From Heartbreak to Healing: How Music, Faith, and Friendship Helped Matt Waugh Find His Voice

When life takes a hard turn, most people seek comfort in the familiar. But for Matt Waugh, heartbreak was the catalyst that pushed him into the unknown—and eventually onto a path of personal growth, musical expression, and deep, soul-level connection.

It all started when Matt’s relationship ended, leaving him emotionally stranded and alone. “When my ex-girlfriend left me, I was in a really dark place,” he shares. “I joined the app MeetMe not to flirt or find a good time—but just to talk to someone, anyone. I made sure to put ‘NO player’ in my bio. I just needed connection.”

And connection is exactly what he found.

An Unexpected Light in the Dark

On the very first day using the MeetMe app, Matt connected with someone who, like him, had just joined. “We didn’t know anyone. We were both just looking for conversation and somehow became each other’s safe space,” he recalls. “She became my inspiration. If it wasn’t for her, I would’ve gone crazy. We never talked about romance—it was just an incredible connection, pure and real.”

That powerful bond grounded Matt, gave him hope, and reminded him that healing doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

Roots in the Islands, Voice in the Clouds

Born and raised in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, Matt grew up surrounded by the sounds of nature, waves, and culture. It’s no wonder that music eventually called to him. “I’ve always loved music,” he says. “I was a commercial and residential painter, always with my earphones on, singing while I worked. People would tell me I had a good voice—but I didn’t really believe it.”

But eventually, encouragement began to grow louder than doubt.

Today, Matt is pursuing music with an open heart and raw honesty. “My songs come from real experiences,” he says. “They’re slow, meaningful, and filled with lyrics people can understand and relate to. I’ve been through a lot emotionally—so there’s a lot to say.”

His latest song, Downhill, reflects on failed relationships and emotional missteps, but not in a bitter tone. It’s reflective, mature, and steeped in lived experience. “It’s almost finished,” Matt shares excitedly. “It’s one of those songs that took shape as I healed. Writing it helped me process everything.”

Grounded in Faith and Gratitude

Through it all, Matt remains grounded in his faith. “The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” he says, his voice reverent. “I thank God every single day. I don’t see challenges—I just see life. And I try to treat everyone as best I can.”

That unwavering gratitude shows up in how he carries himself, in his music, and in how he speaks of the people who’ve helped him along the way.

One such person is Casso from Alpha Kings Music. “If it wasn’t for Casso, I wouldn’t even be in this blog,” Matt admits. “He believed in me, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Cooking, Creating, and Continuing the Climb

When he’s not writing or recording, Matt finds peace in the kitchen. “Cooking is one thing that really relaxes me,” he says. “It clears my mind. That and traveling—it’s all about living life with joy.”

He’s a believer in doing your best each day and letting that be your legacy. “I’m working on my greatest accomplishments right now,” Matt says. “I’m not there yet, but when I get there, I’ll let you know.”

His first single, In the Same Space, was released on all major platforms on May 11th—an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of a promising journey. “Just hearing my song on the radio one day—that would be a dream come true,” he says.

Looking Ahead: Music, Dreams, and the Stage

When asked where he sees himself in four years, Matt doesn’t hesitate. “Still writing music and singing. Whether it’s a huge crowd or just a few people, I just want to make people smile,” he says. “I’d even love to act. I just want to be out there doing something creative that keeps me busy and makes people feel something.”

And though people have compared his vocal style to the likes of Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake, Matt remains humble. “I’m nowhere near as talented as they are, but to even have my voice mentioned in the same breath—it’s humbling.”

A Voice Born of Heartache, Carried by Hope

Matt Waugh’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about resilience, faith, and finding your voice even when life feels like it’s falling apart. Through heartbreak, unexpected friendships, spiritual grounding, and the healing power of music, Matt is carving a space for himself—one soulful lyric at a time.

Keep your ears open—Matt Waugh’s voice may have been born in heartbreak, but it’s carrying a message of hope, healing, and heart to the world.

Matt Waugh’s first single “In the Same Space” is available now on all streaming platforms.

Follow him on MeetMe or Instagram for updates, new releases, and live performances.

Stay tuned—Downhill is coming soon.