Taken from the Winter Issue of Wonderland.

IF HIS STINT ON X Factor is anything to go by, contestant Matt Terry is going to be a star. We’re talking standing ovation and tear-inducing talent. His voice is more than a little sultry with a decidedly funky feel, weaving smoothly and rapidly between jaw dropping high notes and rich, full lows — just listen to his cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Through The Grapevine”. He can also do justice to a power ballad, fire up his masterful delivery of Grace’s “You Don’t Own Me”. Terry’s success has come with a lot of elbow grease, his mentor is none other than the eternally effervescent Nicole Scherzinger and training has been intense. After chatting with him, despite the hard slog, Terry comes ready with an abundance of positivity and personal growth.

Growing up, who were some of your favourite artists? How do you think they’ve influenced you?

Probably Michael Jackson, that’s kind of who I grew up listening to but also people like The Drifters, and currently Jessie J, Sam Smith, Bruno Mars, I feel like all of those are my favourite artists and they influence me?

What a selection! What’s your first memory of music?

I remember listening to all the music that my mum and dad would play, they really enjoyed Motown so we would always sing along to Barry White and Marvin Gaye and the occasional bit of Bob Marley.

Do you have like a classic go-to shower song something you always listen to when you’re in the car?

At the moment probably “24K Magic”.

How would you describe your personality in just 3 words?

I would say I’m loud, excited, and different.

Do you have a go-to karaoke track?

When I’m with a few friends we always end up singing High School Musical “Breaking Free”.

Banger! What is driving you pursue a career as a singer?

I feel like it’s the support of family, friends, and fans, it really means a lot. It’s not just doing it for yourself, it’s doing it for all of them as well because their support is so important.

You’ve had a preview of what it’s like to be famous, what have been the highlights and the more difficult aspects?

You really get to experience so many awesome things, things that you never thought you would be able to do, like getting to sing on stage every Saturday is amazing. You meet some incredible people who you’ve looked up to your whole life. I think the downside is having everybody wanting to know all of your business all of the time.

What’s been a biggest personal triumph for you being on the X Factor? Do you have a moment that stands out in your memory?

I feel like week one when I stood on the stage for the first time and I realised where I was and what I was doing, that for me was one of the best experiences and feelings ever.

Thanks to UNIT 3O