ABOUT MATT

Matt Madjerich is an American Alternative Rock artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for his hard-hitting, emotionally charged sound and commanding stage presence. A multi-instrumentalist, he began his musical journey at just 12 years old, mastering guitar, vocals, and drums. Influenced by bands like Nirvana, Filter, RED, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, and most notably, Breaking Benjamin, Matt has forged a signature sound—low-tuned guitars, open atmospheric chords, and haunting yet powerful vocal melodies that cut deep and linger long after the music fades.

At the heart of his songwriting is raw emotion—a delicate balance of darkness and resilience, intensity and hope. His music is deeply personal yet universally relatable, offering listeners a space to find their own meaning and connection within his lyrics.

Breaking Benjamin: The Spark That Started It All

Matt’s journey into music wouldn’t have happened without Breaking Benjamin. From the moment he discovered their music, Ben Burnley became his biggest inspiration—the reason he picked up a guitar, started writing, and found his own voice. Ben’s music ignited something in him, pushing him to create songs that captured the same raw emotion and depth.

In July 2019, Matt took a shot in the dark—he sent a direct message to Ben on Instagram, asking if he could perform with them at their Pittsburgh show. He never expected a response, let alone an invitation. But to his shock, Ben personally invited him on stage.

For Matt, this was more than just a performance—it was a full-circle moment. He had spent years looking up to Ben, studying his music, his songwriting, and his playing style. And now, he was not only meeting his idol but shaking his hand, playing his guitar, and sharing the stage with the very person who had inspired his entire musical journey.

The experience changed everything. It reinforced Matt’s belief in chasing his dreams and fueled his passion to push his music even further.

Solo Success & Airplay Recognition

Before launching his band, Matt built momentum as a solo artist, releasing five singles—Falling Behind, Ember, Color Blind, In Flames, and Broken—with Falling Behind, Color Blind, and In Flames earning consistent airplay on Pittsburgh’s 105.9 The X.

DRAGONFLY EFFECT: A Rising Force

Determined to take his sound to even greater heights, Matt founded DRAGONFLY EFFECT, a band that has been steadily gaining momentum since its debut in March 2022. With a sound that fuses melodic atmosphere and crushing heaviness, the band has built a dedicated following and released seven singles to date:

• Lost Inside
• In Flames
• Shadows of the Earth
• Color Blind
• Someday
• The Other Side
• Infected (featuring platinum artist Chad Szeliga)

PARALLELS: A New Chapter

In January 2025, DRAGONFLY EFFECT released PARALLELS, their debut acoustic EP, featuring reimagined versions of their most powerful songs alongside new material. This release showcases the band’s depth and dynamic range, proving that their music transcends genre boundaries—from raw, electrified energy to stripped-down, emotionally charged acoustic performances.

As DRAGONFLY EFFECT continues its ascent, Matt remains driven by a singular mission: to create music that leaves a lasting impact, connecting with fans on a deeper level and proving that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to be found.