INTERVIEW: Greyson Chance

Greyson Chance

Less than a year ago, talented 13 year old Greyson Chance was a normal kid ‘waiting outside the lines’ in Edmond, Oklahoma. Talk show host Ellen Degeneres changed his life forever when she discovered his talent show performance of Lady Gaga’s ‘Paparazzi’ on Youtube, booked him on her show and introduced him to America. Now he is living his dream by touring with Miranda Cosgrove and Cody Simpson and putting the finishing touches on a full length album. Get to know Greyson Chance, one of the brightest new talents in the music business!

Full Name: Greyson Michael Chance
Birthday: August 16th, 1997
Hometown: Edmund, Oklahoma
Favorite Book: 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: 'Good Fellas'

Describe your musical style.
Greyson: On the album right now, it's like pop-rock. We have the dance songs, and the rock ballads, and the songs that'll make you cry. There's just such a wide variety, and that's what I listen to. I love the way the album is coming along.

What is your single, 'Waiting Outside the Lines', about?
Greyson: It's a very important song to me. The meaning of the song is really saying that you can get past something in your life. The main purpose of the song is for my fans, so they can listen to the song late at night when they're feeling their lowest low, and when they listen to the song realize that it's gonna get better and they can overcome this problem.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a singer?
Greyson: I knew I always wanted to sing, but when I was younger I didn't know I could make a career out of it. But when I saw Lady Gaga at the VMAs I was like, "That's what I want to do right there." It's pretty much always been my dream.

When did you start playing piano?
Greyson: Three or four years ago. I'd take tape and put it on the keys, and I'd write C,D, E, F, G and so on. Then I learned how to read music, and then I started taking lessons.

How does it feel to be compared to Justin Bieber?
Greyson: What Justin has done is ridiculous and to be compared to him is an honor. But I think we are really different, I think people are going to be so surprised when the album comes out because he sings more R&B music and I don't. But he's an amazing artist.

Who is your dream musical collaboration?
Greyson: Hayley Williams. I love her voice; I think she's just amazing. I would love to work with her.

How did you feel the first time you were on national TV?
Greyson: A lot of things were running through my head, but it was so comfortable. I just think I felt at home and relaxed. Also it's just really fun.

What is the hardest part of touring?
Greyson: I am very close to my siblings, and I do miss them a lot. I am always on the phone or Skype with them so we stay connected!

How does it feel to be going on tour with Cody Simpson?
Greyson: After our show at The Grove, I could not be more excited to tour with Cody. We each have our own unique style, so our fans will get to see to different types of pop music. We might even throw in a few surprises.

Do your friends still treat you the same?
Greyson: Yes they all treat me the same. They are so supportive and help keep me down to earth!

What advice do you have for other kids who are trying to make it in the music business?
Greyson: You have to just keep following your dreams and let nobody bring you down because when I was a kid I said I wanted to be a singer, I wanted to be signed and go on tour. And everyone would tell me, "You're never going to make it, you're from Oklahoma, you're not gonna get there." These kids have huge dreams, you just gotta keep on.