Dalton Cyr Seriously Skillful Songwriter/Performer

“A Prodigy in the truest sense of the word…” – Rick Stevenson, Director of Prodigy Camp

Dalton Cyr Profile

Following in the footsteps of artists like John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Dalton Cyr is “self-made.” Lennon and McCartney would sit in their bedroom and write songs and believed in getting as many hours of live performance as possible to perfect their craft. They didn’t sound exactly like what was currently on the radio, but instead gave their own unique perspective to their music.

Much like the Lennon/McCartney era, Dalton Cyr is taking the same approach to his music. He works continuously on his songwriting and performance skills, honing his craft. He’s chosen to give his own fresh spin on the pop rock world and it is evident that fans are welcoming the change.

UpsidedownDalton Performs his original “Upsidedown” to the thrill of his fans!

Having recently attended The Prodigy Camp just outside Seattle, Washington, Dalton Cyr was chosen as one of the most promising songwriters in the world. He went to work with songwriting mentors Noah Gundersen and Kris Orlowski as others had gone before him. But when he got there with the three songs he’d written to work on, his mentors had nothing to add, saying his songs didn’t need their help. This should tell you something about the caliber of writing this young man puts out…and at the time of camp he was still only 12 years old.

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Sawyer Fredericks from Stage Fright to Spot Light a Young Artists Journey

Sawyer Fredericks
Sawyer Fredericks

Soon to be 14-year-old Sawyer Christopher Fredericks was born March 31, 1999, on a blue moon.  He lived in Connecticut, first in Newtown, then in Roxbury, with his mother, father and two older brothers until 2007, when they moved to upstate NY and bought a small family farm.

Like many young talented musicians, Sawyer was singing before he could even speak, basically singing with perfect pitch.  While his words I’m told were nonsensical (baby scat), there was no doubt that he had already found his vocal gift.  Not only was his singing notable, but Sawyer was quick to pick up melodies that he heard and also began to create his own melodies.

While no one in his immediate family has ever pursued a career in music, there is certainly a great love for listening to and creating music.

Sawyer in 2010
Sawyer in 2010

Sawyer’s grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all show signs of being musically inclined or talented.  Sawyer’s own unique talents have blossomed in an encouraging and rich musical environment.  As he got a little older, he became self-conscious of his singing and would only sing in front of people in his immediate family, but no matter where he was or what he was doing; there was always a song in his heart and on his lips.

It wasn’t until he was 11 years old that he decided he might be ready to sing in front of others and joined a local summer children’s choir.  The director of the choir was local accomplished singer-songwriter Katy Cole who is also an elementary school music teacher.  In addition to being enrolled in Katy’s choir, Sawyer began taking vocal lessons from her.  Katy believes Sawyer is a musical prodigy of sorts, and the singing seems to come naturally.  The only problem was Sawyer’s stage fright and shyness – he would sing so quietly; it was almost a whisper.  To get him to relax, Katy allowed him to sing down the hall where he couldn’t be seen.  After quite a while, Sawyer developed enough courage to show what he could do. Surprising everyone, Sawyer chose to perform a short solo during the choir recital.

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