Born in Åsnes, Norway, Tom Stræte Lagergren, known as Matoma, is a producer and songwriter who rose to prominence during the mid-2010s tropical house movement. Trained as a classical pianist, he transitioned to electronic production while studying music technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His breakthrough arrived in 2014 with the viral remix of The Notorious B.I.G. track Old Thing Back, released via Big Beat Records, which established his signature blend of warm piano melodies, tropical percussion, and pop-leaning arrangements. He has since released studio albums including Hakuna Matoma in 2015 and One in a Million in 2018, while collaborating with artists such as The Vamps, Jason Derulo, and Armin van Buuren. Beyond his touring career, he co-founded the AI-powered mastering service Masterchannel and served as a coach on the Norwegian edition of The Voice. His work remains defined by an upbeat, emotionally uplifting aesthetic that bridges the gap between dancefloor energy and accessible pop songwriting.
