Matt O'Brien

Matty O'Brien began his musical journey at the age of 7 when his father took him along to drum lessons to ease a nervous energy problem. His first drum lesson was with Jim White (drummer with The Dirty Three) and after showing some potential his dad bought him a set of timbalis.

A year later he had his first drum kit. At age ten, Matthew attended a Wynton Marsalis concert in Melbourne where his interest in jazz was ignited. Whilst chasing an autograph stage-side, he was rocketed to stardom sitting with Wynton and band and played a drum solo to a packed house at the Melbourne Arts Centre.

As a teenager he spent time playing in various indie bands, playing alongside (at that time) emerging acts such as Something For Kate, The Fauves, Custard, Snout and Sidewinder.

His latter teenage years saw a shift to an interest in electronic music. The duo Live Funk Organism was formed with best mate Gus Weate (My Name is Gus) and performed live breakbeat and drum n bass. These two young men played at many of the mid to late 90's rave events such as Every Picture Tells a Story and Earthcore. This included a 'Live and Wired' JJJ broadcast along side Sonic Animation, Voiteck and Honeysmack.


Eventually the two boys parted ways to form My Name is Gus and Rowbatraft. Matt was involved in the production of free party's, renegade floors at Earthcore and Warehouse jungle party's that showcased bedroom producers of Melbourne, and an early live performance by Melbourne's True Live. Since these early days, Matthews life has included a career in environmental science, however he continues to make music a driving force in his life. This includes participation in the 'Revival of Afghan Music'.