Billboard recording artist, Broadway veteran and People Magazine “Hottest Bachelor” Matt Zarley has received critical acclaim as an LGBT artist for more than a decade. In his latest music video, “Change Begins With Me”, Zarley steps away from his popular controversial music videos to inspire with a message of change. Written by Zarley, Andy Zulla, and Chris Curtis, “Change Begins With Me”, is a heartfelt anthem and declaration of self-acceptance, responsibility, and forgiveness. The track, which was produced by Zarleyʼs long time producer and Grammy winner, Zulla, also features the acclaimed Broadway Inspirational Voices.
As a sign of appreciation for their support over the past year, Zarley invited his fans to be a part of the message. Over the past few months, dozens of fans submitted home movies with their messages of change and those are featured in the videoʼs grand finale, which was directed by Robert Bottoms and produced by Area 149. His previous videos have created quite the stir on various digital outlets. His last video and fourth consecutive Billboard single, “Trust Me,” which was released before Obamaʼs endorsement of gay marriage, proved very timely and hugely popular. It received approximately 150,000 views on YouTube in its first month, as well as spending this summer on the Billboard and UK dance charts. In the video, he asks “Is America ready for an openly gay president?” In 2011, Zarleyʼs music video, “WTF,” which also received hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and other online media outlets, received a similar buzz and spent last summer on the Billboard dance chart.
Critics alike have embraced Zarleyʼs “Change Begins with Me” with rave reviews: “A sexy collection of swoon- worthy songs” (The Advocate); “…our idea of perfect” (Instinct); “Soulful and inspiring” (Out Q on Sirius XM); “Inspirational!” (Washington Blade); “Definitely worth listening to!” (Huffington Post); “Painful, raw, and unequivocal” (Windy City Times); and “Emotionally charged!” (Homorazzi). Mattʼs passion for songwriting resulted in his first solo album, “Debut,” which was released in 2002 and featured the Billboard dance hit, “You Always Want (what u ainʼt got)” and “Say Goodbye”; which is also featured on the all-star Human Rights Campaign (HRC) benefit CD, “Being Out Rocks.” Mattʼs second album, “Here I Am” was named one of Billboard magazineʼs “Critics Top 10” picks for 2008.
Zarley is also an internationally published songwriter and has had numerous songs recorded and released overseas by some of the biggest names in international music. In addition, Matt has the distinction of being named the first openly gay bachelor in People Magazineʼs “Hottest Bachelors” issue in 2002 – opening the door for other openly gay men to be featured in the mainstream publication.Matt began his career at 12 years old starring in national commercials and, subsequently, his career led him to Broadway where, still just a teenager, he made his Broadway debut. He has appeared in numerous shows including Chicago, A Chorus Line and Cats, and has played the title roles in both Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Whoʼs Tommy on Broadway. He has also has the pleasure of performing with Whitney Houston, Vanessa Williams, Brandy and Usher.
“Change Begins With Me” is currently available on iTunes and other digital outlets, along with his full music and video catalog. For more information about Mattʼs music and live performance schedule, visit www.MattZarley.com or follow Matt on Twitter and Facebook @MattZarley.
theaussieword.com did an exclusive interview with Matt Zarley in May this year. You can read, watch and drool all about it here!