Conducted by: Kat Walcott
Hey Dunnery, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! Can you quickly introduce yourself?
Hi everyone - I'm a 15 year old grade 11 student at Shambhala School in Halifax, NS. Last year I had the privilege of winning the title of "The Next Star" in season 1 of YTV's "The Next Star" which was a national singing competition for kids under the age of 15. They had open auditions all across the country, chose a "Top 12" and then narrowed it to a "Top 6". The show aired from mid-July until the live finale at the end of September. I was the only guy and the only representative from Atlantic Canada. The winner was chosen by public vote. I have been playing the piano since I was 4 and have been in choirs and taken voice, guitar and dance lessons. I have been in 5 Neptune Theatre musicals including High School Musical.
What made you want to become an actor and musician?
I have been involved in music - piano (Music for Young Children) and singing - since I was very little. Being in the Halifax Boys' Honour Choir and having the opportunity to sing solos gave me the confidence to try musical theatre and I got my first role as Wilbur in Charlotte's Web at Unicorn Theatre when I was 10 years old.
Do you remember your very first performance? How old were you and what was it like?
Perhaps my most memorable performance was in my school's talent show when I was 10 and I played and sang Bridge Over Troubled Water and had teachers and parents crying - I knew then that I wanted to be a singer/performer.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I have many musical influences, such as Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Simon and Garfunkel and Stevie Wonder.
What are some songs that are on your iPod at the moment?
Most of the music on my iPod is older music like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and other great artists in the 1960's. However, I also listen to a ton of new music of almost any musical style, such as The Killers, Black Eyed Peas, and Suzie McNeil.
If you could do a duet with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would love to do a duet with Simon and Garfunkel. They are my favourite artists, with brilliant songwriting and wonderful vocals.
How was your experience on The Next Star? What did you learn?
My experience on The Next Star was incredible. I got to spend most of the summer with other kids that have the same interests as me. I learned so much from my producers (Marcus Kane and Oliver Johnson), the judges, the crew, and all of the other people involved in the show like the stylist, choreographer, publicist, and vocal coach, Orville Heyn. I learned that there is so much more to being a recording artist than just singing. I am so grateful to YTV and The Next Star for the experience of a lifetime. I loved recording "Shy" for the Next Star CD and "Dare You to Shine" for YTV's Big Fun Party Mix 10. However I also learned that things are not always as they seem, nothing is guaranteed and that I will have to continue to work hard to someday secure a recording contract to make a CD of my own.
How has your life changed since winning The Next Star?
My life has changed in many ways - I get recognized in public a lot, I have had the opportunity to sing for fundraisers and telethons and I was named to the 2008 Honour Roll for Nova Scotians who have made great strides in the Arts. I know that I want to be a singer/performer and hope that I will be able to have a successful career in something that I love.
What’s your advice for the finalists of this year’s The Next Star?
My advice to this year's finalists of The Next Star is to stay true to yourself. Have fun and enjoy the incredible experience. You will have many detractors and people who will try to tear you down but keep your head high and know what it is that you want to achieve in life and follow your dreams.
Do you have any last words to say to your fans?
I would like to thank all of my fans for voting for me - without you and your support I would never have won. I think it's unbelievable that Atlantic Canadians are so supportive of local talent. I have gotten such wonderful support from people all across Canada and I want everyone to know that I truly appreciate it. I wish I could tell you that I have a solo CD coming out soon but that will have to wait for now.