Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Berman.

Hi Matt, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My professional career began while attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art; where I became the youngest member of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz High School program. At the age of 15, I went on my first tour playing alto saxophone alongside saxophonist Bobby Watson, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and Thelonious Monk JR.

I continued studying saxophone at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City; where I studied with the likes of Reggie Workman, Gerald Clayton, Roy Hargrove, Michael Wolff, Bobby Sanabria, Bernard Purdie, Ben Wendel, Vincent Herring, and more. In 2012 Matt became the lead saxophonist in Bobby Sanabria’s Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra and Charli Persip’s Supersound Big Band. In 2013, I started my own group, Monroe.

While writing my own music and releasing albums under Monroe; I was featured as a guest artist on Grammy Award winner Al Walser’s album, “Al Walser Comes 2 Life”. I also performed as a featured saxophonist on Al Walser’s pre-Grammy Awards events in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

In 2015, I joined Brandon Flowers (The Killers) as the Tenor Saxophonist & Keyboard player on The Desired Effect World Tour. I toured with Brandon through 2017; performing at venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Life Is Beautiful Music Festival, Terminal 5 in New York City, The O2 Arena, and more.

In 2017 I was featured twice in Billboard Magazine for my work with Snoop Dog’s Doggystyle Records, and was featured with CyHi the Prynce on his track and music video for “Long Damn Time”. I’m also featured alongside Techrow Records; playing alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, singing and producing on their remix of Tupac’s “Hit Em Up” and “2 of Amerkas Most Wanted”. In 2017 my group Monroe got its first big show, opening for Ingrid Michaelson in New York.

In 2019 my group, Monroe opened for Justin Timberlake on his “Man of The Woods” tour and Aaron Carter on his “Love” tour. I continued my musical work in New York City, where I am currently working on a pop duo project with my friend and amazingly talented drummer, Josh Plath.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It has definitely been a journey. I’ve had my ups and downs, but the most important part of my journey has been the process of discovering my “sound”. I’m still on that journey, because I think it can always evolve and change. I’ve also managed to finally set a team around me that I trust and really “gel” with. I believe creating music can be super personal and venerable. I’m really grateful for my collaborators Josh Plath, Daveer Mohan and Jake Owen. We really take ideas and run with them. Nothing is ever a “bad” idea and we really try everything. It is so nice to be in an environment where everyones input is respected and there are no “bad” ideas.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am first and foremost a saxophone player. I’m known for my sax playing; whether playing alongside a DJ, in a band, or alongside a notable artist. In the last year, I was really inspired to create my “own thing” but I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Josh Plath joined me on drums and we have been working on a bunch of original material. I would say it kinda combines our jazz/ RnB backgrounds with pop music. It’s really the melding of electronic pop music with “organic” instruments. I play sax, sing, play keys and DJ; while Josh keeps the energy high on the live drums. It’s all about finding that sweet spot with the live instruments merging with the electronic sound.

We’ve been amazingly lucky to work with our friend Daveer Mohan, Jake Owen and a few vocalists to create some original music and really navigate what we want to sound like. I get the opportunity to work with amazing musicians who can play almost anything in any style. It sometimes makes it tough to “zero in” on a specific sound when these guys make everything sound good!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I think having everyone collectively invested in this is one of the most important aspects to success of this project. We are all so dedicated to creating something really special and not just settling on something that sounds “pretty good”, There is certainly a vision, and surrounding myself with musician that can really provide feedback and make the music even more interesting, is a key part to the success of this. It is really a privilege to work together with great musicians and friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mattbermanmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbermanmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ALTT5c0HxOZRLVB6XdF6w
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbermanmusic