Setting Up Stardom

By: Morgan Klein

      A pop musician and teen sensation, 17-year-old Austin Mahone is taking the world in a stride. Once just a name on YouTube performing covers by Drake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber, Mahone has managed to acquire 1.9 million Facebook fans, 1.7 million Twitter followers, 600k YouTube subscribers and received over 99 million views without any record label or marketing. He will even be accompanying Taylor Swift on her 2013 tour. Mahone is bound and labeled as the next teen phenomenon.

     “I’d either check Billboard or iTunes Top 10 for the hottest songs, and I’d record my own versions,” said Mahone during an interview with Moxie. “That’s how people began to find me online.”

     As a six-year-old growing up in San Antonio Texas, he begged his mom for a drum set. From then, his life tethered to music. His worldwide fan base, adorning themselves with the label “Mahomies,” has given him the backing and support necessary for an up-and-coming celebrity. 

     Mahone’s fresh, crisp vocals and upbeat personality entertain various genres and age groups, making this star even more irresistible. Coming out with his very first single, “Say You’re Just a Friend” featuring Flo Rida, is a big deal for this pop star who comes from a small town.

     “I want to make upbeat pop,” said Mahone. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Flo Rida, and I thought it would be cool to get him on this track. The song is about about being friends with a girl that you like more than just a friend. You can’t tell her though because it might ruin that friendship.”

     With his down-to-earth personality and willingness to reach his dream, Mahone has had no problem reaching stardom while keeping the power and fame from getting to his head.

     “I hope everyone can connect with the songs and love them,” said Mahone. “I want to make music that people can listen to over and over again and feel good about.”

     For more information on Austin Mahone, go to www.austinmahone.com.