Matt Walst Explained

Matt Walst
Birth Name:Matthew Jean Paul Walst
Birth Date:December 28, 1982
Birth Place:Norwood, Ontario, Canada
Occupation:Singer, songwriter, musician
Years Active:2003–present
Current Member Of:Three Days Grace
Past Member Of:My Darkest Days

Matthew Jean Paul Walst (born December 28, 1982) is a Canadian musician who is the lead singer of the rock band Three Days Grace, which also includes his older brother Brad as bassist. Before joining Three Days Grace, he was the lead singer of My Darkest Days.[1]

Early life

Walst was born and raised in Norwood, Ontario.[2] He began singing at the age of 12, where he also started making his own music.[3] Walst attended Norwood District High School.[4]

Career

My Darkest Days (2005–2013)

See main article: My Darkest Days. Walst formed My Darkest Days in 2005 with his friends Brendan McMillan on bass guitar, Doug Oliver on drums, and Chris McMillan on lead guitar.[5] In 2009, the group signed with 604 Records by Chad Kroeger.[6] They released their debut single, "Porn Star Dancing" in June 2010.[7] The band released their debut self-titled studio album later that year.[8] In 2012, they released their second studio album, Sick and Twisted Affair.[9] After Walst joined Three Days Grace in 2013, the band went on hiatus.[10]

Three Days Grace (2013–present)

See main article: Three Days Grace. Following Adam Gontier's departure from Three Days Grace in January 2013, Matt Walst was brought on as their replacement lead vocalist for their tour and he later became the official new lead vocalist for the band.[11] Prior to joining Three Days Grace, Walst wrote a few songs with the group such as "Scared" and "Let You Down" from their 2003 self-titled album and "Operate" and "The High Road" from their 2012 album Transit of Venus.[12] He was also one of the composers of the said album.[13] In March 2014, the band confirmed that Walst would officially be taking over as the band's new frontman.[14] They released their fifth studio album, Human in 2015, which was the first album with Walst.[15] Their sixth studio album was released in 2018 titled, Outsider.[16] In 2022, they released their seventh studio album, Explosions.[17]

Walst joined Bighead, Yung Booke and Young Thug on the single, "Emotions", in 2021.[18]

Personal life

Walst is a fan of the UFC and took MMA classes in 2016.[19] His brother Brad is the bassist for Three Days Grace. In 2022, Walst was inducted into the Norwood District High School Hall of Honor along with his brother Brad and Adam Gontier.[20] He has a son.[21]

He stated that his influences include Deftones and Nirvana.[22]

Discography

with Three Days Grace

See main article: Three Days Grace discography.

with My Darkest Days

Other appearances

TitleYearArtist(s)AlbumNotes
"Legion of Demons"2010Psych WardDecrepid MethodsFeatured artist
"Elevator"2017FozzyJudasComposer[24]
"Nowhere to Run"2019BoomboxComposer[25]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Singer Adam Gontier Explains Departure From Three Days Grace. Loudwire. Spencer Kaufman. January 9, 2013. August 4, 2022.
  2. Web site: Brothers unite in new-look Three Days Grace. The Peterborough Examiner. January 9, 2013. March 8, 2024.
  3. Web site: 3 Days Grace – Matt Walst 'Sing Like A Pro Interview Series' with Mitch Seekins The Vocal Coach. Mitch Seekins Vocal Studio. Mitch Seekins. February 14, 2022. March 8, 2024.
  4. Web site: Three Days Grace Members Reunite With Ex-Singer at 'Powerful' High School Event. Loudwire. Alicia Selin. July 9, 2022. March 8, 2024.
  5. Web site: My Darkest Days - Bio. Melodic. February 27, 2024.
  6. Web site: My Darkest Days Biography by James Christopher Monger. AllMusic. James Christopher Monger. February 27, 2024.
  7. Web site: Zakk Wylde Featured in My Darkest Days Video. Blabbermouth.net. June 21, 2010. February 27, 2024.
  8. Web site: CD review: My Darkest Days, My Darkest Days. Edmonton Journal. Sandra Sperounes. November 8, 2010. February 27, 2024.
  9. Web site: My Darkest Days' Newest Album, Sick And Twisted Affair, Available Now. Melodic. Johan Wippsson. March 27, 2012. February 27, 2024.
  10. Web site: Former Members of 'My Darkest Days' Return as 'Never Say Die'. Ultimate Guitar. February 27, 2024.
  11. Web site: Matt Walst Discusses His New Role As Singer of Three Days Grace + Status of My Darkest Days. Loudwire. Chad Childers. January 9, 2013. July 4, 2023.
  12. Three Days Grace. Three Days Grace. Jive. 2003. booklet. 82876-53479-2.
  13. Web site: Transit of Venus - Three Days Grace Credits AllMusic. AllMusic. October 10, 2023 . en.
  14. Web site: Three Dyas Grace Confirm That Matt Walst Will Continue As Band's Frontman. Loudwire. Chad Childers. March 8, 2014. September 3, 2023.
  15. Web site: Three Days Grace Reveal 'Human' Track Listing + More. Childers. Chad. Loudwire. February 25, 2015. February 27, 2024.
  16. Web site: Three Days Grace's Matt Walst 'More Comfortable' With 'Outsider'. Chad Childers. Loudwire. March 7, 2018. February 27, 2024.
  17. Web site: Three Days Grace Seek Escape With Heavy New Song 'So Called Life', Announce New Album. Loudwire. Childers. Chad. November 29, 2021. February 27, 2024.
  18. Web site: Three Days Grace Join Young Thug, BigHead and Yung Brooke On Rap Song 'Emotions'. Loudwire. Chad Childers. July 27, 2021. September 7, 2022.
  19. Web site: Three Days Grace's Matt Walst Definitely Feels More Comfortable Writing Outsider Disc With The Band. Loudwire. Chad Childers. March 7, 2018. February 9, 2023.
  20. Web site: Three Days Grace Bassist Says Reunion With Ex-Vocalist Adam Gontier For High School Honor Was 'Powerful'. Blabbermouth.net. July 7, 2022. February 9, 2023.
  21. Web site: Proud moment!! 3dg 4 life!!! . . April 11, 2023 . July 16, 2024.
  22. Web site: Three Days Grace's Matt Walst on juggling fatherhood, loss and recording new album, Explosions . Future Publishing Limited . . July 11, 2022 . May 8, 2023 . Chamberlain, Rick.
  23. Web site: I Will Survive! - Single by Shadow Cliq. October 10, 2023. Spotify.
  24. Web site: Judas - Credits. AllMusic. August 4, 2022.
  25. Web site: Nowhere to Run - Credits. AllMusic. August 4, 2022.