Matthew Koma
The sharp songwriter behind some of pop and EDM's biggest anthems, he operates in the spotlight's shadow, crafting hooks that dominate the airwaves.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American songwriter and musician·Birthday: June 2·Millennials
Biography
Matthew Koma's name might not be on every marquee, but his fingerprints are on a staggering number of hit records. Emerging from the Long Island music scene, he leveraged a poet's lyrical sense and a rocker's sensibility into the heart of electronic dance music. His collaboration with Zedd on 'Spectrum' and the Grammy-winning 'Clarity' was a watershed moment, proving that EDM songs could carry substantive, emotionally resonant lyrics. Koma became a secret weapon for A-list artists, helping shape sounds for everyone from Shania Twain to Britney Spears, always with a focus on melodic precision and narrative depth. As a solo performer and DJ, he steps out from behind the console with a gritty, Springsteen-inflected energy that sets him apart from his more polished peers. His career is a testament to the power of the songwriter, a reminder that the person holding the pen often holds the key to a song's soul.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matthew was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matthew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matthew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote and provided vocals for Zedd's 'Clarity', which won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2014.
- Wrote or co-wrote major hits including 'Spectrum' by Zedd, 'Find You' by Zedd, and 'Dare You' by Hardwell.
- Collaborated as a songwriter with a diverse range of major artists including Shania Twain, Britney Spears, and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.
- Released his own solo EP, 'Arcade Hymns', and performs as a DJ and electronic music producer.
- Has worked extensively with DJs like Alesso, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Tiësto, contributing to numerous dance chart successes.
Did You Know?
His real name is Matthew Fredrick Bair; 'Koma' is a stage name.
He was in a long-term relationship with singer Hilary Duff, and they have a child together.
He has cited Bruce Springsteen as a major musical influence, which is reflected in his lyrical style.
Before his EDM success, he was involved in the pop-punk and alternative rock scenes.
“A good song should feel like a conversation you overhear on the subway.”
