Published: March 13, 2009 10:19 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight March 2009 Edition
Matt Mariner
Matt Mariner Photo by Patrice Peris
He is young, gifted, and extremely talented. This is all the more reason to check out the music of Matt Mariner. But, do not let his age fool you, the 16 years old Singer/Songwriter is living his passion of making music. With influences such as The Beatles, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Elvis Presley, Matt is embarking on his own quest to gain the type of status that his musical heroes have captured. In this recent interview, Matt talks one on one with our Webzine.
Isaac: Hi Matt, welcome to your interview with Junior's Cave. Now that 2008 has officially ended, what are your reflections of the year 2008 for as a performer?
Matt: You know it's been great to see so many performers make it big in the industry from the power of the Internet. YouTube and MySpace are really powerful tools for artists, and it's awesome that so many talented people are getting spotted.
Isaac: What has drawn you to making music at such an early age?
Matt: Music has just always been a part of me. I've sung and made music for as long as I can remember. It's how I express myself and it is what makes me happy.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry while growing up and why?
Matt: The Beatles and Elvis Presley had definitely influenced me, because of their group breaking music and legend they've left behind. But I'm also influenced by artists like Usher and Justin Timberlake who have been able to keep their fans while growing up in the spotlight.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel Matt Mariner will bring to the music industry?
Matt: The industry is in need of new young male artists. There aren't too many guys out there who are my age doing what I'm doing. My music has a very marketable pop/rock feel, but it also has a touch of hip-hop and I'm really excited to share it with the world.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Matt: I'm a huge Timbaland fan. It would be a huge honor to be able to collaborate with him.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to audition for American Idol, would you do it? Why or why not?
Matt: At this point, I'm not sure that I would. I really like the road I am taking - being able to promote my original music on my own. I had auditioned for "Star Search," when I was really young, and it was good experience. But I don't think a reality television show is where I want to be headed at this time.
Isaac: What types of feedback have you received from your release of the single "For the Best"?
Matt: I've been blessed to have gotten an incredible response from the radio stations playing it and all the fans who have listened to the song. It's a fun song, and I'm just so glad that people like it.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Matt: Well, my single is going to have a physical release later this spring, and then hopefully I'll release an EP in the fall containing three or four songs, including "For the Best." I write many of my own songs and they are inspired by the hardships and triumphs in my own life and people around me - so it's all very personal.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Matt: You can locate me online at my official MySpace: www.myspace.com/mattmariner - There you will find everything you need to know about me: my music, latest news, blogs, links, street teams, etc. . . I also have a YouTube, a Twitter, a FaceBook an Imeem, and a brand new official website will be coming soon. I use MySpace the most, though, so your best bet is to contact me through there.
Isaac: What can fans expect from Matt Mariner in 2009?
Matt: I'm just looking forward to creating more music and taking my show on the road. I have the single release later this spring, and some great shows lined up already. There are a lot of really, really exciting things coming, that will really help to promote me and my music. So stay tuned!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
Matt: Thank you to my family and my friends for always supporting me and making everything I do possible. Thank you to Patrice, Brent, April, Ric and everyone at Bristol Studios in Boston for helping me achieve my dreams. And last but not least, thank you to the fans who continue to support me and my music - you're awesome!
Isaac: Final words from Matt Mariner?
Matt: Just wanted to thank you for doing this interview with me and everyone out there for reading. Remember to check out my music on MySpace and let me know what you think :-)
