Matthew Buckner – The Road to Stardom

Q) Who are some of your favorite music artists?
A) My favorite artist of all time is Peter Gabriel.  A lot of people might not know who that is, and if you do, you may be confused, but that is my number one.  His music moves me.  As far as more current artists:  Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild, Gavin Degraw and Marc Broussard.

Q) Why did you decide to apply for the show?
A) I was contacted by someone from an audition I had for Star Search.  They called me the day before the Missy audition in Orlando and suggested I go.  I took that as a sign.  Had he not called me, I never would have known about the audition.  Thank you Pete, God bless you.

Q) What was your audition process like?
A) The open call was actually a lot of fun.  We went into the room in groups of about ten people.  You had about thirty seconds to do your thing.  They held behind who they thought had potential and had us do some dancing.  I got silly with it, and next thing I know it’s off to the semis in LA which was a whole mess of rigorous challenges: dancing, interviews, TESTS, and of course singing and rapping.  It was pretty insane.

Q) What was it like meeting Missy Elliot?
A) Incredible!  She really stands out in music today as a pioneer for originality.  So much hip hop and R&B sounds the same nowadays, and she’s constantly pushing the envelope.  I appreciate her for staying true to herself and changing things.

Q) Do you plan on keeping in touch with anyone from the show? If so, whom?
A) I keep in touch with EVERYONE.  They were all cool people.  I guess I talk to Jessica and Deltrice quite a bit because we got to spend a lot of time together, and I grew very close to both of them, but Marcus, Yelawolf, Frank B, Cori, Akil, everyone, they were all great people and I intend to not only keep in touch, but work with many of them.

Q) What did you learn from being on the show?
A) I learned that in this music game, you have to be prepared at all times or the one shot you have may pass you by.  Also, never forget who you are or let someone dictate what you should do or who you should be.  Music is about expressing yourself, not what someone else thinks you should be.  Being fake is a one way street to misery.

Q) What is the best piece of advice you received while on the program?
A) Probably when Madonna said we are not the owners of our talent, we are merely the managers.  That was deep for me because it reminded me of something I have always believed.  I only have this talent because God allows me to, so I do my best to manage it in a way that honors Him.

Q) How did you feel performing in front of such music legends as Tina Marie and Dallas Austin?
A) It was an incredible opportunity because we were getting feedback from two of the best in the business.  They have been down this road and they know what it takes to succeed, so every bit of advice they had to give was priceless.

Q) What was your favorite challenge and why?
A) I would have to say that my favorite challenge was the live finale.  Just to be able to finally perform for a huge audience and to actually prepare for it.  It was like putting on a real concert and that is what we aspire to as artists.  We live for the energy of the fans.  It was absolutely incredible.
Q) How old were you when you realized you had the gift to sing?
A) It was around third grade, so I guess I was about nine or so.  That is when I started to realize how much I loved singing and performing.  Kids at that age are relentless when it comes to poking fun, but I didn’t care how much they badgered me, I loved singing and nothing would change that.

Q) Was it difficult being away from your twin brother for the period of time while you were on the show?
A) Our work schedules and daily life in general don’t allow us to see each other all that often, so I guess I am kind of used to not being around him, but it’s always difficult.  I wish there was a way for us to see each other on a regular basis, but I know that day will be soon.  I love my brother; he’s one of my biggest supporters.
Q) What are you going to do now that you are no longer on the program?
A) I’m already doing it.  I am recording constantly and working with my team to put together a press kit.  I will be performing very soon.  I am doing just anything and everything to capitalize on the great exposure we received from being involved with a show like this.  The show was merely a stepping stone.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
A) Thank you for everything.  Since the show has ended, and during it’s airing, the fans have been incredible.  It’s nice to know that there are people out there that understand the direction in which I am taking my music.  There encouragement is one of the key driving forces behind what I do.  Please continue to check my site atwww.matthewbuckner.net for updates and music.  Together this journey will be an incredible one.  God bless you, and I love you all.