# Matt Shultz

Matthew Ray Shultz (born October 23, 1983) is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and primary songwriter for the rock band Cage the Elephant.

## Early life

Matthew Ray Shultz was born on October 23, 1983, and raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky. His father, Donald Bradley Shultz Sr, was also a musician. Growing up, Shultz came from a poor background alongside his brother, Donald Bradley "Brad" Shultz Jr, which subjected them to teasing from their peers at school. Their parents separated when the brothers were young, which inspired them to begin writing music while they lived with their grandmother in a trailer park. Their mother disapproved of their passion for music and began dating his football coach after the divorce, and which prompted him to quit the team and play music as an act of rebellion. He attended Greenwood High School.
Before starting Cage the Elephant, Shultz worked in construction as a plumber. He said in an interview that he felt if he didn't quit that job, he would be stuck there for the rest of his life. He therefore quit and worked at a sandwich bar with Brad, who had previously worked in telemarketing.

## Personal life

Shultz was previously married to Juliette Buchs from 2014 until they separated in 2018. He then married fellow Kentucky-based actress, dancer and musician Eva Ross in early February 2020. "Love's The Only Way" was a song written by Matt for Eva while they were dating. Eva announced on December 1, 2021, that the couple had separated and were filing for divorce; however, they were remarried on October 24, 2023.
Shultz has spoken about his three-year struggle with psychosis, triggered by ADHD medication. He described it as a "nightmarish" state of panic, paranoia and delusions. On February 7, 2023, Shultz was arrested in New York on charges of felony firearm possession. He was staying at The Bowery Hotel in Manhattan, where a hotel employee reportedly saw him carrying a firearm into the bathroom and called 9-1-1. In a plea bargain, Shultz pleaded guilty to three charges in exchange for avoiding jail time. Shultz called the arrest a "miracle", leading to hospital treatment and therapy.

## Musical influences

Shultz cites bands such as the Pixies as influential on his vocal style, explaining that he discovered them alongside other punk bands while living in England during the recording of Thank You, Happy Birthday. His stage persona is inspired by punk pioneers such as Iggy Pop.

## Art

Matt Shultz began his art career as the lead singer and a founding member of Perfect Confusion in 2001. Later, he would also do the same with Cage the Elephant. While continuing his musical career, Shultz has gone on to explore a vast array of artistic mediums, including dance, fashion design, visual art, and performance art.
In March 2019, Shultz released a boot collection with The Frye Company.
In August 2019, Shultz threw his debut art show in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with New York artist Danny Cole, Beck, and other friends. The event was captured by Rolling Stone in a photo journal.

## Accomplishments

Cage the Elephant's first nomination came in 2011, when the music video for "Shake Me Down" was nominated for the Best Rock Video at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. In 2014, Cage the Elephant was nominated for the Best Alternative Music Album for Melophobia, at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2016, Cage the Elephant won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for Tell Me I'm Pretty, winning again in 2019 for Social Cues.