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Manhattan, United States · 1972–present

Matthew Wilder

Matthew Wilder, known for his distinctive style that blends pop and rock, left an indelible mark on 1980s music with his hit song "Break My Stride". Released in 1983, the track reached number two on the Cashbox chart and number five on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a classic that still resonates in popular culture. His career, however, extends far beyond this single; Wilder is also a talented songwriter and producer who has worked with renowned artists.

Wilder's journey began in his childhood on Long Island, where he immersed himself in music from a young age thanks to his mother, an opera singer. At 14, his family moved to Greenwich Village, a place that allowed him to soak up New York City's vibrant musical scene. During his teenage years, he began performing in folk clubs, honing his style and skills. His debut album, I Don't Speak the Language, was released when he was just 16, marking the start of his professional career.

1950s
1 Albums
9 Songs

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1 album|s · 1983

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Biography

Though his second album, Bouncin' Off the Walls, did not achieve the same success as his debut, Wilder found new opportunities in the music industry as a songwriter and producer. His work includes collaborations with bands like No Doubt on their hit album Tragic Kingdom, as well as artists such as Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson. Additionally, his contribution to Disney's Mulan is notable; he not only co-wrote the songs alongside lyricist David Zippel but also voiced the character Ling, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score.

In theater, Wilder continued his partnership with Zippel on the musical Princesses, an adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel A Little Princess, which premiered at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. More recently, his work Stiletto, exploring the lives of two young singers in 18th-century opera, is set to premiere in London in 2025. Matthew Wilder's versatility as an artist and his ability to adapt to different genres and formats make him a fascinating figure in contemporary music.

Details

Born
21 Jan 1953
Country
🇺🇸 United States

Record labels

Columbia Records Columbia Epic Records Epic