A CHANCE ENCOUNTER
In this age of social media, the rules of stardom have truly changed. Blogs catapult people into published writers, photo sites help elevate shutterbugs to a professional cam slinger and video sites can advance your fame points stratospherically. And such is the tale of Youtube sensation turned tween heart throb Greyson Chance.
The 14 year old from sleepy Oklahoma found himself fast forwarded to the crazy world of viral stardom (his “Paparazzi” cover scored him the #3 spot of most popular Youtube video of 2010), TV land (a week after his stint on the video site, Chance got himself a slot on the Ellen show) and record label phantasmagoria (Greyson was the first musician to be signed to eleveneleven, Ellen DeGeneres’ record label). And recently, the up and comer was in town for a series of shows and we were lucky enough to meet and chat with this very polite music prodigy.
And here’s what he has to say?
On who inspires him
I’m very inspired by different artists. By my friends, my fans, the places I come to. But musically I love Journey and Coldplay.
Track dedicated to the Pinoy fans
I’d say HOLD ON TO THE NIGHT I wrote that song and I want to make a record that’s uplifting and really fun. So I dedicate HOLD ON TO THE NIGHT to the Philippines.
If he was to have a secret identity
I’m secretly Spiderman on my nights off.
Are you classically trained in the piano?
If there was a classical piano teacher here right now, I guess they’d hate me because I tend to break a lot of classical rules. I don’t know when I play a certain chord, I was never taught that. Most of my piano playing is just I know where everything is and I know what everything sounds. But I do write my own music.
On playing other instruments
I tried to pick the guitar up but I cut my finger real badly and my fingers started to bleed but I couldn’t get over the fact how it looks so cool, like Ozzy Osbourne. So I stuck to the piano. But I do play the bass and the drums.
On recording
I’d be up in the studio up to 3am recording, trying hitting this one note.
On missing his friends
I miss a lot of things with my friends, but I love what I do. I get to meet a lot of fans. Every so often I’d miss them but I’m just glad I’m here right now.
On his album, HOLD ON TIL THE NIGHT
Writing and recording this album has been such a fun and exciting journey! I’ve put so much hard work into it and I can’t wait for the world to hear it. It’s about overcoming fears but always powering through, and I think it’s a message my fans will really relate to.
On Ellen and her support
Without Ellen, none of this would have happened. She’s been so supportive of me and my music from the very beginning, and has also become an amazing friend!
On what keeps him humble
I have amazing parents that have been supportive in keeping me grounded.
So grab a copy of Greyson Chance’s debut album from MCA Music and listen how hear for yourself that he is more than just a Lady Gaga cover artist, but a real musical talent.
==
Originally appeared on Chalk Jan. issue
