Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Robert Brown.
Hi Matthew Robert, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been playing music since I was 14 years old, starting on guitar, which has remained my primary instrument for many years. Over time I’ve branched out into bass, drums and vocals, continually working to grow as a well-rounded musician.
I’ve performed and released music with original punk, hardcore, blues, metal, rock and funk bands. I’ve also gigged at churches and with numerous cover bands spanning disco, country, rock and more. I’ve played in many capacities, from local bar gigs to out of town shows, festivals and even performances overseas.
I’ve also invested heavily in both learning and teaching. I studied at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, where I earned an associates degree in music performance. As an educator, I’ve taught music in elementary schools, daycares and through my own private teaching practice, working with students of all ages and skill levels.
Most recently I began hosting a radio show that highlights the Cleveland metal scene, giving a platform to local heavy artists and sharing their music with a wider audience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been without its share of obstacles, but anyone who walks this path can relate to that. Not everybody is going to get along or maintain a solid working relationship, and when those situations come up, the best thing we can do is learn from them and keep moving. I’m grateful for every experience I’ve had, good or bad, because each one has helped me navigate things more clearly as I move forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I feel that my specialty is playing guitar within the realm of rock and metal, but I take a lot of pride in being able to branch out and approximate other styles when called upon. What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to persevere and make teaching and performing music my actual career, not an afterthought or a hobby.
What sets me apart is that my confidence comes from what I can do on the instrument, not from limiting myself to one style or one narrow lane of earning a living through music. I stay open, adaptable, and willing to take on whatever the work calls for.
In my discography, the release I’m most proud of is “Drowning,” the first single from my death-metal project Ancient Limbs. It captures a lot of the vision and intensity I’ve been working toward in the studio.
On the performance side, the shows I’ve played with LaBronn Conner Jr., an up-and-coming blues artist, stand out as some of my proudest moments on stage. Working with him has pushed me musically and given me some of my favorite live experiences.
There’s much more on the horizon – with the projects I mentioned and the many other artists I’m currently working with. I’m planning to release a substantial amount of new recorded material throughout 2026, and I fully intend to keep performing as much as possible.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Newer AI driven tools are exposing how little creativity some artists have actually been working with once they realize how easily their ideas can be replicated. There is a healthy resistance to AI, though, and I can see a shift back toward traditional, hands-on approaches as people seek authenticity and originality in their work.
As far as teaching, I think people will always prefer an in-person lesson. But living through Covid showed many of us that online education is a fully viable option, and it’s become a resource that isn’t going away anytime soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/matthewbrownguitar?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=bcc76574-7957-430b-8403-7edd800ad4cc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewbrownguitar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthewbrownguitarist
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbrownmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/matthewbrownguitar/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whole-note-music-academy-willowick-2
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/matthew-robert-brown/
- Other: https://www.bandmix.com/matthewbrownguitar
