SINCE his humble beginnings on YouTube in 2010, which featured his passionate rendition of Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi, teen sensation Greyson Chance’s star has seen a mercurial rise.
Capturing the hearts of girls worldwide, including famed comedienne and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, has been a testament to his talent.
DeGeneres was so taken by his performance that she signed him as her first artiste on her new label, Eleveneleven.
His debut studio album, Hold On ‘Til The Night, sees its release here today (Jan 30) and the 14-year-old is over the moon.
“It’s such a surreal feeling to have the album out, physically holding it in my hand,” he says during a phone interview from his home in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Chance went to Los Angeles to record the 10-song album, half of which was written by him, and got to work with producers The Matrix, Billy Steinberg and Ron Fair, who have worked with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga.
“It was a riot to work with these people. I really learnt a lot,” says the fresh-faced singer-songwriter. His singles Waiting Outside The Lines, Unfriend You and Hold On ‘Til The Night, all have accompanying music videos that showcase Chance on his instrument of choice, the piano.
“That’s my love, we have one in the house and it just felt right the first time I started banging on it,” says Chance, who began playing at age 8.
Although he’s had piano lessons, he has no formal vocal training, and credits his musically-inclined family as his early inspiration. After all, his elder brother was the one who wrote to DeGeneres, asking her to check out Greyson’s YouTube performance.
On the album, Chance sings his heart out and hopes that listeners will feel the emotions behind the rock-tinged pop songs.
“I love being able to put on a show and touring is one of my favourite things in the world,” says Chance, who has had a busy 2011 of touring with other teen artistes like Cody Simpson and Miranda Cosgrove.
He adds that he likes to write new material, especially after shows, when he finds inspiration in the energy of the audience.
He was in Kuala Lumpur recently as part of his 2011 Asia Tour which also included Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta.
“It was a wonderful experience, to perform for the different people around the world and to see their reactions,” he says.
As for his album, he says the songs have a raw feel that gives off a positive vibe and outlook. “Like the song , Hold On ‘Til The Night, is a power anthem about being strong and courageous,” he says. “Even in the darkest moments, beautiful things can come out of that.”
Teen Spirit
The mega success of YouTube discovery Justin Bieber has led to a boom in teen pop sensations. Aside from Greyson Chance, here are a few more young upcoming stars:
Cody Simpson, a 15-year-old Australian discovered on YouTube, he is signed under US label Atlantic Records and has recently released an EP, Coast To Coast.
Miranda Cosgrove, the Californian child star of Nikelodeon’s iCarly, performed four songs on the show’s soundtrack album when she was 15 back in 2008. In 2010, she released her debut album, Sparks Fly.
Fresh R&B and hip hop singer Khalil was signed to Def Jam Records at the age of 14 in 2008. His debut album is expected to drop this year.
Singer-songwriter Avery, who was also discovered on Youtube at age 14 in 2008, has singed to Island Def Jam and will release her debut album sometime this year.
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