Matt Cusson
I must say that my record has been very good with finding and promoting talent from all over the world! This is even more apparent with the current featured artist Matt Cusson. I have to admit Matt Cusson has done wonders for my love life. Every woman that I have let listen to Matt’s CD, has been utterly infatuated with his music. All of them seem to respond in the same way, which is very passionate and sexual. Thank You Matt for the help, I owe you! Matt Cusson is a talent that is destined for superstardom. His music is a mix of Soul and Smooth Jazz that will inspire listeners to find a partner and do the horizontal dance. Matt Cusson’s love ballads are second to none and everything from the production, lyrics, and singing are nothing less than perfection. Whether you are driving in your car, sitting at home, or trying to impress a date, Matt Cusson has made an album that can be played for any relaxing occasion. I recommend everybody go out and get Matt Cusson’s CD; I promise you will not be disappointed!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Matt Cusson…..
1. Where are you originally from? Originally Pittsfield, MA
2. You have an extraordinary voice. Does anybody else in your family sing?
Thank you! In my immediate family there aren’t any singers, they all sing though. Some of my relatives (uncles, cousins) are singers. Everyone in my family is very musical though.
3. I understand that you are a self taught piano and guitar player. What made you get into those two instruments?
I’m really not sure, I used to play drums when I was a kid, and I guess it was tough accompanying myself when I sing. My mother being a classical pianist and teacher had a piano in the house so I was always banging on it and I just grew to love it at an early age. Guitar just came because a friend gave me her guitar one time, so I decided I should learn how to play it.
4. Do you write and produce all of your music?
Most of it, I also love to interpret other songs in my style. Especially old standards and jazz songs. But mostly yes, I write and produce it all.
5. At what age did you realize that you wanted to make a career in music?
It’s actually all I ever knew and did. Well, that and basketball, which I knew I wasn’t going to make much money playing. But ever since I can remember it has always been music, it’s all I ever wanted to do.
6. Your music sounds very “grown up” and intelligent. Do you ever feel pressure make a commercial pop song, just to gain popular attention?
I don’t, I decided a while back that I wasn’t going to limit myself like a lot of artist do. Like Quincy Jones once said, “Let the song write itself”. I was never in to writing a song for the purpose of writing a “hit” or making the labels happy, I really only wanted to write what I was feeling at the moment.
7. You had a CD that was just released in December of 2008. What is the title of the CD?
It’s self-titled, Matt Cusson
8. How many songs are on the album? 12 songs.
9. How long did it take for you to complete the album?
It’s been in the making for years. I got to the point where I had to get the 1st album out. There are always things I would have loved to change or write more songs, but the 12 songs chosen were songs that fans have like for a long time, so I figure they had to be on there. Plus I love them too of course, haha
10. For a person that has never heard the album, how would you describe the sound of your album?
I guess music without limitations, passionate and from the heart as cliché as that might sound. A jazz flavor with a touch of soul and pop. Relaxing, but also makes you think.
11. Have you been touring for your current album?
If so, how is that going and what has the fan response been like? So far it’s been great; every show has had a great response. I love the fans that come out and support!!!!!!
12. I understand you have toured with major label artists like Brian McKnight, how did you link up with him? Is there any chance of Matt Cusson and Brian McKnight collaboration?
Always that chance, maybe on the next album!? We have song duets in several shows we’ve done together. He “discovered” me a while back when I was at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He was in town as well and he came by Berklee and heard me, the very next day he flew me out to his house in California to write and record.
13. Your songs sound very soulful and intimate, are your lyrics based on real life experiences?
Every song has a story, whether it’s my own or something I heard or witnessed. But yes every song is based on a real life experience.
14. For the female readers, are you in a relationship?
Haha I am not. Single as ever!
15. How much time do you devote to music?
Are you a fanatic when it comes to music or do you take time and enjoy other aspects of life? I’m a definite fanatic. It’s really all I ever think about and do. I take time to watch sports and hang with the family and friends once in a while, but even when I’m not doing music, I’m thinking about it, writing in my head, getting ideas down in my phone and whatnot, it’s always running through my head.
16. What would you say has been the most frustrating thing for you to deal with in the music industry?
I guess it’s hard being an indie artist sometimes because of lack of money to market and promote, but my favorite saying is “it is what it is”, so I take the good with the bad, just make sure the music is right and go from there. I try not to stress the normal frustrations of the music biz.
17. What has been the response to your new album, are the people enjoying your album?
From what I hear it’s been received really great, I have a lot of amazing reviews all over the world. I recently just won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for best jazz song with “One of Those Nights” and was a finalist with “Every Step”. “One of Those Nights” also won the Maxell Song of the Year.
18. Have you shot any videos for any of your songs?
Not yet, hopefully soon!
19. What is in the future for Matt Cusson, where do you see yourself in 2 years?
This one is up to God! I know I will continue to make music, to perform all over the world. There will be another album in 2010. Who knows!?
20. Are there any parting words you would like to leave for the people?
Stay true! Be you! Everyone wants us to be the next “someone else”, why not be the first you!?