“For over a decade, My Silent Bravery has carved its path with unwavering determination, eschewing the glitz of mainstream fame for a more intimate connection with their audience. With a discography spanning twelve albums and a stage adorned with over a thousand performances, Matthew Wade has woven a tapestry of inspiration, one fan at a time.”
-Rolling Stone
“My Silent Bravery plays like a major label signing, from its production savvy, eloquent lyrics, authoritative imaging, polished web site, a dedicated Northeast U.S. fan following, merchandising, and most important, a chockablock collection of winning songs. My Silent Bravery is destined to make major noise.”
-Billboard Magazine
“Fronted by Matthew Wade, My Silent Bravery stands as a testament to resilience and positivity in music. With a decade of live performances and chart-topping hits under their belt, My Silent Bravery continues to inspire with their music and cultural impact.”
-SPIN Magazine
“While he’s drawn comparisons to John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw, A-Sides thinks he can stand on his own sans any labels or similar-sounding artist references. In other words, his music, like his name, is unique and stands on its own in a bold way.”
-The Huffington Post
“From summer-ready guitar strings to the fun-flecked vocals, the artist effortlessly rides the infectious production, catching every tempo and melodic shift.”
-Wonderland Magazine
“My Silent Bravery shines a light on the pressures young women face to project a perfect life online. Their poignant video for “Girl You Think You Know,” has already earned over 197,000 views worldwide, and the track hit #3 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales Chart.”
-M Magazine
BILL COPELAND MUSIC NEWS
My Silent Bravery Sophomore CD Can’t Quit Might be the Next Big Thing Out of BostonMy Silent Bravery, the moniker under which Matt Wade (Shwachman) records and performs, just released a barn-burning sophomore CD, Can’t Quit. To say this band could make it big would be a reasonable prediction, especially to anyone who has heard its first track, “Four Years.” The funky cool opener jumps out at you like a sledgehammer break at a pool table. The song literally kicks the door down like an action hero and proceeds to take out everyone in the room.
“Four Years” is destined for a lot of radio play and could make My Silent Bravery the next biggest act out of Boston. Aside from its irresistible beat, “Four Years” has a guitar that will funk you crazy and Wade’s voice has that kind of mass appeal charisma and it pivots with distinct style around its surefooted groove.
There are other golden nuggets on Can’t Quit. “Alright” makes you feel its swirl of instruments like a carnival ride that makes you feel momentum. The guitar, bass, and keyboards don’t play around the beat as much as they seem to form a web of sound around it that lifts off and takes the beat with them. The keyboards are wildly original, motivated, and twitchy, making every note and chord interesting and fun.
Title track “Can’t Quit” is a mellower yet no less expansive take on My Silent Bravery’s intricate pop-rock sound. Those frisky keyboards and guitars are still on colorful display, yet the music sinks into a gentle depth. Wade, with his creamy smooth croon emoting heavily, is more haunting than dominating this time around, and it works. His vocal gives the breezy melody enough of a visitation to show he can run the show without the lion tamer’s demeanor of the previous two. Wade’s fertile imagination allows the songwriter to come up with this looming landscape of sweet melody and forlorn vocals contrasting with an edgy guitar phrase. It’s like he architects sounds rather than just composes music.
“Burnt Out” exhibits a nervous guitar blurting out unique phrases beside Wade’s smooth, rangy vocal. “Burnt Out” gives you a feeling that the song is going somewhere. There is a sense of destination, journey, travel in its purposeful pace, a forward momentum that take you as far as your imagination will let it take you. The singer is giving a description of his current state of exhaustion while also pulling you into the dreamy state of having only enough energy left to live inside himself.
Chunk full of groove and percussive motion “To Give,” guest starring recording artist Matisyahu, bops around a warm territory of embracing keyboard melody and hipster guitar riffs. Matisyahu adds a warm texture to Wade’s chorus, and the whole song welcomes you like a firm handshake. The positive, life-affirming lyrics are projected onto a large screen by Wade’s and Matisyahu’s grand vocal delivery, a sound so wide it invites in all around it.
The sweeping sway of “Ms. Definite Maybe” will lull you into the fickle world of the song’s title character. The cheerful melodies and the persistent groove belies the uncertainty plaguing the singer, making the dilemma more dramatic and humorous. “Last One Left” makes the most of Wade’s vocal lift, his croon pulling along the multi-textured sounds in his wake, all combining into another infectious swirl of sound.
The quirkily titled “Today Is Tomorrow’s Yesterday” gets its character from Steve Sadler’s mandolin, dobra, and bass guitar. Wade’s finesses this one with gentle aplomb. He caresses the lyrics with a gentle application of his smooth timbre, gliding just over the gritty melody and gorgeous low end notes. The singer, songwriter, acoustic guitarist closes out classy with his song reaching a dream-like feeling in its flowing pace and ethereal vocal.
There are acoustic versions of “Burnt Out” and “Can’t Quit” with synthesized backdrops that showcase Wade’s creamy smooth voice with less adornment than the electric renditions. Focusing on his voice will only produce more evidence of his potential. The CD is brought to vivid life by studio wiz Anthony J. Resta in his Bopnique Studios. Resta captures every nuance of quality here, and he also makes room for Wade’s stellar cast: Rob Holmes, Jeff Calder, Richard Gates, Charlie Farren, and Cameron Stone Cello Quartet.
It is easy to picture Wade going places with his My Silent Bravery project and his new sophomore CD Can’t Quit.
Article written by Bill Copeland (billcopelandmusicnews.com)
INDIE MUSIC DIGEST
Can’t Quit nominated for “Album of the Year” at IMDBoston’s own My Silent Bravery (fronted by Matthew Wade) releases this latest CD entitled Can’t Quit in 2011. Wade is the premier singer/songwriter featured on this release and I might add he is backed by an impressive line up of session musicians.
The CD quickly takes flight with “Four Years” a dynamic guitar driven groove that serves up steady rock rhythm against catchy vocal melodies and hooky chorus from Wade. Track 2 is hands down my personal favorite “All Right” shifts gears with its smooth flowing beat, though provoking lyrical content and a grand slam of a chorus. Track 2 evolves into a solid rock groove with clever lyrical content and impressive vocal passion – all in all an amazing piece. Track 3 “Can’t Quit” (Acoustic versions also available) is a hypnotic title track with driving rock rhythm, impressive musical ambience and heartfelt vocal delivery. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Live, John Mayer and perhaps a splash of Jack Johnson. This CD makes a pretty solid first impression. Right from the start you will notice rich musical textures and ambience overflowing everywhere, full of warmth, variety and strong melodic structure. I would classify this music as catchy power pop, rock, with a slight aftertaste of alternative rock. The songs themselves are addictive and upbeat, complete with positive, carefree subject matter. The musicianship is pretty solid across the board. Make no bones about it Wade has good production instincts and knows how to bring the passion. Along the way you will notice lush layers of instrumentation layered everywhere. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also catch impressive things well placed Hammond Organ accents, Strings, Keyboard accents, solo guitar, impressive rhythm section and well placed vocal harmonies. Wade’s voice works well across the board as he fills the sonic space peacefully and unobtrusively. I might add Wade takes many vocal risks indicating to me a strong and confident vocal ability. I also noticed a few amazing falsetto sprinkles here and there. All songs are short and sweet musical experiences. From heartfelt “Burn Out” (2 versions) to grooving “To Give” (featuring Matisyahu) to dynamic “Ms. Definite Maybe” and thought provoking “Last On Left” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 10 “Today is Tomorrow’s Yesterday” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
It’s fair to say this is one of the brightest, in your face mixes I have ever come across. These types of mixes are becoming more and more popular these days and are really designed to maximize radio marketability – but there are cons when taking this approach. As a result the CD lacks what I call flow and ebb factor and lacks solid bottom end feel. Over time this CD really wears on the ears and will strip your senses down to their core – like a commercial. CD contains 10 tracks but for the record 2 have acoustic versions available making for an 8 track catalogue. Perhaps 2 or 3 more songs are needed to really seal the deal for a grand slam full length release.
Can’t Quit by My Silent Bravery is an impressive musical production from start to finish. The music is consistent; the messages are upbeat, carefree and sung from a positive perspective. It’s strong suit – the wide musical variety and overall vocal passion from Wade. He possesses enough musical talent and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. The musicianship is first rate. Once again the vocals, vocal harmonies and melodic accents are brilliantly placed and extremely well crafted. The messages are packed to the hilt with rich conventional wisdom offering hope and compassion. As a listener I was entertained the entire time. This CD takes us in a radically new direction when compared to the previous MSB release. However “Can’t Quit” above all demonstrates powerful resolve that cannot be overstated. “Can’t Quit” will not only make your day a brighter place, but will inspire you in the process.
Artist: My Silent Bravery
Album: Can’t Quit
Label: Independent Artist
Website: www.mysilentbravery.com
Genre: Power Pop, Alternative Rock
Sounds Like: Live, Jack Johnson, John Mayer
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 8/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Can’t Quit, To Give, Last One Left
Weakness: Overbearing mix, Short Sided CD
Read the full article here.
DIRECT CURRENT
REDUX: My Silent BraveryCan’t Quit, the title of My Silent Bravery’s masterful 2011 album, could also easily serve as the ongoing DIY philosophy of MSB’s founder — and sole musical proprietor — Matthew Wade. The sharply etched and deeply personal tracks that inhabit his sophomore project speak to the willingness and desire of a person to make that major leap (and leap of faith) from songwriter to performer, from bedroom composing to, in Wade’s case, opening for Howie Day and Rusted Root and collaborating with New York reggae master Matisyahu. Regional touring, solid critical response and radio airplay have taken Wade and his MSB to an impressive level for an independent artist but you don’t have to be a genius to understand why songs like “Alright” and Can’t Quit’s breezy title track are folk/rock ear candy. My Silent Bravery is all about big John Mayer-meets-Matchbox 20 melodies and sharp hooks, inspiring themes wrapped in brisk and bracing instrumentation and Wade’s sand-textured vocals. A deluxe version of Can’t Quit, featuring three additional tracks of alternate mixes, arrives September 27 and sets the stage for a new My Silent Bravery album due in early 2013.
Read the full article here.
ALTERNATIVE ADDICTION
My Silent Bravery Release New Single, New VideoFollowing a successful and widely-hailed launch of their second single off the Can’t Quit album, “To Give” featuring platinum-selling recording artist Matisyahu, My Silent Bravery has released its third single and official video for the song “Burnt Out (Acoustic).”
The band also announced the release, of a new Deluxe Edition of Can’t Quit (9/27/12), which will feature three previously unreleased tracks, including a remix of “Four Yearz,” produced by Kool Kojak (Flo Rida, Ke$ha, Katy Perry).
Can’t Quit, My Silent Bravery’s latest LP, released earlier this year, was produced by Anthony Resta (Collective Soul, Elton John, Shawn Mullins) and features a track with Grammy-nominated recording artist, Matisyahu. The Cant Quit LP is available on iTunes and was nominated for album of the year by Indie Music Digest. The album’s first single and title track also picked up honorable mention for the songwriting competition, Song of the Year. The second single and animated video for “To Give,” featuring Matisyahu, was released in the spring of 2012 and is closing in on a quarter of a million views on YouTube. “Burnt Out (Acoustic)” is the third single and official video from Can’t Quit. The video stars Matthew Wade and actress Arianna Danae and was shot under the direction of Vassili Shields. “Burnt Out” was also recently featured on the 38th Annual People’s Choice Awards.
2012 continues to a busy year for MSB, who have shared the stage with John Waite, Teddy Geiger, Rusted Root and supported the northeast leg of Howie Day’s spring tour. MSB will be supporting the release of Can’t Quit Deluxe Edition with shows this fall:
9/28/12 – Boston, MA
9/29/12 – New York, NY
10/3/12 – Fairfield, CT (with John Waite)
10/5/12 – Hartford, CT (with Tyler Hilton)
Read the full article here.
SKOPE
My Silent Bravery, Can’t Quit Deluxe EditionMy Silent Bravery is Matthew Wade. He sits comfortably in the recognizable pop world. His music tugs on your heart strings with that universal feeling that relates to everyone on so many levels. It is a clash of refreshing new and comfortable familiarity that dances in your head long after the last note has been played. The band recently announced the release, of a new Deluxe Edition of Can’t Quit (9/27/12), which will feature three previously unreleased tracks, including a remix of “Four Yearz,” produced by Kool Kojak (Flo Rida, Ke$ha, Katy Perry).
The title track, “Can’t Quit”, says it all. This is a musician who is clearly comfortable in his own skin. He is not afraid to show his deepest inner emotions. He reveals them with sincerity and precision. His professionalism is above most signed artists. This guy has come to play and he takes his work very seriously. As he says in the song, “Until the death of me…. I’m going to give it my all”. After listening to the entire CD he did not disappoint. You can hear and feel him flex his psychological muscles in every note.
The production is true to the music and lyrics. He has the perfect combination of prosody and creativeness that takes the melodies to soaring heights. The songs are hooky and vibrant, even the solemn content is resurrected to peaceful places before all is said and done; leaving you relaxed, elated and wanting more.
Matthew Wade, “My Silent Bravery” is not only a very cool name that describes the music you are about to hear with such genuine honesty; it also stands up to anything on the radio with ease. It has a similar “Maroon 5? vibe and poppy nuances that are entertaining and addictive. Wade is making sound waves that are carrying him to success faster than he can record them. Thanks for the vision and sharing it with the world.
Read the full article here.
JSTYLE
My Silent Bravery Listed Along with the Likes of Drake, Mac Miller, Matisyahu, and Asher Roth as One to Watch in the Jewish Music SceneWith big Jewish names making their way through Cleveland like Mac Miller, Asher Roth, Matisyahu, and Drake, JStylemagazine.com feels the need give our readers the latest news in the Jewish music scene.
Matt Wade, a native of Boston, decided to pursue his passion of music after a sports injury in 2001. Wade’s first song “Side of the Road” (release date unknown) was played on The CW’s “One Tree Hill.”
Wade formed his band, My Silent Bravery, in 2010. He is a DIY (Do It Yourself) type of artist who just last year released his album, “Can’t Quit Deluxe Edition,” produced by Anthony Resta (Collective Soul, Elton John). The album features Wade’s track, “To Give,” with Grammy-nominated artist, Matisyahu.
Wade is not signed to a label but is endorsed by guitar company Gibson. He continues to produce and release new music independently and never stops touring. According to mysilentbravery.com, Wade is currently “putting the finishing touches on its new full length LP, entitled “Diamond from Coal” that is set to release this fall.
Read the full article here.
