We were lucky to catch up with Matt Berman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

For many years I dreamed of making a full time living from my music and acting. I started playing saxophone when I was six years old, and Ive been acting professionally since high school. It was really tough, and continues to be a journey to make a full time living in the creative world. I studied professionally in high school, and continued that into college. What I wish I learned sooner, was the importance in creating relationships.

I believe making a full time living in the creative world has been a product of my hard work, and the relationships I’ve created along the way. It’s extremely important to note, creating relationships does NOT mean shallow networking or “using” people for “who they know”. It’s the ability to create genuine connections with people on a human level; which I continue to develop, and it doesn’t work with everyone. You don’t always jive with every personality, and thats Ok. I believe it always starts with the ability to be personable, authentic, understanding, and empathetic to your client or team. A little goes a long way- be on time, be prepared, be flexible/accommodate client’s requests (within reason), and remember.. you get to do this creative art form for a living.. how cool is that?

It is extremely important to practice and refine your craft, that’s 50% of what gets you the “gig”; but I believe I have been successful at making a full time living by creating relationships with my clients. I believe it is almost as important as being a disciplined and talented creative.

Matt, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a multi instrumentalist, composer, producer and actor.

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 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; composing, audio editing and sound designing for film.

My musical accomplishments have been recognized in Alternative Press, Popdust, Substream, and Billboard Magazine. Additionally, I’ve been seen acting in featured roles on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and the CW’s “Gossip Girl”. Most recently, Matt’s film & TV work includes “Westworld“ (HBO), “The Goodfight” (Paramount+), “Evil” (Paramount+) and a new series coming to Netflix.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The best and most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when you finally get that creative fulfillment from something you’re working on. As creatives, I believe we often have to take those gigs that don’t really fulfill us creatively. I’m talking about some of those unusual “student films” we have to perform in so we can get some footage for our reels; or some of those corporate background music gigs we need to play so we can pay the rent…

BUT… you never know what may come out of those projects.

Over the span of playing countless “gotta pay the bill” gigs, I established friendships and relationships with some of these directors and booking agents. This resulted in referrals and often getting calls like “hey I saw you perform and I’d love to book you on my project.” Eventually, if you’re lucky enough; you get an opportunity to work on a project you’ve been looking forward to. For me, it was going on a world tour with a really famous band. I had been playing saxophone on so many records for very little to no pay; and the right person heard me on a record and called me for the gig.

It’s rare to land the “dream gig” right away. We all have to pay our dues, but you never know what may come out of it.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes! Create content for social media. You don’t have to be an “influencer” by any means… but I have secured more gigs from social media content than I would have ever expected. Having video of you performing; both casual and professional quality and a necessary. It also helps if you can be fun and show off your personality. People hire you because you’re good at your craft, but there are a million actors and musicians in the world. What makes you different? I find that I book a lot of gigs because I’m a talented person; but also because I have the ability to connect with most of my clients.

Contact Info:

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