INTERVIEW WITH LILY OYER
Guest Blogger, Amy Duncan
Lily Oyer, Watchfire Music’s youngest recording artist at age 15, has been singing her entire life. Blessed with a lovely, pure voice, since the age of six Lily has been singing professionally before audiences of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large crowds. In 2008, she recorded a demo album of favorite popular songs which led to a trip to New York to be seen by Disney producers, and in 2010 she released her first inspirational album, Up to Thee. She and her mother, Laurie Oyer, collaborated on some of the songs for the CD, and Laurie arranged them and accompanied Lily at the piano.
In 2011, Lily won “Outstanding Vocal Soloist” at the ABC Solo and Ensemble Festival. She continues to perform regularly at retirement homes, schools, churches, parties, and at coffee houses with her guitar. She also has her own YouTube channel with 1,576 subscribers and 535,967 views since 2009. Her O Holy Night Christmas video received over 2,100 views in just 16 weeks. Lily has her own website (http://www.lilyoyer.net/) and fan club (http://www.lilyoyer.net/fan-club/), where she has established an international base of fans from ages 2-92.
INTERVIEW
You’ve done a lot of performing and recording for someone so young. What do you like most about it?
I am so grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to start so young! I think starting at such a young age helped me gain such a huge appreciation for performing and just music in general. I love being able to collaborate with young musicians like myself and also older and more experienced musicians.
You also perform secular music, right? For instance, when you sing in coffee houses, do you usually sing secular music, or do you sometimes sing sacred music as well?
When I sing at the local coffee house I sing either pop or r&b, usually not sacred songs.
Do you play any instruments besides the guitar?
I taught myself how to play the piano (kind of), but I usually have my wonderful mother accompany me on the piano!
How would you describe your voice?
I would describe my voice as very diverse and versatile. I sing all kinds of music and have grown up listening to different genres, so I’m familiar with all types. My range depends on the song choice. If you give me a song—I will sing it! 
What do you enjoy most about performing?
I enjoy being able to reach people through the lyrics or a beautiful melody. I love being able to express myself and the qualities that God gives us through singing. Seeing the audience’s faces make me feel like I am making a connection which is awesome because I get to do what I love and see people enjoy it!
Have you thought of doing musical theater?
Actually, when I was younger I was very very involved with musical theater. At age 10 I was invited to New York to audition for the part of Jane in Mary Poppins on Broadway, which was an amazing experience. Around the same time I had been taking classes and participating in workshops at Stages Performing Arts Academy. I have a huge passion for it.
What kind of singing other than what you’re doing now would you like to do?
It’s a work in progress but I would love to write my own songs about life, love, and personal experiences and create another CD.
What music do you like to listen to?
I listen to Ariana Grande, the Glee Cast, Sara Bareilles, basically any artist that has a good song out.
What do the kids at school think about your singing? Do you ever encounter envy and jealousy?
Hmm good question. The kids at my school love my passion for singing and constantly ask me to sing for them or compliment me which lifts me up to know that they are supportive! I think every artist, musician, or aspiring performer comes across jealousy or envy, which I have prayed about.
Do you like to compose?
I love to compose music, but it’s different than what you would think! While writing “Up To Thee” with my mother, a melody would come into my head and I would tell my mom to play it on the piano. While doing this process, we would work together to create a song with a pattern, and a strong tune.
How would you like to see your career develop?
Well, I am a person of many interests, so I can see my career developing by creating a CD, or auditioning for musicals, or TV shows like “The Voice,” but I’m not quite sure as of right now.
Do you have plans to go to college? If so, will you study voice/music?
Being only a sophomore I’m not sure what I’ll study in college. If I am going to study voice/music in college it won’t be my major. I would like to study music in college but not major in it because I feel like singing is something I take very seriously but also is just my passion/hobby. I am interested in other areas in addition to music, so I might pursue something else.
What do you like to do besides sing?
I love to act, dance, play sports like volleyball and soccer, hike, raft on the Arkansas River at Adventure Unlimited Ranches, and spend time with my family.
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Check out Lily’s page on Watchfire Music here:
http://watchfiremusic.com/artist.php?arid=101
Watchfire Music: