Matthew Wilder: The Enduring Beat Of A Musical Storyteller
Have you ever found yourself humming a catchy tune, maybe one that just makes you want to get up and move? Chances are, that energetic song could very well be "Break My Stride," a truly iconic hit that has stayed with people for decades. It's a song that just brings a smile to your face, and the person behind that memorable track is none other than Matthew Wilder, a creative spirit whose contributions to music and entertainment go much deeper than just one famous single. He's a true talent, really, with a long and interesting career.
Born on January 24, 1953, in New York City, New York, USA, Matthew Wilder has, in a way, carved out a rather unique path in the entertainment world. He began as a musician and singer, later adding songwriter and record producer to his list of talents. You might know his voice from those early 80s radio waves, or perhaps you've heard his work in a beloved animated film. His story is, you know, quite a journey through different creative avenues, showing how one person can touch so many parts of the arts.
This article will take a closer look at Matthew Wilder's remarkable career, from his chart-topping songs to his award-winning work in film and even his ventures into theater directing. We'll explore the various roles he has taken on, giving you a better sense of his wide range of abilities and why his name still comes up in conversations about music and movie magic. It's actually a pretty cool story, how he's done so much.
Table of Contents
- Biography and Personal Details
- The Sound of a Generation: "Break My Stride" and Early Hits
- From Pop Star to Disney Maestro: The Mulan Magic
- A Talent Behind the Scenes: Directing and Screenwriting
- The Strangest Dream and Beyond
- Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Wilder
Biography and Personal Details
Matthew Wilder's life in the arts really started in New York City, which is, you know, a place where many creative people get their start. He has always had a connection to music, and that connection has guided his whole professional life. Here's a quick look at some key facts about him:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Wilder |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Professions | Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Composer, Actor, Director, Writer |
| Known For | "Break My Stride" (hit single), Mulan (composer/producer), The Transporter (actor), The Strangest Dream (autobiographical show) |
| Awards/Nominations | Annie Award (Best Music in an Animated Feature for Mulan), Golden Globe nominations (Best Song, Best Score for Mulan), Dramalogue Magazine's Best Director of the Year (twice), Dallas Theatre Critics' Circle Best Production of the Year |
| Official Website | matthewwildermusic.com |
The Sound of a Generation: "Break My Stride" and Early Hits
For many, Matthew Wilder's name is, you know, instantly linked with his massive 1983 hit single, "Break My Stride." This song truly captured the spirit of the early 1980s, with its bouncy rhythm and unforgettable chorus. It was a tune that just stuck with you, making it a favorite on radio stations everywhere. The song performed incredibly well on the charts, hitting the number two spot on the Cashbox chart and reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a really big deal at the time, and it still gets played a lot.
But "Break My Stride" wasn't his only moment in the spotlight as a singer. Matthew Wilder also had another song, "The Kid's American," that made its way onto the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom in 1984. So, he wasn't just a one-hit wonder; he had a knack for creating popular music that resonated with a wide audience. It's interesting how some songs just have that special something, and his certainly did.
Before his solo fame, Matthew Wilder was, actually, building his skills and connections in the music world. He toured as an opening act for the well-known duo Seals and Crofts, which gave him a lot of experience on the road. During this time, he also met Rickie Lee Jones, a very respected artist. He even sang on her famous song "Chuck E's in Love," adding his voice to that classic track. He also provided background vocals with Arno Lucas and Leslie Smith on "Saturday Night Live," showing his versatility and presence in different musical settings. These early experiences, you know, really shaped his musical journey.
From Pop Star to Disney Maestro: The Mulan Magic
After his singing career, Matthew Wilder, you know, made a rather impressive shift into the world of film composition, and specifically, Disney animation. This was a pretty big change, going from pop music to creating scores for animated features. He became the composer, producer, singer, and instrumentalist for Disney's 36th animated feature, "Mulan," which was released in 1998. This role allowed him to use all his musical talents in a new and exciting way.
His work on "Mulan" was, in fact, incredibly well-received and earned him significant recognition. He won the Annie Award for Best Music in an Animated Feature, which is a big honor in the animation world. He also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Song and Best Score for his contributions to the film. These awards show just how much his musical genius brought to the movie, helping to tell its story through song and melody. It's quite amazing, really, to see someone go from pop charts to such acclaimed film work.
Matthew Wilder's involvement with "Mulan" didn't stop with the original film. He is also, you know, credited as a composer for the 2020 live-action version of "Mulan," which shows the lasting impact of his original musical creations. His ability to craft songs that capture emotion and drive a narrative truly shines through in these films, proving his skill as a storyteller through sound. He has a way of making music that just feels right for the moment.
A Talent Behind the Scenes: Directing and Screenwriting
Beyond his musical achievements, Matthew Wilder has also, in a way, made a name for himself in other areas of entertainment, particularly in theater and film production. He has shown a keen eye for direction and storytelling, earning praise for his work behind the camera and on the stage. This really highlights his diverse creative abilities, showing he's more than just a musician. You can learn more about his creative process on our site, which is pretty interesting.
In the theater world, Matthew Wilder was, you know, twice recognized by Dramalogue magazine as the Best Director of the Year. This is a significant accomplishment, showing his consistent talent in guiding stage productions. He also won the Best Production of the Year award from the Dallas Theatre Critics' Circle, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled director. These accolades suggest he has a real knack for bringing stories to life, whether through music or live performance.
Moving into the film industry, Matthew Wilder also, you know, put his writing skills to use. He wrote for some very notable figures in Hollywood, which is quite impressive. His writing credits include working with creative minds like Clive Barker, Oliver Stone, Bryan Singer, and Renny Harlin, among other luminaries in the film world. This shows his ability to adapt his storytelling talents to different mediums and collaborate with a variety of influential creators. It's a pretty diverse set of experiences, actually.
The Strangest Dream and Beyond
Matthew Wilder continues to be active and creative, sharing his experiences and talents with audiences. He has an autobiographical show called "The Strangest Dream," which gives people a chance to hear his story directly from him. This kind of show is, you know, a really personal way to connect with an artist and understand their journey. The show was scheduled to air on Saturday, February 6, at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST on stageit.com, offering fans a unique opportunity to see him perform and share his life's tales.
For anyone wanting to keep up with Matthew Wilder's current projects, learn more about his past work, or simply stay connected, his official website is a great resource. Matthewwildermusic.com serves as the official online home for this award-winning recording artist, producer, and writer. It's where you can find information about his music, his creative ventures, and any upcoming appearances. It's actually a pretty good place to get all the latest news, so you know, check it out.
Matthew Wilder's career is, in a way, a testament to artistic adaptability and enduring passion. From the infectious beats of "Break My Stride" to the heartfelt melodies of "Mulan," and even his contributions behind the scenes in theater and film, he has shown a remarkable ability to evolve and contribute across various creative fields. His story reminds us that talent can take many forms and lead to many different successes. You can also discover more about his early influences and how they shaped his unique sound, which is quite interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Wilder
People often have questions about Matthew Wilder's career and what he's been up to. Here are a few common ones:
What is Matthew Wilder most famous for?
Matthew Wilder is, you know, most widely recognized for his 1983 hit single, "Break My Stride." This song became a global sensation and is still very popular today. He is also very well-known for his work as the composer and producer for Disney's animated film "Mulan," which earned him significant awards and nominations. So, it's a bit of a mix, really, between his pop music and his film scores.
Did Matthew Wilder write songs for Disney's Mulan?
Yes, Matthew Wilder was, in fact, a key creative force behind the music for Disney's "Mulan." He served as the composer, producer, singer, and instrumentalist for the 1998 animated feature. His contributions included writing many of the memorable songs that helped define the film's emotional landscape. He also worked on the 2020 live-action version as a composer, which is pretty cool.
What is Matthew Wilder doing now?
Matthew Wilder continues to be involved in creative projects. He has an autobiographical show called "The Strangest Dream," which aired on StageIt.com. He also maintains an official website, matthewwildermusic.com, where fans can find updates on his work and career. So, he's still, you know, very much active in the entertainment world, sharing his talents.
matthewwildermusic.com
matthewwildermusic.com
Matthew David Wilder
