An Interview With The Alt-Pop Musician, MY SILENT BRAVERY On His Latest Single ’18’ and More!

Posted On 25 May 2018

Tag: 18, All Access, All Access Music, All Access Music Group, Artist Interview, Got It Going On, Hot Shot Debut, Jim McGorman, Matthew Wade, My Silent Bravery, Willing To Try

Meet the Boston based singer songwriter, My Silent Bravery! Matthew Wade is the solo artist behind My Silent Bravery and has been active since 2007. Stylistically, MSB has been compared to artists like Jason Mraz, Gavin DeGraw, and Maroon 5.

My Silent Bravery just released his newest EP entitled, “Willing To Try.” Streaming links can be found here: http://smarturl.it/msbwilling

Along with the music, My Silent Bravery is a weekly columnist for The Good Men Project. The column is called #mynotsosilentbravery.

His newest music video for the track “18” premiered recently on PopMatters: https://www.popmatters.com/my-silent-bravery-18-premiere-2562425685.html. This track can be found on his latest collection called “Willing To Try.” “18” debuted at #17 on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart on March 20th.

“18” available for purchase on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/18-single/1343959822

Of the video Wade explains, “The video was inspired by the neo-’80s aesthetic that’s popular right now. Our team, consisting of consisting of millennials who were born in the ’90s, wanted to tell a universal story that could be felt across different generations. Instead of the bright neon colors typically associated with the ’80s. The team opted to go for a more muted and darker palette to evoke the sense of normalcy that you find in the suburbs. Lights from the string lights to the light bouncing off the water in the pool were also essential to creating the look. We wanted it to feel romantic but eerie so we combined techniques that you’d typically see in horror or film noir with story beats you’d find in a rom-com.”

Connect With My Silent Bravery Here:

www.Twitter.com/MySilentBravery

www.Facebook.com/MySilentBravery

Learn more about My Silent Bravery in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you? What’s on tap for the rest of your day?

Thanks so much for taking the time as well. This interview finds me in a luke warm but fired up Massachusetts where we are anxiously awaiting game 3 of the Celtics game.

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career? What are you most excited about for this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

2017 was a great year. Lots of writing, touring and growing. As far as 2018 goes, I have a new album called “Willing to Try” which I co-wrote with Jim McGorman which will be released in 2018. The album features twelve tracks and it will be released in 3 separate EPs over the next year or so. Sonically, the new songs blend modern synths and keyboards along with acoustic guitars and atmospheric electrics. I have already met a big goal of having the first 3 singles chart on several billboard charts. For instance, “Got it Going On” the first single from topped the Billboard Hot Singles Sales Chart remaining at #1 for ten straight weeks. It simultaneously hit 5 Billboard charts, including #13 on the Hot Rock Songs as the “Hot Shot Debut”, and #8 Alternative Digital Song Sales, #9 Rock Digital Song Sales, and #49 Emerging Artists. Another goal is tour again prior to years end.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have? Has music always been a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

I discovered my passion for music when I was in high school. I was going through a breakup at the time and a good friend of mine named Kristen gave me my first mix tape. I believe the kids call them playlists now ; ) Anyway, I wore that tape out and I realized that I wanted to be able to express myself like all of those artists did. In my senior year of high school, I learned how to play the guitar and wrote my first song called, ‘Side of the Road.” Coincidentally or not, that song was featured several years later on the hit TV show, One Tree Hill. I had no idea at the time, that it would lead me to where I am now but it doesn’t surprise. I think our destiny finds us.

How do you think you and your music has been influenced by your hometown and where you live today in Boston?

Boston absolutely inspires my music and there are quite a few references to that in much of my unreleased new music. I love Boston and have lived in MA the majority of my life. It is definitely home and I am die hard Boston sports fan!

Why did you decide to not go by your own real name?

The band name came about because I was touring under another band name with the initials MSB for a while. Around 2010, my manager at the time suggested we change the band name for marketability and for Google ability. I chose to go with a more commercial name. I wanted to keep the MSB in place, as my fan base was familiar with it and had a connection to it. My friend Caryn suggested My Silent Bravery and I really thought that embodied what the music was about. To me, it symbolizes inner strength, perseverance, persistence and ability to overcome obstacles. I have been dealing with a sports injury over the years and it is a challenge in my life and I continue to work hard to overcome that obstacle. I now try and inspire others to overcome their obstacles through the messages in my music.

Let’s talk about your latest single, “18.” What was the inspiration for this track? What was it like making the music video for it? How creatively involved were you with the process?

I wrote “18” with my good friend and producer Jim McGorman a couple years back. Ironically, it was the first song we ever wrote together and its my favorite on my new record, ‘Willing to Try’. We wanted to write something anthemic and about that feeling of what it was like to be young and free. It took on a nostalgic feel as well with some of the pop culture referenced in the song which led to the idea of the music video.

Making the music video was sort of a long and arduous process to bring the vision to life until my mgmt. and I connected with the guys at Ocelot. My manager, Evan Stein, and I were very involved with the vision of the video and gave some flexibility to the guys at Ocelot bring it to life. It was inspired by the neo-eighties aesthetics of shows like The Americans & Stranger Things. To me it’s like a high school rom com or short John Hughes movie.

How do you think “18” shows the growth that you have gone through as an artist? What about your sound and who you are as a musician has stayed the same?

As mentioned, I wrote this whole new body of work with my good friend Jim McGorman (Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Poison). My first several albums I wrote the majority of the material on my own because I felt like in some way I need to have complete ownership of the material. The last couple of years I have been co-writing nearly all my material and it has opened me and my music up to so many different possibilities and ideas and I feel the music has benefitted significantly. I think my brand and message has stayed consistent over the years. I am still all about “paying it forward” and feel like my mission in life is to help inspire others to do the same by delivering positive message to the masses through the music of My Silent Bravery.

What do you think makes for an ideal show for you? What has been a favorite performance of yours so far? Do you have any upcoming summer tour dates?

I think having and feeling the audience connect to my music and the message always makes for an ideal night. A couple shows that come to mind include: Opening for Daughtry and Delta Rae at WXLO Acoustic XMas at Mechanics Hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOp9QuJ0qSQ; and opening up for the Wailers. Bob Marley and the Wailers are one of my all-time favorites so it was pretty awesome to share the stage and hang and party with these guys.

MSB 18 Cover

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

Being a musician feels like I am following my life path. It certainly isn’t the easiest business but it brings me much joy to inspire people and help listeners through these challenging times. I think music can unite and inspire and I hope my music does just that.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

I would say my biggest musical influence is Bob Marley. I love how he promoted a message of peace and unity with his music. It’s something that I try to adhere to with my music. Also, there is a philosophical, spiritual vibe to a lot of his music and lyrics. I have some of that in mine, but built with my own way and beliefs. He’s definitely my favorite though. In addition, I am a big fan of Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Pearl Jam, The Police, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, and countless others. I would love to work with all of the above and Eminem and Damien Marley also are a couple favorites who I would love to collaborate with.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? What would you say is the overall message of your songs?

I want to create music that inspires, helps, and motivates others to overcome their challenges. When I write songs or go out and play shows, I have learned that it’s not about me, it’s about the audience. I hope they’ll feel more uplifted than when they came. I want fans to walk away inspired knowing they can achieve what they set their heart and mind to.

Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?

Yes! As always, I would like to thank all the #Bravehearts out there that continue to support me. I couldn’t ask for better fans! The first EP, Willing to Try – Chapter 1 was released on May 22 so I hope your readers will check it out! You can visit me at my website or socials to learn more!

Leah Brungardt (recently married) joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music. Leah grew up overseas attending American international schools and attended The University of Arizona, where she earned a BA in Music Management. She roots for the Wildcats every chance she gets. Leah has been able to work at a variety of music-related jobs including several internships at small independent labels, ClearChannel Radio and Journal Broadcasting Group. She also spent time working retail at a store that specializes in vinyl, which was a lot of fun for her. Her favorite movie is Empire Records, so that makes perfect sense.

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