Home Biologymanufer

The Other Sheeran: 7 Shocking Facts About Ed Sheeran's Classical Composer Brother, Matthew

• minute read
Contents

In the shadow of one of the world's biggest pop stars, there exists a brilliant, yet fiercely private, musical talent: Matthew Sheeran. While his younger brother, Ed Sheeran, fills stadiums with acoustic pop anthems, Matthew is carving out a critically acclaimed career in the world of classical composition and orchestration. As of late December 2025, Matthew continues to be a driving force behind sophisticated musical projects, securing major deals and collaborating with global artists, all while maintaining a low-key profile that is the antithesis of his sibling's fame.

This article dives deep into the life of the lesser-known Sheeran, exploring his impressive biography, his distinct musical path, and the fascinating projects that prove the musical genius runs deep in the family. Prepare to discover the composer who is just as successful, but on a completely different stage.

Matthew Sheeran: A Composer's Biography and Profile

Matthew Sheeran, often referred to as Matt, has established himself as a respected figure in the contemporary classical music scene, operating a world away from the pop charts. His career is defined by academic rigor, a mastery of composition, and a growing portfolio of high-profile commissions and arrangements.

  • Full Name: Matthew Sheeran
  • Date of Birth: March 17, 1989
  • Age (as of 2025): 36
  • Place of Birth: Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
  • Parents: Imogen and John Sheeran (Art Curator and Publicist)
  • Sibling: Edward Christopher Sheeran (Ed Sheeran)
  • Education: Guildhall School of Music and Drama, University of Sussex, and King's College London (Master's Degree in Music)
  • Primary Profession: Composer, Arranger, Orchestrator, Violinist
  • Current Base: Bristol, England (as of August 2023)
  • Musical Style: Classical, Choral, Orchestral, Microtonal

The Classical Genius: Matthew’s Distinct Musical Career

Unlike his brother, Matthew’s journey was rooted firmly in the classical world, showcasing a commitment to complex, academic music from an early age. His path highlights a dedication that has led to major professional milestones, entirely separate from his famous family name.

1. He Secured a Major Global Publishing Deal with BMG

In a significant professional move that cemented his status in the industry, Matthew Sheeran signed an exclusive global publishing deal with BMG and BMG Production Music. This deal, which was a major milestone, covers his work as a composer, songwriter, orchestrator, and arranger. The partnership is designed to place his compositions in films, advertising campaigns, and other media, ensuring his work reaches a vast audience in a non-traditional way.

2. He Composed a Piece Performed at Westminster Abbey

Matthew’s talent has been recognised by some of the most prestigious institutions in the UK. He composed a choral piece that was performed at the iconic Westminster Abbey, a venue reserved for the highest echelons of British cultural and religious life. This achievement underscores his reputation as a serious, highly-regarded classical composer whose work is suitable for monumental settings.

3. He Orchestrated for Stormzy and Nelly Furtado

While his focus is classical, Matthew is not confined to the genre. He has crossed over into the mainstream by contributing his orchestral and arranging skills to major contemporary artists. Notably, he wrote a choral version of "Blinded By Your Grace" for the British rapper Stormzy. Furthermore, he has worked with composer Dean Valentine on projects, including reversioning music for pop star Nelly Furtado, demonstrating his versatility and ability to fuse classical complexity with modern pop sensibilities.

4. Matthew Explores the Complex World of Microtonal Music

Matthew’s academic background and adventurous spirit are evident in his deep dive into niche musical areas. His work includes a new album where he arranges music by the American microtonal composer Easley Blackwood. Microtonal music involves the use of intervals smaller than a semitone, making it a highly complex and technically challenging field. This project showcases his commitment to experimental and scholarly music, a world away from the simple chord structures of pop music.

5. He is an Active Composer for Film and Advertising

His partnership with BMG has led to a focus on production music. In 2023, Matthew was actively working on creating covers of well-known songs for BMG placements in various media. This includes orchestrating trailer music and creating unique arrangements of classic tracks like "Time In A Bottle" and "My Way" for use in films and advertising campaigns. This commercial work provides a steady stream of creative challenges and a broad application for his arranging skills.

The Sheeran Family Dynamic: Relationship and Collaboration

Despite their vastly different musical careers, the bond between the Sheeran brothers remains a central part of their story. Their relationship is one of mutual respect, though it has occasionally been a source of public curiosity and even confusion.

6. The Brothers Collaborated on a Song Called 'The Sea'

While they rarely work together, the brothers have a notable collaboration. Matthew composed a piece called "The Sea," which Ed later added lyrics to. The song, which Matthew described as 'a nice, romantic piece,' was a unique blend of their two worlds. This joint effort is a rare glimpse into the synergy between the pop icon and the classical master, proving that their shared musical roots can occasionally intertwine.

7. Matthew Inspired Ed's Hit Song "You Need Me, I Don't Need You"

One of Ed Sheeran's early, well-known tracks contains a direct reference to his older brother. The song "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" includes the line: "My brother's a composer, he's a genius." This lyric is a public testament to Ed's admiration for Matthew's talent and academic dedication, highlighting the respect he holds for his brother's chosen, less commercial, musical path.

The 'Brother's Grave' Confusion

In 2025, Ed Sheeran released his album Play, which contained lyrics that caused a brief moment of public confusion. A lyric mentioned crying "at my brother's grave," which some media outlets misinterpreted as referring to Matthew. However, Matthew Sheeran is alive and well, and the lyric is widely understood to be a reference to Ed's close friend and mentor, Jamal Edwards, whom he considered a brother, or another deeply personal loss. This incident underscores Matthew's preference for privacy, as he remains largely absent from social media, letting his music speak for itself.

In conclusion, Matthew Sheeran is far more than just "Ed Sheeran's brother." He is a highly accomplished composer, orchestrator, and arranger with a formidable portfolio of work that spans from the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey to the dynamic world of film and advertising. His decision to pursue a career in classical music, away from the intense glare of pop stardom, has allowed him to develop a unique and respected artistic voice. As his career continues to evolve with major deals and ambitious projects, Matthew Sheeran is a testament to the diverse and profound musical talent that defines the entire Sheeran family.

ed sheeran brother
ed sheeran brother

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Cristobal Nienow
  • Username : joan37
  • Email : cole.arlie@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1991-01-19
  • Address : 69680 Lia Bypass New Lesley, TN 33306
  • Phone : +13036756628
  • Company : Rogahn, Dare and Nitzsche
  • Job : Cost Estimator
  • Bio : Dolore eaque libero neque. Fuga non magnam molestias soluta deserunt. Accusamus sed aperiam voluptate dolorum necessitatibus aut sed et.

Socials

instagram:

linkedin:

facebook:

tiktok:

Random Posts