Matty Begs Story
Bio:
With roots in Wilson and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Matty Begs launched their musical journey in Spring 2012 and have been bringing feel-good energy to stages ever since. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band blends acoustic and electric elements into a signature sound that fuses party rock with hints of pop, reggae, and jam-band spirit. From beach bars and college stages to top East Coast venues, Matty Begs delivers performances designed to keep crowds singing, dancing, and smiling all night long.
Their original music reflects a wide range of influences, pairing catchy lyrics with irresistible, sing-along choruses that leave audiences wanting more. In addition to their originals, the band reinvents fan-favorite songs from across the decades, giving each cover their own funky, upbeat twist.
Matty Begs has released three EPs along with several singles, including Hide Away From The World, Just Like A Dog, Getting What You’re Putting Out, and their newest release, Positive Momentum, which dropped on New Year’s Day 2025.
Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or catching another show, one thing’s certain: a Matty Begs performance isn’t just a concert — it’s a party.
Members:
Matty Russo - Lead Vocals/ Acoustic Guitar
Ellis Ramey - Drums
Jonathan Hose - Bass
Mark Harris - Sax/ Percussion
Steven Stewart - Lead Guitar
Hometown: Rocky Mount/Wilson, NC
Influences: Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jason Mraz, Tom Petty, G. Love & Special Sauce, Dave Matthews Band, 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.