Tuesday, January 19, 2016

So Who Is Caroline Byrne? Hear About Her Journey to American Idol and What the Future Holds for This Talented Jersey Girl

                  
Caroline Byrne makes her television debut on American Idol 
                                                   By Suzanne Ordas Curry
Jersey Girl Caroline Byrne is lighting up the stage of American Idol and ready to take on the world. Appearing on American Idol is just the start for this talented singer, as she’s working on some new songs, planning to wow the Big Apple with some appearances and is determined to make her passion come alive.

Caroline shares with us how she started, where she’s going and talks about being on the much-anticipated "Farewell Season" of #AmericanIdol.

Q: Tell me about when you decided you liked to sing and wanted to pursue it.

Caroline Byrne: I knew I loved singing since the time I was very little. There’s plenty of home video of me singing Beauty & the Beast in my living room like it was my own personal stage. Even though I loved the spotlight at home, I was extremely shy at school and in front of other kids. It wasn’t until college that I really became comfortable in my own skin and singing in front of other people. I realized that I had a gift for touching other people and making them feel something thorough my music. That realization is what ultimately made me want to pursue music seriously. 

listen to caroline on soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/iamcarolinebyrne

Q: Do you come from a musical family?


Caroline Byrne: My family is very musical. I’m the oldest of four, and every one us sings. I love having my brother Brendan, accompany me playing guitar and piano. We’re all really supportive of each other.

Q:  I know you’re a big fan of American Idol. What was the process like to get on that show?
Caroline Byrne: I learned about the initial audition back in June. A lot of people don’t realize there are several rounds you go through before you even see the judges. First, I auditioned in NYC at Fremantle Media. After that, I was interviewed. They asked about where I grew up, my family, my musical influences, etc.


From there they invited me to the executive producer auditions in Philly in August. During that time, there were several other phone interviews asking more about my story. In Philly, I got through the executives and I was finally able to audition for the judges. 

Q: How long did it take you to hear back from them?

Caroline Byrne: I heard back immediately. Every time I auditioned they let me know right after I sang that I would continue on. 

Q: What did you have to do? 
Caroline Byrne: I had to sing with my brother as an accompaniment. 

Q: Where were the auditions? What was the process like? Was their a lot of paperwork? Did you have to wait on a long line?

Caroline Byrne: There was A LOT of paperwork. The first few auditions were quick, but the judges’ auditions in Philly lasted all day. The call time was 7AM, and I  didn’t get back to the hotel until 10:30PM

Q: How did they tell you you were getting on the show. And how excited were you? Or were you thinking of all the competition?


They said. “Great job, you’re a definite!”

"I felt like I was on top of the world. It was so exciting. I immediately started practicing in front of the camera, doing daily vocal exercises, and getting in better shape all around. There’s nothing like the possibility of being on national television to kick your ass into gear."

Q: I think some of the people that leave American Idol just go back to doing what they were doing before, and that’s not always a musical career, but this appearance is just the start for you. So let's talk about your new song. What was your inspiration for it? How did it come to be?

Caroline Byrne: My new song, Alive,  is actually a remix of a Bon Iver song called Perth. My brother showed me it and I thought it was beautiful. As soon as I heard it, I knew I had to put my own spin on it. The song had a bittersweet feel when I first listened to it, so I used that as inspiration for the lyrics. I brought it to my friend Nick Louis, who is also an artist, and he helped me produce and bring my ideas for the remix come to life. 

Q:  Do you have more songs coming out?

Caroline Byrne: Yes! Alive is just a little appetizer for what’s to come. I’m even more excited for what I have brewing. It’s electronic spin on R&B/Pop. I think people are in for a treat. I’m in the studio right now working on perfecting the tracks. 

Q:  I see you have some covers out. What style of music do you like best?  You did a Bieber cover. I have to ask…are you a Belieber? LOL. What do you like about his music?

Caroline Byrne:  R&B is my #1 hands down. & I think Justin Bieber is great. He gets a bad rap, but he truly is so talented. I love his latest album and I think his music is a great representation where R&B/Pop is headed. 

Q:  Who are the other artists that you like and why?

Caroline Byrne: Some of my biggest inspirations are the obvious ones, like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boy II Men, old school Mariah Carey & Justin Timberlake.  But- there are also a ton of lesser known artists that I’m loving right now. To name a few: Allen Stone, Banks, Johnny Stimson. They’re all soulful artists that lose themselves in their performances. 
  
Q:  Do you have any resolutions for the new year?

Caroline Byrne: My resolution is to kick ass. I’m putting together a band and getting ready to book some really exciting shows in North Jersey and the city Spring 2016. 

"Sign up for my mailing list: www.iamcarolinebyrne.com if you want to come out for some good music!"

You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/iamcarolinebyrne/ or Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iamcarolinebyrne or Instagram @IamCarolineByrne.