Growing up with divorced parents inspired Matt Stell’s ‘Born Lonely’: “It had its effect on me”

Growing up in a broken family was not easy for Matt Stell.

Instead of shying away from the emotions entailed with having divorced parents, the “Breakin’ in Boots” singer decided to embrace it and use it as catalytic inspiration for his latest album, Born Lonely.

“I challenge myself to tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it’s a little embarrassing, you know? I came from a great family on both sides. But my parents were divorced. I never remember [them] being together,” Matt tells ABC Audio. “I moved three states away when I was very young with my mom and had to say goodbye to family a whole lot as a small kid and it really kind of had its effect on me.” 

“I don’t blame anybody. Everybody is doing their best and did a good job. But, you know, it had its effect on me,” he says.

Deep down, Matt knew that the things he felt “sheepish” discussing were precisely what he needed to write and sing about — which he did on his 10-track effort.

“The whole record is about where I come from, where I’m at now, the things that [have] happened to me, things I’ve seen happen, things I’m proud of, things that hurt,” Matt shares. “I feel like what I’ve always wanted to do is write a three-dimensional record that was telling the truth, and I hopefully that’s what I’ve done.” 

“Breakin’ in Boots” is currently #23 and climbing up the country charts.

To catch Matt on the road this fall, visit mattstell.com.