I'm Matt Grandbois. I live in Washington, D.C., where I make music in my studio apartment.

Growing up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, I found myself drawn to music from an early age. My musical adventure began unexpectedly in first grade with guitar lessons, though at that point I was more enamored with the idea of being a rockstar than putting in the practice hours.

It wasn't until middle school that my passion truly ignited when I discovered Avenged Sevenfold. The band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, inspired me to pick up drumsticks and teach myself to play. Throughout these formative years, I immersed myself in metal and metalcore, developing a deep appreciation for bands like Bullet for My Valentine and All That Remains while honing my drumming skills through high school.

As my musical tastes evolved, I found myself increasingly captivated by film scores. High school introduced me to the orchestral masterpieces of Alexandre Desplat (particularly his work on the Harry Potter franchise), John Williams, Dario Marianelli, and Howard Shore. This newfound love, alongside my appreciation for classical composers like Chopin, motivated me to teach myself piano and explore composition. I eventually took formal piano lessons for about a year, diving deeper into musical theory and expression.

This classical influence culminated in 2018 with the release of my first single, "Victorian Manor"—an orchestral piece that reflected my admiration for Chopin and Desplat's emotive compositions.

Later in high school, I returned to guitar with renewed purpose and began exploring my voice as an instrument. Despite initial discouragement when family members critiqued my early singing attempts, their feedback only strengthened my resolve to improve. The discovery of artists like John Mayer and Jason Mraz opened my eyes to the possibilities of pop and singer-songwriter styles, inspiring me to create in these genres.

During my brief semester at UMass Dartmouth, I wrote some of my first songs in this new style and took voice lessons from a classically trained singer, building a foundation that would serve me well. After returning home, my position at Guitar Center connected me with numerous talented musicians who helped me further develop my instrumental and vocal abilities. Simultaneously, I sought guidance from an R&B-specialized vocal coach who helped me discover new dimensions in my singing.

Around this time, I discovered a profound appreciation for jazz that continues to influence my musical approach. The sophisticated harmonies and improvisational spirit of big band jazz captivated me, with legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington becoming regular features in my listening rotation. I was equally drawn to the nuanced piano work of Bill Charlap, whose interpretations of jazz standards revealed new possibilities for harmonic exploration.

These jazz influences weave their way subtly into my compositions today, informing my chord choices and melodic phrasing even when working in completely different genres.

A reunion with a high school friend led to the formation of our band "Revival" and the release of our self-titled EP in 2019, followed by singles "Probability" and "Distinction" later that year. This collaborative project provided invaluable experience in songwriting and production.

Life took a turn when my brother, friend, and I relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado. The demands of multiple jobs to support myself left little energy for creative pursuits, and our band gradually dissolved after about a year.

After five years in Colorado, I made the pivotal decision to move to Washington, D.C. in 2024—my first experience living alone and away from family. This newfound independence created space for profound self-reflection. The questions of "who am I?" and "who do I want to be?" became impossible to ignore.

By October 2024, creativity had returned like a flood, resulting in "Someone Else"—a song exploring self-discovery, acceptance, and the yearning for deeper human connection. This creative renaissance has continued unabated, prompting me to reconnect with my former producer from Revival. Together, we're now working to transform my musical visions into reality.

My journey continues to evolve, shaped by diverse influences and life experiences that find their voice through my music.