Matty Begs Story

Sound: Matty Begs is feel good funky rock that has a hint of pop, reggae, and jam all rolled into one!

Formed: Summer 2012

Members:
Matty Russo - Lead Vocals/ Acoustic Guitar
Ellis Ramey - Drums
Jonathan Hose - Bass
Mark Harris - Sax/ Percussion

Hometown: Rocky Mount/Wilson, NC

Influences:  Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jason Mraz, G-Love, Dave Matthews, Michael Franti, Sublime, Sugar Ray, Mike Doughty

The Band

Matty Russo  - Lead vocals and guitar 

Matty Russo is a self-taught musician who picked up guitar as a teenager in his hometown of Utica, NY.  After only four months of playing, Matty wrote his first song and from then on, music was in his blood. Matty has gained notoriety across the Eastern seaboard, touring extensively and selling tens of thousands of independently produced CDs as singer of the bands Mishap, Zuko, and Joceifus Rifle.  Matty’s new band “Matty Begs” joined forces in the Summer of 2012.  Besides, music, Matty is an avid sports fan who loves playing basketball and working out. 

Jonathan Hose - Bass 

A native West Virginian, but raised most of his life in Rocky Mount, NC,  Jonathan is a multi-instrumentalist and producer.   While the drums are his main instrument, Jonathan holds down the solid bass lines for Matty Begs these days.  Because of his drumming background, Jonathan and Ellis are able to lock in tight and give Matty Begs the funky rhythm section that keeps people dancing. Jonathan first started honing his chops in local bands Rambler, Narallis, and Monkeyfoot, before joining Matty Begs in 2019.  Jonathan is one smart dude and is currently working in IT.

 

Ellis Ramey  - Drums/Percussion  

Born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC Ellis has been playing drums/percussion since he could walk.   Ellis played in bands "Long Shore Drift" and "Shirts and Skins" before joining Matty to form "Joceifus Rifle" and now their latest band "Matty Begs." Ellis' years of keeping the beat behind Matty make for a tight rhythmic sound you'll wanna grove to. Along with his love of music, Ellis loves to hunt, surf, and play tennis.