You know, there are some folks in the music world who really leave a mark, and Matthew Wilder is, you know, one of those people. He's a name that might just bring a certain tune to mind, a song that, for many, sort of became an anthem for keeping on, even when things felt a bit tough. We're talking about someone who not only sang his own way into our ears but also helped shape sounds for some truly memorable stories, so that's pretty cool.
His work stretches across different parts of the music scene, from standing out front with a microphone to working behind the scenes, shaping how songs sound and feel. It's a pretty interesting path, actually, going from a performer who had a big moment in the spotlight to someone who helps bring movie stories to life through music. So, it's almost like he's always been about making connections, just in different ways.
This article will explore the life and creative contributions of Matthew Wilder, someone who has, in a way, touched many different aspects of entertainment. We'll look at his well-known songs, his contributions to film, and the different roles he has taken on in his creative life. It's about seeing the person behind the melodies, and what made his work resonate with people, you know, for a good while.
Table of Contents
- Matthew Wilder - The Early Years and Personal Details
- Who Is Matthew Wilder - The Musician and More?
- What Song Made Matthew Wilder Famous?
- How Did Matthew Wilder Contribute to Disney Films?
- Matthew Wilder - Beyond the Microphone
- Where Can You Find Matthew Wilder's Music?
- Matthew Wilder's Creative Journey - A Look Back
- Matthew Wilder - A Summary of His Impact
Matthew Wilder - The Early Years and Personal Details
Matthew Wilder, a person whose creative spirit has, you know, really shaped sounds for many years, first came into the world on January 24, 1953. His beginnings were in New York City, a place that's, well, pretty much a hub for all sorts of creative energy. This city, with its busy streets and diverse voices, might have, in a way, set the stage for someone who would go on to create music that reached a lot of ears.
From those early days, it seems Matthew Wilder was always connected to the world of sound. He would grow up to become a person who does many things in music: someone who plays instruments, a person who sings, a writer of songs, and someone who helps put together records. It's quite a collection of skills, isn't it? His birth date and place are just the starting points for a life that, in some respects, has been all about making things happen in the arts.
Below, you can find a quick look at some of his personal details, giving you a sort of snapshot of the person behind the well-known tunes and film scores. It's just a little bit of information to, you know, help paint a picture.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Wilder |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Main Occupations | Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Composer, Actor |
Who Is Matthew Wilder - The Musician and More?
So, who exactly is Matthew Wilder when we talk about his work? Well, he's a person with many different hats in the entertainment world, really. At his core, he is a musician, someone who understands how notes fit together and how to make instruments speak. But that's just a part of it, you know.
He's also a singer, someone whose voice has carried melodies to listeners far and wide. Beyond performing, he's a songwriter, a person who puts thoughts and feelings into words and then sets them to music. This skill of crafting original pieces is, you know, pretty central to his creative identity. And then there's his role as a record producer, which means he helps other artists bring their musical ideas to life in the recording studio. It's a very involved job, guiding the sound and the overall feel of a track, so that's a lot of responsibility, in a way.
But the story of Matthew Wilder doesn't stop there. He's also known as a composer, someone who creates original musical pieces, often for films or other visual projects. And, interestingly enough, he has even taken on acting roles, showing another side of his creative abilities. This range of activities, from being in front of the camera to shaping the sounds behind it, really paints a picture of a person with a broad set of artistic gifts, you know, someone who likes to explore different avenues.
What Song Made Matthew Wilder Famous?
If you're thinking about Matthew Wilder and his impact on the music scene, there's one particular song that, you know, just about everyone remembers. It's his 1983 hit single, "Break My Stride." This tune really made a splash when it came out, becoming a well-known piece of music for many people. It had a certain sound, a kind of upbeat feel that, in some respects, just made you want to keep going, no matter what.
The song was released in August of 1983, and it was the very first single from his debut album, which was called "I Don't Speak the Language." It quickly found its way up the music charts, hitting a high spot, like number two, on the Cash Box chart in early 1984. That's a pretty big deal for a first release, actually. "Break My Stride" became, you know, his signature tune, the one that people most often connect with his name.
While "Break My Stride" was his most popular song, Matthew Wilder also had other tunes that gained attention. His 1984 song, "The Kid's American," also found success, getting noticed in both the United States and the United Kingdom. So, while one song really stood out, he did have other pieces of music that connected with listeners, too. It shows he had more than just one good idea, you know, a bit more range than some might think.
How Did Matthew Wilder Contribute to Disney Films?
Beyond his work as a singer and songwriter, Matthew Wilder also made a significant mark in the world of animated movies, especially with Disney. He was a key person behind the music for Disney's 36th animated feature, "Mulan," which came out in 1998. This was a pretty big project, and his role in it was, you know, quite extensive.
For "Mulan," Matthew Wilder was the composer, meaning he wrote the original music for the film. He was also a producer for the music, helping to shape how the songs and score would sound. And, he even lent his voice as a singer and played instruments for the movie's soundtrack. That's a lot of different jobs for one film, isn't it? His contributions to "Mulan" were recognized with an Annie Award for Best Music in an Animated Feature, which is a pretty respected honor in the animation world. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for his work on the film, which, you know, shows the widespread appreciation for his musical creations.
His connection to "Mulan" didn't stop with the original animated version. Matthew Wilder is also credited as a composer for the 2020 live-action version of "Mulan." This shows the lasting impact of his musical ideas and how they continued to be a part of this story's telling, which is pretty neat. He also worked on the music for "The Transporter" in 2002, so that's another film project he was involved with, too.
Matthew Wilder - Beyond the Microphone
It's interesting how some artists start out performing in the spotlight and then, you know, shift their focus to other creative roles. Matthew Wilder is one such person. After a time spent as a singer, he moved away from being the main voice on recordings and started to concentrate more on his other musical talents. This change meant he spent more time behind the scenes, creating music and helping other artists, which is a bit different from standing on a stage.
His work as a record producer and a composer became more central to his career. This kind of work involves, in a way, shaping the sounds that others hear, but without being the face or the voice that everyone recognizes. It's a different kind of creative satisfaction, perhaps, building the musical foundations for films or helping another singer find their best sound. So, he continued to be a very active part of the music world, just in a different capacity.
This shift shows a depth to his musical abilities, really. It's not just about performing a song, but about understanding the entire process of making music, from writing it to producing it. Matthew Wilder has, you know, certainly shown that he has a broad set of skills, moving from one area of music creation to another with what seems like ease, and continuing to make contributions that resonate with people.
Where Can You Find Matthew Wilder's Music?
For those who want to explore more of Matthew Wilder's creative output, there are several places where you can, you know, find his work. His official website, matthewwildermusic.com, is a good starting point. It's where you can learn more about his award-winning career as a recording artist, a producer, and a writer. Websites like these often give a direct look into the artist's own perspective and what they've been up to, so that's pretty helpful.
If you're interested in his recorded music, places like Discogs are a good resource. You can, you know, look for his discography there, which is a list of all the recordings he's been a part of. It's a place where you might even find rare vinyl records or top albums he's worked on. These kinds of sites are really useful for music lovers who want to dig a little deeper into an artist's collection of songs and productions.
And, of course, his well-known songs, like "Break My Stride," are available on various music streaming services. You can often find his biography, details about his career highlights, and even information about his net worth on different music and entertainment sites. So, there are many ways to, you know, discover or rediscover the sounds and stories Matthew Wilder has helped create over the years.
Matthew Wilder's Creative Journey - A Look Back
Looking back at Matthew Wilder's creative path, it's clear he's someone who has worn many hats in the entertainment business. From the early days of his singing career, marked by a hit song that still gets played today, to his significant contributions to animated films, his work has, you know, touched a lot of different areas. It's a journey that shows a real willingness to explore various aspects of making art and music.
His ability to shift from being a visible performer to a behind-the-scenes creator, like a composer or producer, really highlights his versatility. It's not every artist who can, you know, make that kind of transition so smoothly and continue to achieve recognition for their work in new fields. This adaptability is, in a way, a key part of his story, showing that his talent goes beyond just one particular skill or role.
The fact that his music from "Mulan" continues to be used and appreciated, even in new versions of the film, speaks volumes about the lasting quality of his compositions. It means his creative output has a timeless feel, something that resonates with people across different generations. So, his impact is, you know, pretty enduring, really.
Matthew Wilder - A Summary of His Impact
Matthew Wilder has, in some respects, made a lasting impression on the music and film worlds. He's known for his hit song "Break My Stride" and his important work on Disney's "Mulan," as a composer, producer, singer, and instrumentalist. His career shows a person who can move between different creative roles, from being a singer to working behind the scenes. You can find his music on his official website, matthewwildermusic.com, and on music sites like Discogs, which, you know, makes it easy to explore his contributions.
