A frequent face on the Chicago club scene, Matt LeGrand’s unforgettable melodies and charismatic personality have garnered him an ever growing fanbase. In 2015 LeGrand experienced a meteoric rise grabbing the attention of tastemakers at MTVU, where his music was played on a consistent rotation which lead to a nomination for MTVU’s The Freshman video contest.
On his newest track “All Good” LeGrand experiments with a whole new sonic landscape. Dipping his toes into chillout pop vibes, a sound growing in popularity thanks to artists like Zedd, Kygo and even Selena Gomez, it’s a fitting feel for this kiss-off track. Bumping beats hum under his warm, free flowing vocals and laid back Caribbean vibe, as he bids farewell to a lover that can’t make up her mind. It’s the kind of track you can bump and groove to, creating an atmosphere of energy and excitement with every turn of the beat.
Check our exclusive interview with Matt and follow him at Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Gentle, caring, and moody.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
A close family friend of mine. He has become my personal coach and is someone whom I admire greatly. He has shown me that we are all perfectly imperfect. He has helped me realize that as humans we need to feel all of our emotions and to fully experience the ups and downs of living to get to really know oneself. We cannot numb and avoid things that make us uncomfortable but rather become open to discovering our true self. We also have to be kinder to ourselves because at the end of the day we make the decisions that shape who we are and we have to learn from those choices. It is easy to put one’s happiness into another person’s hands and become dependent on them to feel fulfilled. The relationship I have with my coach is a raw, real, human, and genuine one. It’s a healthy dose of reality as I’m striving to make a name for myself in an industry that is easy to get lost in.
What is your musical background? Do you have a musical family?
So I grew up listening to lots of classic rock bands like U2, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. The first concert I ever went to was The Rolling Stones. These bands were really my first inspiration to start playing music and singing. It wasn’t until high school when I got into pop punk that I really wanted to make music a career. My family and I have been confused for many years as to why I am a musician. Both my brother and I are in music but its never been a big part of my family. Now it is though. Even my younger cousins are becoming very interested in vocal performance. Seeing my family embrace us as musicians has been incredible! My mother used to play a bit of piano when she was younger and my grandmother sang in the choir but it was never taken as a career. It’s funny that you ask this though because I was reading my grandfathers autobiography the other day and he talked quite a bit about how his father was a fantastic musician. He said that he could play any instrument and learn it by ear. This makes a lot of sense because thats how both my brother and I learned to play our instruments. We picked it up by ear.
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course I get nervous. I think its so important to allow yourself to feel it. It makes me feel scared and excited at the same time. I hope my nerves never go away. Beautiful things happen when we are a little pressured. Nervous is good. It gives a person a chance to grow, and draws out their courage!
For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 3 words?
Smooth, genuine, and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
How did you get started in the industry?
I got started in it when I met Bryant Reid! Its been so special to get to experience the industry with him leading the way. His love for music is so unreal and that is reflected by what he has done for the industry and specifically the city of Atlanta. Sending love to ATL!
Now tell us about your hit track “All Good”?
We are so proud of All Good! I really hope that people can understand the meaning behind the song and that they can take something away from it. It’s really about being aware and ok with just yourself. Finding that true happiness that we all crave. Being ok and acknowledging your daily ups and downs. I heard something very interesting the other day about happiness. “There is no happiness in life, there are only happy moments”. We hope the public loves the song as much as we do!
What or who was your inspiration for your songs?
My everyday experiences are what inspire me. It could be a simple as seeing a couple walking down the street holding hands. The people I meet in my life and the way that they make me feel. That is what I like to write about!
What can we expect next of Matt LeGrand?
There is so much going on in my career right now! The love that we have received for All Good as been outstanding and we can’t wait to see how our next single reacts. We have plans of shooting more videos and releasing much more music! My next single is something to really look forward too! I think it will be a pivotal moment in my career. We will also be performing very soon!
Best advice ever given?
Be patient or you’ll be one
Name one of your strengths?
I don’t back down!
What are the 3 things you can’t live without?
Guitar, a notebook, American Idiot by Green Day
What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Be better than you were yesterday.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
I enjoy waking up early and going to my church. When that is done I usually stop to get a Starbucks and then I take a long walk back home. I like watching movies and ordering Chinese food. I change up what I do every Sunday but I always try and focus on taking a break from my day to day routine. I try to put music on hold for a day and do something else such as rock climbing or yoga. I always find myself having a fresher mind the next morning to start my week.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Bad by U2
What is your favorite healthy food?
Buckwheat protein pancakes with fruit.
And your favorite cheat food?
Shake Shack
Do you support any charity?
Yes I do. I volunteer once a week at an organization called Feed My Starving Children. I sometimes gather the family to come out and do it with me. I hope to one day be able to volunteer across borders to see these kids all over the world. I’d like to use music as a healthy escape for these kids that have so much struggle in there lives. I am looking forward to teaming up with many other charities as this is something Im very passionate about!
