. In the last few years, I’ve seen a big uptick in genres like pop-punk, modern country, and even EDM during the ceremony and cocktail hour. Country music continues to grow beyond traditional country as it gets closer to pop. Latin music is exploding, too. Think Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Prince Royce. Couples are more confident than ever about infusing their own personalities into their playlists, so we’re seeing more “genreless” playlists.
Can you talk about your Wedding Songs Podcast?
Sure! The Wedding Songs Podcast is where I share music ideas for different wedding moments, review trending songs, and interview industry pros, from DJs to planners to singer-songwriters, about their insights on weddings and music. It’s my way of helping both couples and pros stay inspired, discover new music, and hear real-world tips from people in the field. It’s also just plain fun to talk music with people who love it as much as I do.
Where do you see the wedding music industry heading in the next 5 years?
We’re going to see even more “genreless” playlists and tech integration. With most music being available through a subscription, music listeners can play and access any style of music. Playlists will be more diverse in culture and genres. They will be collaborative with couples, DJs, and guests contributing in real-time through apps. AI will help recommend songs based on mood and event flow.
While live streaming has surged, I think we’ll see it evolve into a permanent part of weddings. Music curation will need to work both in-person and online. At the same time, there will always be room for those timeless, human moments, like a packed dance floor singing along to a classic or the latest trending hit.
What’s next for you and My Wedding Songs?
I’m continuing to expand our song recommendations, playlists, and resources to cover every style and cultural tradition. I’m growing the Wedding Music Letter to reach even more couples and pros. I’m also exploring ways to use AI through interactive tools like our playlist generator to make planning wedding music easier and more fun. I’m also researching new avenues to share music fun with friends, like games.
