Lydia Sutherland, spurred on by her voice

Lydia Sutherland sings her emotions. She made such an impression with her compositions on stage at Camp musical de Saint-Alexandre that she won first place in the Propulse ta voix competition.

“It’s the first time this has happened,” stated the composer-songwriter-performer from Godmanchester. It’s really surprising and also an honour. All the competitors were very good.”

Based on The Voice, the artists had to convince the coaches: Fred Lebel, Karine Ste-Marie, Jean-Sébastien Lavoie and Valectra, all former candidates in this musical competition. Three of them turned their chairs around after hearing Lydia. Lydia chose to be part of Valectra’s team. “It took only 10 seconds for her to turn her chair around. She really wanted me on her team and she believes in me,” Lydia emphasized. “I admire her enthusiasm, she’s passionate.”

Throughout the competition, the 17 year old artist played her own compositions. It was a decision that might not have worked, but paid off for her in the end. “Fred Lebel told me that this was the first time in a blind audition that a competitor won using her own compositions. I was told that it might be dangerous, but at the same time it’s what allows me to distinguish my self,” admitted Lydia Sutherland.

Her victory means a grant and studio time at Saint-Alexandre. Valectra appreciated her student so much that she has invited her to work in her studio.

Personal diary

For Lydia Sutherland, her compositions are in some ways a reflection of her personal diary. “I’m inspired by everything around me, it’s very emotional,” she noted. “I feel that people see themselves in my songs. I even shed a few tears at Saint-Alexandre.”

She has been singing on stage since the age of 5. However, Lydia admits that writing comes easily. “It comes out on its own. Performing is harder. It’s my way of letting go.”

One of her compositions, Savoir, is already available on line; one more stage in her dream of a musical career. She notes that this moment was “very powerful” and was moved to discover she had touched strangers.

She is continuing to write with the hope of putting together an album in the near future. A concert is also being prepared in Gaspé with the group Propulse ta voix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQkm2rjTcoA

Translated by Cathleen Johnston