When Matt Howse found out his “musical heroes” were at a nearby shop ready to sign copies of their brand new album, he didn’t think twice about heading down.
The 13-year-old from Karangahake was helping his sister Ashleigh shift houses in Hamilton on February 15, he said, when she told him Six60 were at the mall down the road.
“We left then and there, and got into the queue an hour before they arrived. I took my guitar in hopes they’d sign it for me.”
But when they saw his guitar – “they asked me to play for them”, the young muso told The Profile.
“It was scary at first and I could feel my fingers trembling as I started to play. But the Six60 guys were really encouraging and supportive and once I got going it started being fun.
“The song was from their new album and is called We Made It.”
The young musician, who is also a year-9 student at Paeroa College, said he talked with the band about guitars.
“Their lead singer, Matiu, has the same guitar as I play. They encouraged me to keep going with my music.”
His father Tony was a professional musician and music teacher so “I’ve always been around people making music”, he said.
“But I got seriously interested at the age of nine, and knew enough songs to start busking when I was 10.”
It was evident the opportunity to not only meet but perform for Six60 was monumental for Matt.
“Six60 are my musical heroes. I’ve always loved listening to their music and I play their music a lot when I busk because they’re so popular,” he said.
“Homegrown music is my favourite, and Six60 are an inspiration because they are a Kiwi band that have been successful internationally.”
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
