[1] Born and raised a Christian in Liberty, Missouri, Wertz's interest in visual art led him to study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he graduated with a degree in industrial design.

After graduation in 2001, Wertz moved to Nashville gained a considerable fan base by performing at Young Life camps, after releasing his first album, Somedays, produced by Steve Wilson.

Today & Tomorrow was produced by Wertz and best friend Dave Barnes in 2005, and thanks to his constant touring, the singer was signed to Nettwerk Records.

[3][better source needed] In November 2009, Wertz announced on his website that he is no longer with Universal Republic and to celebrate, he began giving away If It Ain't Broke..., recorded live at The Triple Door in Seattle on May 28, 2008, as a free album.

[citation needed] In anticipation of Wherever/Whenever EP, released on April 1, 2013, Matt Wertz gave away a collection of his personal favorite songs from his celebrated 13-year career on NoiseTrade.