Bio
Matt Berkeley is a versatile singer, keyboardist, bandleader, and writer, creating music that resonates with audiences of all ages. He blends old and new sounds, bringing an intergenerational approach to his artistry. With experience leading and producing diverse ensembles—including drums, bass, guitar, horns, strings and more —Matt has a wide-ranging discography that spans over 20 years. He’s also credited as a guest artist, pianist, producer, songwriter, and engineer on a variety of projects.
His influences are wide-ranging, with central inspirations like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and the music of the African and South Asian diaspora in the Caribbean. Jazz, soul, reggae and even a dash of rebellious punk-rock are all strains of his musical DNA. Matt delves into Indigenous and folkloric styles, studying what makes these traditions "feel right" across cultures and time.
With his bands, Matt merges soul, funk, jazz, and contemporary folk styles such as hip hop and dancehall, crafting a distinctive sound dubbed "contemporary Cali folk." A virtuoso pianist and compelling vocalist, he writes his own music and has a unique gift in connecting with diverse audiences.
As an educator, Matt excels at team building, having led collaborative music-making workshops for participants of all ages. Additionally, he brings his expertise to event production, working as a musician for public, private, corporate, sacred, and secular events.