|
The
"6th Member of moe." Contest Winners Interviews
On the third
night, guitarist MATT MAHONEY, the "6th member of moe."
contest winner for the 12/30/2012, show, played with the moe.
at the State Theater in Portland, Maine.
Q: You
entered the contest early on. Tell us a little about that. What
the wait was like as the competition unfolded?
A: I was told by a former band mate and my friend, Grant, about
the contest. He told me, "Matt, this is your calling."
He must have seen the contest right away because I uploaded my
audition that same day and was the first video posted by Relix
and moe. The video was made prior to the contest and was not intended
to be an audition of any kind. I am a big moe. fan and just figured
that I'd give it a shot. Having seen more and more and more videos
pop up online, I figured I had no chance at winning. Also, many
of the contestants submitted great videos. So I approached this
contest with a long shot mentality and feel very fortunate to
have been chosen. When I was told that I'd won a spot to play
with moe., I was very excited. Jim had emailed me as we'll as
someone from Relix. It was very short notice and had been so long
since I'd submitted my video, I had figured it was over and I
hadn't made it.
Q: What
led you to choose "Rebubula" to play with the band?
A: I chose "Rebubula," because to me, it is one of their
quintessential songs. I saw moe. the most when I was in high school
and college. I was absolutely hooked after seeing them live. "Rebubula"
was one the first songs I heard and I love it. Also, the main
reason I chose it is simply because it is complicated and lengthy.
It is a challenging song and the longer the song, the longer I
can jam with moe.! It was certainly a fun challenge.
Q: You
mentioned in an email that your experience was awesome-in what
way(s)?
A: My experience was awesome because the band and crew and everyone
involved was very hospitable and polite, yet laid back. The fact
that I flew from Kansas was another reason it was enjoyable. I
had never been to Maine and I got to hang out with one of my absolute
favorite bands ever. The fans were also very nice. Their enthusiasm
is unwavering. I received high praise from seemingly hundreds
of moe. fans. They were happy with my song choice and the execution.
It was great to see how much work and thought goes into putting
on a show like that also. I never knew how much work goes on in
preparation to put on moe.'s shows, and I've seen them many times.
Each band mate was very personable, helpful, enthusiastic, and
hospitable. The same can be said for everyone involved with their
program. Their families and staff were very nice and it was a
pleasure to be able to be there with them.
Q: Was
there much anxiety before going on stage?
A: After moe. began their set on the night I played, I started
to feel a little nervous. I'm in a band in Kansas City that plays
a lot of parties and weddings. I am never nervous before these
gigs. The fact that the song ["Rebubula"] is fairly
complex and the musicians are seasoned veterans made me a little
nervous. The stakes were high to me because it was such a rare
opportunity. I wanted to make the most of it. Once onstage, and
a few minutes into the song, I was able to loosen up and start
playing a little less conservatively.
Q: Have
you ever played in a theater such as the State or performed before
a crowd of that size or greater?
A: I had never played a venue quite like the State. I've played
venues similar but with far fewer people present.
Q: With
regard to your musical career, what's the next step for you?
A: I am moving from Kansas City to Chicago next week in order
to work and pursue music. I am looking to join several bands in
order to remain busy and get myself out there in a city that looks
to be full of talent. The band I have been playing with usually
plays about 2-3 times a month on weekends. I am excited to work
on some original material and play some live music in Chicago.
I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for moe. shows in the region as
well.
Q: It's
good to hear you're on the move. It sounds as though there was
a lot of positive in the experience?
A: Overall, it was absolutely amazing. I can't remember ever having
so much fun. It was a unique opportunity that I felt I had to
make the most of. When I found out I'd won a spot, I worried because
I knew I could hardly afford the trip. Looking back, it was one
of the best times I've ever had. It was so worth it that I can't
believe I thought about financing the trip. The band, crew, and
crowd made this an unforgettable experience for me. I wish I could
do it again tomorrow. Thanks to everyone involved, it made my
year. Hopefully I can keep in touch as everyone was so nice from
moe.
|