Meet Matt Brayden

We were lucky to catch up with Matt Brayden recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matt , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by building my relationship with Christ, which gave me a strong foundation and sense of purpose. I also prioritized taking care of my mental health, learning to understand and value myself more deeply. And by staying committed to the craft God gave me, I found fulfillment and strength in using my gifts to make a difference.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey with music began back in 2008 when I started messing around just to explore and have fun. I began doing covers of other people’s songs because I wanted to understand song structure and how music was really built. That curiosity sparked something deep in me.

In 2012, after being released from prison, I took a bold step and entered a talent show for high school seniors. My first performance was in front of 1,200 people—an unforgettable moment that confirmed music was part of my calling.

Soon after, I connected musically with the Dragonslayerz, Rell Riley, and Tri-Beezy. But during that time, I also got caught up with the wrong crowd and fell into an addiction to PCP. That dark chapter led me to rehab, where I spent six months working to get clean. When I got out, I was kicked out of my adoptive parents’ house and ended up at the Haven of Rest.

That’s where things started to shift. I got connected with a sober living house and eventually found my way to Sound of His Will at The Word Church. There, I was introduced to DJ Rico Suave (Z107.9, Z88, 93.1, 89.1), which opened doors I never expected. I recorded my first single, She’s Kingdom, at Just a Dream Entertainment and continued learning the craft—doing covers, writing, and experimenting with structure.

Later, I linked up with JD, the head engineer of Brayden Music Group, and we’ve been working together ever since. In 2021, I released my debut project, The Remedy EP. Around that same time, I enrolled at The University of Akron and began working on my next project, White Walls.

College brought new connections—I was introduced to artists like Boosie Badazz, Kodak Black, City Girls, Rod Wave, DaBaby, and Trina. Meanwhile, I signed under artist management with MVM and had my first radio appearance on 88.1 WZIP, where Gucci Girl and Acquainted aired. That exposure got people talking—I started gaining traction on campus and eventually on Cleveland’s Z107.9 with DJ Crisis.

Throughout all of this, my spiritual life was growing too. I was still attending The Word Church and later joined The Remedy Church when it launched in January 2020. In 2024, I released my first full-length album, White Walls—a deeply personal project that reflected the journey I had walked.

2024 was also the year I finally understood who I was—not just as an artist, but as a man. I took seven months to rest and reflect, and now I’m back in the studio working on my sophomore album: White Walls II.

This journey has been far from easy, but it’s been worth every step. Music saved my life—and now, I use it to inspire, heal, and remind others that redemption is real.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Knowing Who You Are in Christ – This was the foundation of everything for me. Once I understood my identity in Christ, it gave me the confidence to walk boldly in my purpose without trying to be someone I wasn’t. It helped me stay grounded and reminded me that I was created to impact the world in a unique way.
2. Discernment in Relationships – I learned the hard way that not everyone around you wants to see you win. Being careful about who you call “friend” is crucial. The people you surround yourself with can either lift you up or drag you down. Trust is earned, not just given.
3. A Strong Prayer Life and Accountability – Keeping my prayer life strong has been key to staying aligned with God’s will. At the same time, having spiritual accountability—like checking in with my pastor and being open about what I’m doing—has kept me from veering off course. And when I have been corrected or redirected, I’ve learned the importance of receiving it humbly and being willing to adjust my behavior.

My advice would be make sure your relationship with Christ is solid before fully stepping into your calling. Whatever your gift is, the industry tied to it can swallow you alive if you’re not spiritually grounded. Stay prayed up, surround yourself with godly counsel, and never get too prideful to be corrected. Your talent might get you in the room, but your character—and your faith—will determine how long you stay.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The Bible has been the most helpful in molding and shaping my character

Some wisdom would be everybody can go with you to your God given purpose!

Another one would be
When it comes to addictions
You only will conquer that thing if you choose to!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Matt Brayden Photography

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