Matthew Grant was born in Kansas City, Kansas. Born and raised in the inner city, Matthew saw many struggles and hardships throughout his childhood and into his formative years. In the midst of this chaos, Matthew found his true passion and escape in music.
At the age of eleven, he discovered that he loved to sing and began to play the piano. Like most singers, Matthew began honing his talents in the church choir. Whether in front of one person or an audience of ten thousand, Matthew’s charisma and enjoyment of showmanship allow him to always put on a show. As the youngest of four boys, Matthew did not have a choice in what music was being played around the house, so he grew up listening to all genres from Jazz standards to hardcore Hip Hop. The biggest influence on his artistry and writing however has always been Soul music.
At the age of eighteen, Matthew began writing his own music and developing his singing and performance style. Growing up wasn’t easy, living in the midst of family members addicted to hardcore drugs and even going without eating some nights. Matthew knew if he wanted to make something of himself he needed to leave his hometown so when he turned eighteen, he left home to start his own journey and find his way.
After a few years of college and moving around, Matthew found himself in a shelter in New York. Determined to persevere in living the life he always dreamed about, he started working in a school with special needs children as a way of giving back. Whilst teaching was fulfilling, Matthew decided he needed to continue to pursue his own passions, so Matthew moved to California, where he taught vocals and piano. He started working with local artists arranging and writing music, and performing at various local events. In November 2014, Matthew signed with Alignment Management and moved to Los Angeles. New to the city, Matthew start playing locally and networking with artists and producers to hone his craft and develop his sound.
Matthew’s style could be categorized as Pop Soul with strong Jazz undertones and a touch of Gospel. His musical influences are legends such as James Brown, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and Donnie Hathaway. His modern-day influences are Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, D’Angelo, John Mayer and he is also heavily inspired by the 90’s R&B genre.
Matthew’s aspiration and life goal with his music is to connect with people to help them feel the way they see the world authentically.