Friday, August 3, 2018 5 Brooklin Town Crier When Matt Doran takes to the stage on August 25 to sing at the annual CNE Rising Star Competition, it may just be one more step for this talented musician who admits he does want "to make it." To that end, he's recently released his first single "Go Natalie" to iTunes (now available at $0.99) and Spotify. One step closer... Coming from a musical family has certainly helped. Both his parents are talented musicians and his little sister Keira, 13, danced at the same competition last year. Still, Matt, who's entering grade 11 at Brooklin High, has earned his own chops. Nary a few hours go by when, outside of schoolwork, he's not singing, playing sax in the school band, working on classical piano, writing songs, or performing with his band "Matt Doran and Luxury Tax" as lead vocalist and keyboard player. The CNE competition, now 30 years old, features undiscovered talent from ages 6 to 21. Performers are judged on "their natural ability, audience appeal, stage presence and the quality of their performance." But this won't be his first try there. He performed in 2014. In fact, his performances go back even earlier than that. When he was 8, his mom, Barb, entered him in the Brooklin Spring Sing where he sang the Train hit "Hey Soul Sister." When he was a little guy, he started piano lessons and also sang along with his mother when she performed. He did take vocal lessons for a while but in recent times hasn't. Barb describes why. "You have to keep your voice in shape. But when someone has a unique sound like Matt, lessons can actually change that uniqueness." With a career on the horizon and, he hopes, university studies at McGill beckoning, Matt's passion is tempered by two things. "Yup," he admits, "one challenge is breathing better. And marketing. Promoting is a key thing. It's really difficult, especially on social media. A lot of people don't take the time to look through stuff, at the indie artists." That may change very soon as his star begins to ascend. "It's what I want to do. I'll keep playing and singing no matter what happens." You can find out more about Matt, and listen to or watch him through: Facebook: https://www.face- book.com/Matt-Doran-Mu-sic-274832463287456/ Instagram: @matt_doran_ Youtube: https://www.youtube. com/channel/UC0iCzCSWXRfip-Z9LKtE1kqw "Proud to be a Brooklinite" Founded in 2000 and published 24 times per year. Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 editorofbtc@gmail.com The Brooklin Town Crier is locally owned and operated and is a publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: 905.655.7642 Email: brooklintowncrier@gmail.com Next Issue: Friday, August 31, 2018 Deadline: Friday, August 24, 2018 WHITBY GIRLS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION NEW PLAYERS WELCOME Celebrating 21 years of hockey excellence! We proudly support our players and goalies with comprehensive development in a friendly, fun and safe environment. Registration Fees for the 2018/19 Season Initiation (Tyke) $550 (2 ice times/week) Novice-Bantam HL $650 Midget/Intermediate HL - $580 Senior Ladies - $550 New to Hockey? We provide development for "first time on the ice" players. www.wgha.org Matt Doran: On the cusp?