If you don't know who he is by now, you don't get out enough. It's OK to put the books down, once in a while, take the night off to grab a drink, boogie down and sing your head off to the musical talent that is Chris Mathison.
Mathison, a senior working on a BIS degree in communication and sociology, is Tempe's very own one-man band.
Forget bussing tables for minimum wage, this part-time ASU lacrosse coach, part-time "rock star" is making the big bucks doing what he loves ... three hours a night, three nights a week.
Last Sunday, Mathison showed up at Acme in Tempe decked out in full Boston Red Sox gear (which of course included a "Yankee's Suck" tee), and he setup shop as he does every week.
What makes him so special?
Ever see a white boy sing an acoustic version of "Gin and Juice" then belt out some Tom Petty followed by a little something Mathison likes to call "Naked Sorority Girls?" No? Then come see this mastermind as his alter-ego, "What's Your Number?"
Forget the deejay next Friday. Head to the Devil House for some live music (something we don't see much of these days). Instead of groping your girl on the dance floor, make a request for her instead ... odds are in your favor that Mathison's got that one down pat too.
SPM: Don't I know you?
Mathison: Yeah. I met you a while ago. Did you run out of famous people to interview?
SPM: So, how do you get a crowd of drunks to take to a one-man band?
Mathison: Without a rhythm section like drums, it's hard to get a crowd in.
I start off mellow with like a "Freebird" then pick it up with Snoop. You can't just hit them over the head with that stuff.
SPM: Didn't you used to have another guitarist? Did he head to Hollywood?
Mathison: That was Mike [Pfister]. He's in dental school in Michigan, now.
SPM: That had to have sucked.
Mathison: It was sad, but it's twice as much money now. I'm looking for others to play with though.
SPM: Speaking of the cash? Does this job pay well?
Mathison: It pays what a part-time job would, and I only work three hours a night. Not to mention, I'm doing what I love and getting paid!
SPM: So, what's the best thing about putting on a show?
Mathison: Seeing the people dance to your songs. I just want to make 'em dance. It's the only reason I'm here.
SPM: What are your crowds generally like? Have you built up a following?
Mathison: Well, I just play so much. I play on one block at four different bars to four different crowds. Greeks at the Devil House, an older crowd at Acme, then the grad crowd at Maloney's. I hit up all different kinds of people.
SPM: So, does it help you with the ladies?
Mathison: Kinda, yeah. Not as much as you'd think though. By the time I pack up, it's like 1:30, and they've gone home with other guys. But, I love playing Dave Mattthews and watching [people] make out. I love seeing people react to the music. This job did help me land my current girl though.
SPM: Groupie? Just kidding, how'd you bag that?
Mathison: This girl was visiting her cousin and saw us play here two years ago. She bought a CD, went back to Ohio and moved out here eventually. We were at a party, a small one, just a few people. I wasn't even on stage or anything, just sitting on the couch and pulled out my guitar.
SPM: And ... and?
Mathison: She's like, you sound like this guy I listen to, What's Your Number. I told her, that's me. It was too weird. I had to talk to her.
SPM: Wow, talk about a fairy tale. Where's your "fairy tale" venue?
Mathison: I get to play outside Sun Devil Stadium for Cardinal games. I jam with the mascot and the cheerleaders. That's my favorite.
SPM: How'd you land that gig?
Mathison: The mascot came and saw me one night. He said, "I want him out front with us." He hooked me up with an Emmit Smith jersey and free tickets.
SPM: So, I imagine that gig's a bit different from the rest?
Mathison: Yeah, there are times when I'll play for 10,000 people standing in line. I mean there not there to see "me," but they'll run out of line and throw tips. It's cool.
SPM: So, what do you want to be when you "grow up?" Do you plan on pursuing this?
Mathison: If I could major in "rock star," I would.
SPM: Enough said. I'll let you play now. Wait, what's your number, just in case I forgot to ask something. Oh gosh, did I really say that?
Mathison: And that's the best part about the name!
Reach the reporter at erika.wurst@asu.edu.
