With a record deal firmly in place and millions of "Mahomies" behind him, YouTube breakout star Austin Mahone is ready for world domination. The video for his hit single "Say Somethin" has over 5 million views, he's already sold out shows across the country, and he's about to go on tour with Taylor Swift.
Oh, did I mention that he's 16 years old?
Austin's latest project is a total "Austin Mahone Takeover" on Awesomeness TV, a brand new YouTube channel dedicated to bringing teens all the latest news, interviews and behind-the-scenes goods of their favorite stars.
I recently caught up with Austin to talk about the new show, his upcoming album and more! Check out our interview below!
In the first episode, you introduced us to your team. And like any young star, you are around a lot of adults. What do you miss most about being a regular teen and who on your team are you closest to?
I miss being able to just go over to my friends houses and just watch movies and play video games and play basketball, or go to the mall or just hang out. I miss hanging out with my friends every day and seeing them, but it's definitely worth it because I'm living my dream. I moved out to Miami and I'm doing my thing. And it's not that bad because I have my bodyguard Dave and he's like one of my best friends. Even though he's 26, he acts like he's 16. He can be very immature sometimes and it's kind of funny (laughs). That's who I'm closest to.
I know you also have a close relationship with your mom and your fans love her as well. Does she keep you in check? What do you get in trouble for the these days?
Well, the last thing I got in trouble for was... we were out in Texas. Have you ever had those Mophie Juice Packs for your phone?
Um, no (laughs). What are they?
It's a case that charges your iPhone. I had one of those and mine broke. So there was a Best Buy nearby and it was really late at night, at the end of the day. I was like, "Hey Mom, can I go to Best Buy and get a juice pack?" She was like, "No, we don't have time. We have to get to the hotel and we're all tired." I'm like, "Mom, it's right across the way, like 10 feet away." And she's still like, "No, we don't have time." And so, I was so mad because I wanted a juice pack, I just started running. We were in mid-conversation and I just started running toward the Best Buy. She got so mad at me that she grounded me for like three days.
People are very interested in your personal life, especially your dating life. How do you plan on handling all of the press? Have you thought about how you might deal with dating someone in the public eye?
I think I would be pretty much open with everyone. People like to know the truth, so I think it's just best to, for the most part, be truthful.
I know you've met a lot of your idols. Have you ever been starstruck?
You know, I've never been startstuck by any of those people. I always thought I would be, but in the heat of the moment, I'm not really thinking about, "Oh wow, this person's right here." To me, it's just another person, so I'm like, "What's up? I'm Austin." Give them a handshake, take a picture.
So you're not too nervous about going on tour with Taylor?
Not really. I'm just really excited. I can't wait for it.
If you could take credit for writing one song, which would it be?
Good question. I would say, "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Only because it's such an insipsing song, like if you need to change anything, you gotta start with yourself.
I know you're working on your album. Can you talk a little bit about the sound and style of it?
My album is hopefully coming out by the end of the year. I'm getting pressure from my fans and I'm still working on it, but the sound is going to be like "Say Somethin," those types of songs - happy, upbeat. I'm also going to have some ballads on there, maybe a couple urban songs, more R&B. But it's basically going to be mostly like "Say Somethin."
What are most of your song lyrics about?
I would say mostly about girls. I'm 16 and I'm a boy so... (laughs).
A song you can't stop listening to right now?
I would have to say "Oath" by by Cher Lloyd and Becky G. It's a great song.
Watch new episodes of Austin's takeover on AwesomenessTV every Friday!
Comments (3)