Teen Pop/R&B Sensation, Zach Matari Opens Up About His Career So Far

With influences like Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Elvis and more, Zach Matari is indeed the “New” Jersey Boy. This teen Pop/R&B sensation singer/songwriter & musician born and raised in North Jersey has a musical talent that is far beyond his years.

His current hit single, “Up To You”  has certainly a 70’s and 80’s throwback feel reminiscent of the disco era.

He has performed at “Bamboozle 2010, 2011 & 2012” where he opened up for Paramore, Weezer, MGMT, Motley Crue, Bruno Mars & Bon Jovi.

Learn more about this young but oh so talented star, Zach Matari in the following interview:

So when did you first decide that you wanted to be a performer?

Well I have been singing all my life! From the time I was 2 and 1/2 years old I was singing in the shower, in the car, in front of family… you could’ve caught me singing just about anywhere. It wasn’t until I was 14 when I found my voice. I was at a Key Club event and there was a talent show for all the Key Clubbers that attended the event. I was hesitant at first but then I thought, what the hell. I remember being terrified but I had to go through with it because I already told the organizer of the talent showcase to save me a time slot to perform. I decided to sing “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 acapella and as soon as I opened my mouth, my nervousness was gone. When the song was over, everyone got up out of there seats and cheered. It was a thrill I would never forget and that left me wanting more. Later that year my cousin and a couple of other upper-classmen were forming a band for a DarFur Benefit concert. They didn’t have a singer so my cousin asked me to join. It was only supposed to be for 1 show and we ended up playing together for about 3 years under the name Valhalla.

What did you learn from being in an alternative rock band in high school?

I learned how to lead a band and what it truly means to be a front-man. Most importantly I learned that aside from talent, you have to always surround yourself with people that are driven, that have the same hunger and desire to better themselves and the project.

Can you tell me what it was like getting the “golden tickets” to go to Hollywood during the eleventh season of American Idol?

American Idol was really exciting, it gave me a lot of exposure in my town and everyone who didn’t know that I could sing eventually found out because of the show.

What was it like touring last year with Fifth Harmony, Midnight Red and R5? Are you friends with them now?

All those guys are great musicians and performers and also all around nice people. We hit each other up all the time just to say what’s up and to keep in contact. I hope to share a stage with all of them again in the near future.

How’s the process been creating your debut album? What is/was the hardest part about it?

The process has been long but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. If it hadn’t taken this time then the album wouldn’t be the same. I’m so proud of what myself and the entire team Zach Matari have accomplished together. I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented producers in the industry. On this album I worked with producers such as GI Joe, Fred Jerkins III and last but definitely not least MATETRAXX. Mate has produced the #1 selling Latin Album 4 x’s platinum with Romeo Santos. As for the hardest part, it is having to choose which songs make the album. We are just having a great time making the album.

What music are you listening to now? Any new artists out there that you are loving currently?

I’m always studying the greats, anyone from Michael Jackson to Led Zeppelin, James brown to Elvis. I like to stay away from new music because I don’t like to be influenced by what is hot today. I’m always trying to create a new sound or style. But some current artists that I have had a chance to listen to and are my personal favorites are Sam Smith, and Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande is probably my number 1. When I mean new artists, I mean new to the public because I know from experience these guys have been grinding for a minute now and I’m so happy for all their success.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music?

I’m inspired by life, experiences.. girls. I love to just look around observe this amazing world we live in and come up with a story. I’m a story teller.

What do you think about music on Top 40 radio today? Is there anything that you can’t get out of your head now?

Top 40 radio now is good. Could a couple of Zach Matari records break it up and make it a little more exciting? Without a doubt in my mind.

What was the Reality Dance Summer Jam and Colombian Day Festival like?

Reality Dance is great, I get to link up with other young artist and talents in the entertainment industry. You get to meet some really down to earth people. I also love the meet and greets because I love talking to my fans and getting to know them better.

As for the Colombian Day Festival, I love the Latin culture. They have embraced me and my music and am so thankful for that. I also love to sing in Spanish.

Tell us about this upcoming Sold Out tour with Jacob Whitesides.

Yes, I’m very excited for this tour with Jacob Whitesides and other talented aritists. We are traveling all across the west coast from Seattle to San Fran, then Vegas, Salt Lake, Denver, Phoenix, St Louis and more. Plus more shows are being added as we tour.

Why is this lifestyle of traveling/touring and performing one that works for you?

I love to travel and to meet new people. Like I said before, a lot of my inspiration comes from my life experiences. Without the tours and the fans I feel empty inside.

Living or dead, who is a musician that you would love to work with and why?

I hate this question because it’s so hard to pick one person. I’m going to give you someone now and someone from back in the day.

Someone now I would love to get to work with is Pharrel Williams. Pharrel and I are very much alike, just like him “I am other”. What I mean by that is I don’t like to do what everyone else is doing, I’m different and I like to be different.

The person who is at the top of my list and is a true legend is Stevie Wonder. He and his music are the definition of timelessness and his music has inspired me to be the best musician/writer and person I can be.

When you aren’t performing or promoting your upcoming debut album, what do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my family and close friends. I love to travel and meet new people and when I’m not performing or touring, I’m writing and experiencing life.

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?

I aspire to inspire, what I want people to take away from listening to my music is just feel something that other songs can’t make them feel. Of course I would love for my music more than anything to inspire other kids to try and write timeless music. Much like the Stevie Wonders, Marvin Gaye’s, and Bee Gees’ of the world have inspired me to do. To provide the world with content that comes from a good place that will stand the test of time.