Matt Berninger is an American singer and songwriter best known as the frontman of the indie rock band The National. His deep baritone and heartfelt lyrics have made him one of the key figures of today’s alternative scene.
Early Years and Education
Matt Berninger was born on February 13, 1971 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from St. Xavier Catholic High School in 1989 and then studied graphic design at the University of Cincinnati. It was there that he met Scott Devendorf, with whom he later founded the band The National .
The National: the road to success
In 1999, Berninger, along with brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, as well as Scott and Brian Devendorf, founded the band The National. The band quickly gained recognition for their melancholy melodies and poetic lyrics. The band has released ten studio albums throughout their career, including High Violet (2010), Trouble Will Find Me (2013), Sleep Well Beast (2017), I Am Easy to Find (2019), First Two Pages of Frankenstein, and Laugh Track (both in 2023) .
Solo Projects and Collaborations
In 2014, Berninger formed the EL VY project with Brent Knopf of the bands Ramona Falls and Menomena, releasing the album Return to the Moon in 2015. In 2020, he unveiled his debut solo album “Serpentine Prison” produced by the legendary Booker T. Jones .
Outside of music
Berninger has also proven himself in other creative fields. He contributed to the musical Cyrano (2018) and its film adaptation (2021), co-writing the lyrics with his wife Karin Besser. In 2019, he appeared in Between Two Ferns: The Movie and was also the subject of an episode of the podcast Dirty Diana, produced by Demi Moore .
Personal Life
Matt is married to Karin Besser, former fiction prose editor at The New Yorker magazine. She is an active member of The National, co-writing lyrics and singing backing vocals. The couple has a daughter, Ayla. In 2023, the family moved from Los Angeles to Connecticut .
Internal Distress
Berninger is open about his struggles with depression and anxiety. He compares depression to “the flu just hanging on” and notes that antidepressants have helped him “get back to music and happiness” .
Legacy
Matt Berninger continues to inspire listeners around the world with his sincerity, depth and unique voice. His work, both as a member of The National and in solo projects, leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of fans.