Interview: Matt Terry on performing in THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS tour
Nearly a decade after he won The X Factor, Matt Terry is now a beloved musical theatre actor, and is heading out on tour this January as the star of The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. We spoke to him about becoming Frankie, his journey into the world of theatre, and what inspires his own music.
How does it feel to be stepping into the shoes and velvet jacket of Frankie Valli for this tour?
I am beyond excited for this tour, it’s not like anything I have ever done before! I’m either on stage as myself doing my own set and songs or playing a character in a musical. So this kind of feels like a bit of a hybrid to me. I get to be me on stage but singing the songs of an icon with a whole bunch of talented people. The velvet jacket is also something I’ve never done before… but hoping I can rock it somehow!
What is your favourite song to perform from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ catalogue?
I think ‘Oh, What a Night!’ is going to be the most incredible moment. I can hear the crowd singing it already and I feel like it’s the song I feel most familiar with. I know all the rest are going to be relying on my falsetto which I love too, it’s hard to choose!!! Vocally, I’ll say ‘Sherry’ and then I’ll stick with ‘Oh, What a Night!’ for the nostalgic feel.
Can you tell us how you made the transition from pop singer to musical theatre actor after The X Factor?
So I trained in musical theatre first. Although music has always been the passion and my first love, I’m glad I got the discipline and technique from my foundation. I can say for sure that the reason I’m so consistent and vocally strong is thanks to my training in musical theatre. So actually, it’s not so much of a transition, I see it more of jumping between both worlds that are opposite. Usually I find that by the time I need a break from the studio, I’m ready to jump into a musical again, which I feel very lucky to be able to do!
You've starred in an array of shows from Rock of Ages to The Grinch. Is there one production that holds a special place in your heart?
KINKY BOOTS. I’d love to play Charlie at some point in my life. I love the musical, I love the drag and the songs are top tier.
What inspired the songs on your latest EP, Party In My Room?
For the first time ever, I felt like I wanted to write music that made me happy. My stuff is always HEAVY and most of the time is written from painful experiences. So this was my era of letting all of that go and creating a project that made me want to live it up a little. I love a ballad and a concept but sometimes it’s about being the last one on the dance floor and forgetting all your problems.
What do you love most about performing live?
The way that it makes me feel. It’s the only place I really ever truly feel myself, especially my own shows. It gives me a sense of belonging.