A Byrd's Eye View: An Interview with Idol Vocal Coach Debra Byrd

Rosanne: I saw your interview on CTV's Canada A.M. and you mentioned how you really become close with all of the singers. Is it hard to let go when the series comes to an end? You develop such a bond with these young people and I am sure that it must be difficult to say the goodbyes!

Debra: It always is, but to the majority of singers I always tell them: "I would love to see you in five years - how you've grown as an artist and as a human being and, additionally, what career choices you have made." I have worked with American Idol for all three seasons and I still get at least two calls a week from former Idol competitors who need advice or encouragement or wish to share performing news. I always want them to know that I am there for them if they do need me somewhere down the road.

Rosanne: What special elements do you look for in a singer that speaks to their potential star quality or is it an intangible element that cannot be explained?

Debra: Heart and passion - how they convey a song. You know, in American Idol Season 2, I was watching the 119 semi-finalists and was instantly drawn to three singers: the boy with the big ears (Clay Aiken), the big guy (Ruben Studdard), and Frenchie Davis. This was before the American public noticed them. They had unbridled passion and enthusiasm when they sang. I remember that, at some point in the 119 competition, I was pulling other singers aside - offering them advice in how to enhance their performance skills etc. Then the "boy with the ears" came up to me and said: "You didn't give me any advice. Am I not doing well?" (Laughter - Debra and Rosanne). It was the exact opposite, but Debra basically told him that he was doing just fine and the rest is history.

Rosanne: Which singers or musicians in the professional singing world -apart from Idol - do you really love and respect?

Debra: Ray Charles - hands down! My all time favorite and my entire family's all time favorite. He was a legend and I learned so much from him. He was so diverse and broke so many musical barriers in the music world. Ours was a Ray Charles house! The other singer who I very much admired was Ella Fitzgerald! Every singer inspires me, however, and that goes back as far as my high school teacher and my minister.

Rosanne: What style of music do you most enjoy?

Debra: Everything! I love all music! This is why I am so happy doing this Idol gig as it allows me to explore and develop all kinds of music. I grew up singing and playing everything and have truly done it all - from musical theatre, to performing with the Eurhythmics and Bob Dylan and Barry Manilow to recording all genres of music. In fact, my recording company was extremely upset with me at one point, as no one knew where to place me -I couldn't be slotted into one genre. In order to receive radio play, you have to fit into a specific genre and I didn't, but that's what made me the musician I am today. For this reason, I have to congratulate American Idol Season One winner Kelly Clarkson - she fought to maintain artistic control over her CD and it paid off. She didn't want to compromise her versatility, so good for her.

Rosanne: What is the most important piece of advice that you can give an aspiring young artist who wishes to succeed in the music business?

Debra: So much to say here! I guess I would say: "Find you passion. If you don't love it, you won't get it! Be the seeker." You know, when I was growing up, I was doing so much all the time that my mother would say: "Debra, you are going to burn out!" However, I never did. I loved my music and everyone must love his or her chosen profession or there will be no success at any level.

Rosanne: Well, Debra, it has been such a pleasure to talk with you and I look forward to purchasing your book and watching your fine work evolve on the Canadian Idol stage. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your Byrd's Eye View!

Debra: Thank you so much! Let's talk again in a month!

Rosanne: Sounds like a plan, Debra! I look forward to it!

Rosanne Simunovic is the Voice Instructor and Conductor for the Timmins Youth Singers. If you have any further questions our comments, please e-mail her. If you want to hear how she applies her technical methods to a variety of musical styles music, have a listen to one of her double disc CDs, Scenes from a Dream, a live compilation featuring outstanding performances between 1984-2000 with the Timmins Youth Singers and renowned classical, Broadway, and pop artists. Hope you enjoy it!

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