Last week, Matt Hoffer from Chicago, Illinois, stepped out of the Rock Star Supernova gig as Jason, Tommy and Gilbey decided he just wasn’t a fit for the lead in their new band, Supernova.
I met up with Matt earlier today to learn more about him and what’s next on his plate.
 ReX: Coke or Pepsi?
Coke!
ReX: What was the last concert you went to? When? Where?
Gosh, I’ve been so focused on the Rock Star thing, I haven’t really been hitting the live scene lately. Plus, I’m not a big theatre type anyways. I’d rather be in a more intimate setting.
But, I am going to see The Assassins on Saturday. You should check them out they are really amazing. There’s a link to them on my MySpace page.
ReX: When did you know that ‘rock’ was your calling?
I was at a Metallica show years ago. There were big screens, loud music, everything. After I saw that, I knew that's what I wanted to be... In something big and rock-related.
There are times, when you’re playing a gig, when you get a feeling that reminds you of it.
I remember once I was playing at the House of Blues with an audience that really didn’t know us. At the end of the song, I closed my eyes to finish the last note. When I opened them up, the crowd was roaring.
ReX: So you are a solo artist or in a band?
Well, I’m in a band that falls under my name, Matt Hoffer. In the past year, I’ve assembled a great group of ex-major label guys from Arista and Warner Bros. They’re vested in the band. Much more than show-up-play-the-gig types.
But, I am the one leading the band. I want the responsibility on my shoulders.
ReX: You come from the business world and the entertainment world is very different than that. Is that a challenge or opportunity for you?
Ya know... In the past year, I’ve had some great things happen for me. I’ve got a great manager, a solid attorney, a great band, and I was on national television... So I’m not complaining at all.
But, I do know, at my age, that unless it’s infront of me in ink... It’s not a done deal. This business is a little more lip service than real estate. I don’t get too excited. I know have to be persistent and good things will keep happening.
ReX: You single, dating, married?
I live with my girlfriend. So, I’m taken
ReX: What’s your favorite moment from Rock Star Supernova when you look back on it?
I tell ya... It would have to be the first time I played for Tommy, Jason and Gilby at the auditions in Los Angeles. It was nerve wracking. But, I played an original ballad called, “Anchor’s Away” that they really got into. Newsted told me that the track stuck in his head for sometime. That was amazing. To sit with your idols and have them validate your work like that.
ReX: Do you think Supernova ‘got’ you?
Ummm. I’m probably a better guitarist than anything. I grew up on speed metal. If they had seen that plus my song writing and arranging skills, I think the outcome would have been different.
My vocals aren’t my strength. I grew into them. Had I had another week to show off the harder side of me, I think I might still be around.
ReX: So you tell Newsted, you’re gonna do Duran, Duran at the Elimination Performance, and he gives you an odd look and says, "Please Brinnnnnng The Rooooock!” What was going through your head?
Honestly, I don’t really think I got a fair shake. That wasn’t my top choice for an elimination song. But, there are several licensing issues that are in play here and I get that.
Still, I don’t think Tommy, Jason and Gilbey could get past the name of the band. I made it heavier. I made it as fresh as it could be. You know, a lot of The Killers stuff comes from bands like Duran Duran.
I really think they had their minds made up before I even played the song. I could have told them it was a Manson song and it wouldn’t have mattered.
ReX: So, who’s gonna win the gig?
I tell you there are four with flash – Toby, Dilana, Storm and Lukas – and then there are those with really unique, artisty talent – Josh and Patrice. I’d say those six all have a shot at it.
ReX: Cool. Thanks for your time Matt.
No problem!
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