Eli Mattson

Eli Mattson is probably best known as runner up on TV’s America’s Got Talent, on NBC, where he lost to Neal E. Boyd by only 0.5%. He has made several appearances in Vegas with AGT winner Terry Fator. Eli started playing the piano at 5 and has been performing as a vocalist/pianist since the age of fourteen.

MAXIMUM INK: You claim Door County, WI as your home. What it is like to get chances to play your home town?
ELI MATTSON: “Well I lived in Door County as a kid, went to Southern Door, and worked at the Pizza Hut in town. After that I moved around a lot but what Door County really gave me was a start with music. My first regular gig was at Java on Jefferson when it was there.  Now when I play there it’s great to see the people who supported me first.”

MI: Who would you say has influenced your style the most over the years?
EM: “I’d have to say Elton John of course, and Billy Joel. But the last few years it’s been my friend Jimmy Newquist from Caroline’s Spine, a really awesome band.”

MI: What was it like to perform for millions on AGT? What did you learn from that experience?
EM: “Playing for millions never really entered in to it, most of us tried not to think about it. I think it taught us how to have a panic attack backstage, and keep it together on stage. It was a lot of fun.”

MI: How has appearing on AGT affected your career?
EM: “It has really opened up a lot of doors, and I’ve met the greatest people since being on it. Plus every once and a while I run into someone who watched the show which is always a trip. But really it gave the career a good shot in the arm.”

MI: Can you tell me a little about what it was like before AGT, your humble beginnings so to speak?
EM: “Before the show I was little aimless about the music, and struggling a bit. I always had a blast though. I love music, and everything that comes with it, so the hard times never bothered me that much. There are still rough times and great times but that’s life.”

MI: There are a lot of musicians in your family as well (truly nice people by the way:), do you work with them ever? Couldn’t imagine how great a show it’d be with all of you together!!
EM: “I don’t get to see the family as much as I’d like but we try. I haven’t had a chance to work with them lately but I did put some piano tracks on my moms’ music a few times.”

MI: What do you like to do in your spare time?
EM: “I’m a big video gamer, and get a little hooked on that when I’m home. I love movies and football, and sitting on the piano writing.”

MI:You mentioned on AGT that you got your “calling” at age 12 while seeing Sir. Elton John perform. Can you tell us what that was like?
EM: “It’s hard to explain that, the show was amazing and something inside me clicked. I think it was watching Elton and Billy bring all those people together, everyone feeling the same way at the same time.”

MI: Do you prefer to work in the studio or on the road?
EM: “On the road for sure, the studio is great but there’s nothing like traveling.”

MI: How has becoming a father affected your outlook on life and music in general?
EM: “It’s a big thing to be a dad, and being away is tough. It does give me a focus I’ve never had though.”

MI: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you in regards to your career? And what advice would you offer aspiring musicians out there?
EM: “The best advice I’ve gotten is to not have a backup plan, and if you commit yourself completely to anything, then anything’s possible.”

MI: What projects do you have in the works for 2010?
EM: “The new record is number one, and everything else is just getting on the road and making music. I have some other ideas, and I think 2010 will be fantastic.”