Interview with January 2011 Male Solo Artist winner ALEX CAMPO

MAS: Congrats to Alex Campo of Heath, Texas! Alex's song "Popcorn Yellow" is his first upload on MakeAStar and it took him all the way to the top of the January Male Solo Artist charts! Tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved?


Alex: I am pleasantly surprised, I might say. I don't like contests very much. To me, music is not about "winning". Everybody should just follow their own beat. No rights, no wrongs. But having said that, I'm happy to have won.


MAS: Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.


Alex: I started as a guitar player in a hard-rock band a couple of decades ago, then became their lead singer. Then went on a 8+ year hiatus until I started writing music again around 2005.


MAS: How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?


Alex: I am still looking for my sound. And yes, I am the primary songwriter. Hence, the title of January SOLO artist of the Month. LOL!


MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?


Alex: Not much of a story. One of the most recent songs I've written. It's basically about talking life easy and painting your day or moment with a bright color that sends out good vibes.


MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?


Alex: This particular song, might have a blend of U2 with a dash of Coldplay? I dunno.


MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?


Alex: I would like to think it's my "epic" approach to melodies and arrangements. My songs end up being very melodic and musical.


MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?


Alex: So many people have admirable attributes. Why would one want to emulate just a single person. I say, pick the best features of everyone you know, and that should chart it out for ya.


MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?


Alex: Make more songs. Don't stop. Possibly master several songs and assemble an album.


MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?


Alex: Anybody that could play the electric guitar. Can't remember my first concert. There weren't many concerts where I grew up.


MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?


Alex: Best part, to me, is being able to write your own material. Worst part is having to earn your income from other sources. LOL.


MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?


Alex: I don't know. I honestly ignore where the music industry (if any) stands in this day and age. And I for sure don't know where it'll be heading.


MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?


Alex: I didn't know (until after having won) that the competitions were actually based more on judges' votes than votes from the public. That makes the competition much more interesting. Its something you don't find elsewhere.


MAS: Tell us something completely random.


Alex: Favorite color is purple. But popcorn ain't purple.