Also, I really think that Matt is doing an excellent job of using his resources and furthering his career. If it’s true that 19 is managing him, that is of course extremely helpful, and a good sign that perhaps they see that potential in Matt to be a successful recording artist. As far as his fanbase, we are very loyal and incredibly supportive. I don’t think any one of us desires for Matt to be some huge mega popstar (heck, I don’t think HE wants that), just to put out good music that he and the fans enjoy and have fun doing it. It’s funny, I’m an Idol fan, I’m a Matt fan, I’m just not a fan of Matt and Idol together. Of course, I wouldn’t have the faintest idea of who he was had he not been on Idol, but I think his whole idea of success doesn’t jibe with that of your average Idol viewer. One person’s multiplatinum worldwide sensation is another person’s limited release independent EP. I suppose that success, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

If you look at Matt’s Twitter following, it has grown a lot since the tour and is higher than anyone other than the top 3 from S8, which I take as a good sign. Other than Adam and Kris, most everyone else has seen stagnation or even significant loss of followers (like Michael) since the tour ended.

It seems his strategy is to put together a few songs on his own, and I have read before that he may release individual songs to ITunes. He could probably sell these to on the order of 100,000 people with his current fan base and folks he picks up from live performances, but I don’t know how he could get on the radio this way, outside of Michigan that is. I guess this is a faster path to original music than putting together a whole independent CD. What I think he really needs to grow his fan base is to do live performances, since this is where he really shines. Also, appearances where he gets a chance to show off his sense of humor.

I’m sorry I don’t agree Tess. IMO Matt actually does modern music very well. He also knows how to take older music and arrange it to sound modern and relavant. Think Part Time Lover and Stayin Alive. His studio recordings also prove that he can be a very revelant artist. IMO out of all the studio versions this past season Matt’s sound the most modern.

Also Matt does have a very strong and loyal fanbase. We unfortunately are just scattered all over so it may appear to be less than it is. He has a very strong facebook and twitter following. Is it as large as Adam’s? Well no but it is respectable and his fans love him and are very loyal.

Matt needs to find his own sound…a combination of the oldies that he bangs out so well and more contemporary stuff. Once he finds that and gets people to listen to it there may be a nice grass roots fandom that will propel him into the recording industry.

As has been said before….recording companies are looking for singers that have or can easily put together a very loyal fanbase that will “buy” the singer no matter what. With Matt that broad fanbase hasn’t been reached yet…so lets hope he can work on it one gig at a time.

But I’m not so happy that the first venue is a church. The grand opening of a church.

Matt seems to be trying to reassure in his recent tweet:
FYI. My show in November is going to be held at a church, but I am doing MY new music and covers. So come on out and have a good ol’ time!

Hmmmm….

Too bad the first gig was canceled, but that wasn’t HIS. As long as his isn’t canceled, we’re in good shape.

It’s cool that Simon Fuller hooked him up with the Napa gig (according to someone from the headlines thread who heard the 105.7 interview). #signmattgiraud.

He did 2 radio interviews today as well (that I missed because I had class). The podcast for both will be up on the websites of both radio stations.

#signmattgiraud

#singmattgiraud

It’s going to happen soon, I can feel it. He has taken the bull by the horns (not talking about you, Sarver) and he is doing what he has said all he wanted to do, no matter where he could do it: sing and play music. He kicks serious butt.

1. Matt may be managed by 19 (who is helping him book gigs) <— don't know how true this one is until I hear it for myself.

2. He may be headed to Nashville to duet with someone for their upcoming album!

So I'm really excited for Matt! Can't wait to hear the interviews for myself. Waiting for the podcasts to go up on the radio sites.