Dalton Cyr

Dalton Cyr is one of the hottest upcoming teen recording artists and performers on the music scene today and recently toured the East Coast from Florida to New Hampshire. Performing live regularly, he averages about 50 performances a year and has performed in front of audiences as large as 50,000.
An award winning singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist Cyr has fans in 149 countries around the world and more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.

Having written and recorded with legendary, multi-platinum music producer Paul Fox (10,000 Maniacs, REM, Rod Stewart, Ziggy Marley, Phish, etc) and an all-star cast of musicians including Josh Freese (Sting, Guns-n-Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Devo, The Vandals, Dixie Chicks, etc.) and Aron Forbes (X-Factor band & Music Director for One Direction) in L.A. in April 2013, Cyr is already working on his sophomore album.

Hand-picked by industry talent scouts, he was selected as one of the twenty most talented kids in the world, named one of the world’s most promising songwriters and chosen to participate in the 2013 International Prodigy workshop.

Cyr has worked fairs, festivals, amphitheaters, coliseums, and arenas including the main stage and as the featured artist. In 2012, he did a six state Midwest tour with former Radio Disney stars to promote his debut 11 song album “I’ll Be There”, entirely written and co-written by Cyr.
Managed by Disney Channel Executive Producer Irene Dreayer and Beth Broday at DW Management, his first ever-recorded single, written and recorded when he was just 10 years old, was a semi-finalist in the 2011 International Songwriting Competition, judged by the most high-profile judges in the world.

His music has appeared at the top of the charts internationally and can be heard in regular rotation on Internet radio. He’s appeared on NBC, ABC, & FOX TV, NPR Radio and multiple other radio programs across the country, and in the UK. Dalton has been featured in numerous publications including his recent cover story in Folio Weekly Magazine. His music can be found on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Google Play and many others.

Who is Dalton Cyr, and where are you from?

Dalton Cyr is a high energy teen performer from Jacksonville Beach, Florida who instantly captivates audiences with his powerful guitar and intense vocal delivery. His original music uniquely merges pop and rock with infectious hooks, and immediately grabs people’s attention getting them out of their seats. He’s also known for spending a lot of time with fans, whether it’s signing everything imaginable after a show or talking with them on social media.

How did you discover your musical talent?

I saw a friend in a play and decided I wanted to do that too. I made it my goal to try out for the play the following year, but when it came time to try out, I was terrified. I thought everyone would laugh at me. But my parents encouraged me and my music teacher at school, Mr. Morris, helped me. I practiced every day for hours the week of auditions. I tried out and got a major part in the play. Two months later I was asked to do my first solo performance at the Clay County Fair. I was 9 ½ years old.

Who has been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

John Mayer because he’s a lyrical genius. He finds unique ways to say what everybody thinks, while making his songs catchy and enjoyable. He’s an insanely soulful guitar player who I hope to emulate in my own guitar playing. Early John Lennon and Paul McCartney because of their approach to music—the way they would write songs all the time and then just go out and gig and sing them as much as possible. That is how I try to approach my music career too. My newest group I listen to a lot is Parachute. I like the way they approach pop music as a whole.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don't already have in other performers?

I feel a lot of artists my age are trying to approach their music like Justin Bieber. Their shows are choreographed and they don’t tend to play an instrument in their shows. Many don’t perform original music. Not that Justin Bieber isn’t a great artist to emulate, but no one does Bieber better than Bieber. I think I give a fresh and different approach to pop music that people are longing to hear. I play guitar, write and perform my own original music with very few covers during a show, if any. In fact, there are many times I’ve performed with other teen artists and I am the only one doing all original music. The proof I have that people want this fresh approach is that even doing all original music, I draw a crowd and hold them. I think if you ask the people who see me live, they would say I’m an exciting performer to watch with high energy and because my show isn’t choreographed, you always get something fresh and never get the same show twice.



Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Nah, it’s been easy. - The Hype Magazine

Dalton Cyr is one of the hottest upcoming teen recording artists and performers on the music scene today and recently toured the East Coast from Florida to New Hampshire. Performing live regularly, he averages about 50 performances a year and has performed in front of audiences as large as 50,000.
An award winning singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist Cyr has fans in 149 countries around the world and more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.

Having written and recorded with legendary, multi-platinum music producer Paul Fox (10,000 Maniacs, REM, Rod Stewart, Ziggy Marley, Phish, etc) and an all-star cast of musicians including Josh Freese (Sting, Guns-n-Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Devo, The Vandals, Dixie Chicks, etc.) and Aron Forbes (X-Factor band & Music Director for One Direction) in L.A. in April 2013, Cyr is already working on his sophomore album.

Hand-picked by industry talent scouts, he was selected as one of the twenty most talented kids in the world, named one of the world’s most promising songwriters and chosen to participate in the 2013 International Prodigy workshop.

Cyr has worked fairs, festivals, amphitheaters, coliseums, and arenas including the main stage and as the featured artist. In 2012, he did a six state Midwest tour with former Radio Disney stars to promote his debut 11 song album “I’ll Be There”, entirely written and co-written by Cyr.
Managed by Disney Channel Executive Producer Irene Dreayer and Beth Broday at DW Management, his first ever-recorded single, written and recorded when he was just 10 years old, was a semi-finalist in the 2011 International Songwriting Competition, judged by the most high-profile judges in the world.

His music has appeared at the top of the charts internationally and can be heard in regular rotation on Internet radio. He’s appeared on NBC, ABC, & FOX TV, NPR Radio and multiple other radio programs across the country, and in the UK. Dalton has been featured in numerous publications including his recent cover story in Folio Weekly Magazine. His music can be found on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Google Play and many others.

Who is Dalton Cyr, and where are you from?

Dalton Cyr is a high energy teen performer from Jacksonville Beach, Florida who instantly captivates audiences with his powerful guitar and intense vocal delivery. His original music uniquely merges pop and rock with infectious hooks, and immediately grabs people’s attention getting them out of their seats. He’s also known for spending a lot of time with fans, whether it’s signing everything imaginable after a show or talking with them on social media.

How did you discover your musical talent?

I saw a friend in a play and decided I wanted to do that too. I made it my goal to try out for the play the following year, but when it came time to try out, I was terrified. I thought everyone would laugh at me. But my parents encouraged me and my music teacher at school, Mr. Morris, helped me. I practiced every day for hours the week of auditions. I tried out and got a major part in the play. Two months later I was asked to do my first solo performance at the Clay County Fair. I was 9 ½ years old.

Who has been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

John Mayer because he’s a lyrical genius. He finds unique ways to say what everybody thinks, while making his songs catchy and enjoyable. He’s an insanely soulful guitar player who I hope to emulate in my own guitar playing. Early John Lennon and Paul McCartney because of their approach to music—the way they would write songs all the time and then just go out and gig and sing them as much as possible. That is how I try to approach my music career too. My newest group I listen to a lot is Parachute. I like the way they approach pop music as a whole.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don't already have in other performers?

I feel a lot of artists my age are trying to approach their music like Justin Bieber. Their shows are choreographed and they don’t tend to play an instrument in their shows. Many don’t perform original music. Not that Justin Bieber isn’t a great artist to emulate, but no one does Bieber better than Bieber. I think I give a fresh and different approach to pop music that people are longing to hear. I play guitar, write and perform my own original music with very few covers during a show, if any. In fact, there are many times I’ve performed with other teen artists and I am the only one doing all original music. The proof I have that people want this fresh approach is that even doing all original music, I draw a crowd and hold them. I think if you ask the people who see me live, they would say I’m an exciting performer to watch with high energy and because my show isn’t choreographed, you always get something fresh and never get the same show twice.



Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Nah, it’s been easy. - The Hype Magazine

First Coast teenage recording artist Dalton Cyr has a new gig, helping critically and chronically ill children live their dreams.

The Dream Factory, a national organization fulfilling dreams for critically ill children, has chosen Dalton as a National Ambassador.

The 13-year-old Cyr is also working on his second album. He stopped by First Coast Connect to talk about The Dream Factory and perform in studio. (Click link to hear interview and song plus a bonus video from an earlier interview.) - NPR Radio--WJCT First Coast Connect

"Calling this boy talented would be an underestimation...Dalton Cyr is destined for greatness."--Charlene Shirk and Nick Loren

Watch the clip here:http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1974487669001 - WTLV NBC

"Calling this boy talented would be an underestimation...Dalton Cyr is destined for greatness."--Charlene Shirk and Nick Loren

Watch the clip here:http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1974487669001 - WTLV NBC

Dalton Cyr: Age is nothing but a number for one up and coming musician.

Read more at: http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/publication/?i=140752&p=99 - Jacksonville Magazine

Dalton Cyr: Age is nothing but a number for one up and coming musician.

Read more at: http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/publication/?i=140752&p=99 - Jacksonville Magazine

Dalton Cyr: Expect to keep hearing the name of this 12-year-old musician from Jacksonville Beach
Pop musician's manager launched careers of Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron.
Posted: July 28, 2012 - 12:07am | Updated: July 28, 2012 - 11:28am
JView this story on the All-Access Members site
Back Photo: 1 of 7 Next
Dalton Cyr, catching some air time in his family garage in Jacksonville Beach, is 12 years old and appears to be on his way to becoming a star. He sings, co-writes songs, plays guitar and has all the right moves. And the garage is set up as his practice room. BOB MACK/The Times-Union
BOB MACK/The Times-Union
Dalton Cyr, catching some air time in his family garage in Jacksonville Beach, is 12 years old and appears to be on his way to becoming a star. He sings, co-writes songs, plays guitar and has all the right moves. And the garage is set up as his practice room.
If you go

Who: Dalton Cyr

What: Album release party/concert for "I'll Be There."

When: 7 p.m. Thursday.

Where: Lillie's Coffee Bar, in the courtyard at 200 First St., Neptune Beach.

Admission: Free.

Info: Daltoncyr.com.


Jack Jacksonville on Facebook
By Heather Lovejoy
Watch out, Justin Bieber. Here comes Dalton Cyr.

Actually, scratch that.

At 12 years old, Dalton Cyr (pronounced “sear”) is dedicated to making music and has surpassed any aspirations to emulate the teen pop star. People tell him that he’s “the next Justin Bieber,” but the Jacksonville Beach boy is more interested in being “the next John Mayer.” Musically speaking, that is. Let’s put any character judgments about Mayer aside.

“That didn’t last long,” Dalton said about wanting to be like The Bieb. “I don’t want to go down that route.”

No disrespect intended, he clarified. He’s not a hater. It’s just that poppy synthesizers and Auto-Tune effects turn him off.

“I don’t really do all the typical, mainstream hooks. I don’t care for that kind of thing,” he said.

Dalton, however, may be exactly what powers in the music industry desire. In December, he signed a management agreement with Irene Dreayer, an executive producer for The Disney Channel who is known in Hollywood business circles simply as The Dray. She launched the careers of Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus and Dylan and Cole Sprouse (of “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”). Yeah, we’re talking that big.

As soon as she saw Dalton in a video, she knew: “That’s the ‘It’ factor.”

His musical journey, which started when he asked for a guitar at age 7, could be at a turning point. His first full-length album, “I’ll Be There,” debuts next week, and a concert and party will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lillie’s Coffee Bar in the courtyard at 200 First St. in Neptune Beach. A few days later, he’ll take off on the Nashville-produced Country Pop Rock Tour.

He seems, though, to be headed in a different direction from the aforementioned Disney stars. With “unbelievable” talent and “sweet and loving” parents, Dreayer said, he has the foundation to take his entertainment career as far as he wants.

“I do believe he will be a singer-songwriter to be reckoned with. A well-known musician,” she said.

He prefers rock ’n’ roll and blues styles, and places his music in a broad pop-rock genre. There’s a Beatles poster over his bed, a Bob Marley poster near the door, four guitars and a ukulele on the wall.

Not guitar only

He plays guitar best, he said, but is also adept at keyboards and drums. His latest fascination is with the French horn. He loves singing, songwriting and dancing, making him what Dreayer calls a “triple threat.” It’s not a stretch to raise that to a “quadruple threat,” though, because he’s also enjoying acting classes.

He lives with his parents, Cindy and Frank Cyr, who said their biggest goal regarding him is to be supportive but not overbearing. They make sure his honor roll status in school doesn’t suffer, and that he has enough free time to prevent burnout.

It’s tricky, because they also want to guide him to reach his full potential, which includes instilling discipline. We’ve all heard the nightmares about child stars gone awry, so yes, they are aware. But by surrounding their son with good people, they are determined his story will not unfold that way. It’s his dream, not their dream, they said.

Wearing a T-shirt, jeans and black high-top Converse with purple shoelaces, Dalton lounged on his bed, hands behind his head and ankles crossed.

“They keep me in check,” he said of his parents. “If I’m getting a little uppity, they say, ‘Hey, you’re being a brat.’ ”

Talking with him is full of surprises and laughs, and it’s easy to be taken aback by his rather mature life perspective and articulate nature. This kid is smart. When asked what, other than music, is his favorite subject in school, he quipped, “Does lunch count?” There are no signs that he’s being pressured or forced into pursuing music.

“It’s interesting how people seem to - Florida Times Union

Dalton Cyr: Expect to keep hearing the name of this 12-year-old musician from Jacksonville Beach
Pop musician's manager launched careers of Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron.
Posted: July 28, 2012 - 12:07am | Updated: July 28, 2012 - 11:28am
JView this story on the All-Access Members site
Back Photo: 1 of 7 Next
Dalton Cyr, catching some air time in his family garage in Jacksonville Beach, is 12 years old and appears to be on his way to becoming a star. He sings, co-writes songs, plays guitar and has all the right moves. And the garage is set up as his practice room. BOB MACK/The Times-Union
BOB MACK/The Times-Union
Dalton Cyr, catching some air time in his family garage in Jacksonville Beach, is 12 years old and appears to be on his way to becoming a star. He sings, co-writes songs, plays guitar and has all the right moves. And the garage is set up as his practice room.
If you go

Who: Dalton Cyr

What: Album release party/concert for "I'll Be There."

When: 7 p.m. Thursday.

Where: Lillie's Coffee Bar, in the courtyard at 200 First St., Neptune Beach.

Admission: Free.

Info: Daltoncyr.com.


Jack Jacksonville on Facebook
By Heather Lovejoy
Watch out, Justin Bieber. Here comes Dalton Cyr.

Actually, scratch that.

At 12 years old, Dalton Cyr (pronounced “sear”) is dedicated to making music and has surpassed any aspirations to emulate the teen pop star. People tell him that he’s “the next Justin Bieber,” but the Jacksonville Beach boy is more interested in being “the next John Mayer.” Musically speaking, that is. Let’s put any character judgments about Mayer aside.

“That didn’t last long,” Dalton said about wanting to be like The Bieb. “I don’t want to go down that route.”

No disrespect intended, he clarified. He’s not a hater. It’s just that poppy synthesizers and Auto-Tune effects turn him off.

“I don’t really do all the typical, mainstream hooks. I don’t care for that kind of thing,” he said.

Dalton, however, may be exactly what powers in the music industry desire. In December, he signed a management agreement with Irene Dreayer, an executive producer for The Disney Channel who is known in Hollywood business circles simply as The Dray. She launched the careers of Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus and Dylan and Cole Sprouse (of “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”). Yeah, we’re talking that big.

As soon as she saw Dalton in a video, she knew: “That’s the ‘It’ factor.”

His musical journey, which started when he asked for a guitar at age 7, could be at a turning point. His first full-length album, “I’ll Be There,” debuts next week, and a concert and party will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lillie’s Coffee Bar in the courtyard at 200 First St. in Neptune Beach. A few days later, he’ll take off on the Nashville-produced Country Pop Rock Tour.

He seems, though, to be headed in a different direction from the aforementioned Disney stars. With “unbelievable” talent and “sweet and loving” parents, Dreayer said, he has the foundation to take his entertainment career as far as he wants.

“I do believe he will be a singer-songwriter to be reckoned with. A well-known musician,” she said.

He prefers rock ’n’ roll and blues styles, and places his music in a broad pop-rock genre. There’s a Beatles poster over his bed, a Bob Marley poster near the door, four guitars and a ukulele on the wall.

Not guitar only

He plays guitar best, he said, but is also adept at keyboards and drums. His latest fascination is with the French horn. He loves singing, songwriting and dancing, making him what Dreayer calls a “triple threat.” It’s not a stretch to raise that to a “quadruple threat,” though, because he’s also enjoying acting classes.

He lives with his parents, Cindy and Frank Cyr, who said their biggest goal regarding him is to be supportive but not overbearing. They make sure his honor roll status in school doesn’t suffer, and that he has enough free time to prevent burnout.

It’s tricky, because they also want to guide him to reach his full potential, which includes instilling discipline. We’ve all heard the nightmares about child stars gone awry, so yes, they are aware. But by surrounding their son with good people, they are determined his story will not unfold that way. It’s his dream, not their dream, they said.

Wearing a T-shirt, jeans and black high-top Converse with purple shoelaces, Dalton lounged on his bed, hands behind his head and ankles crossed.

“They keep me in check,” he said of his parents. “If I’m getting a little uppity, they say, ‘Hey, you’re being a brat.’ ”

Talking with him is full of surprises and laughs, and it’s easy to be taken aback by his rather mature life perspective and articulate nature. This kid is smart. When asked what, other than music, is his favorite subject in school, he quipped, “Does lunch count?” There are no signs that he’s being pressured or forced into pursuing music.

“It’s interesting how people seem to - Florida Times Union

COVER STORY
Sprouting Superstar
A not-so-minor talent, Dalton Cyr is ready to take off to LA and beyond

Though not yet a teenager — he turns 13 on July 21 — Dalton Cyr has written two songs, “Whisper” and “You’re Not Alone,” powerful enough to have made big impacts on listeners. Fans have written about how “You’re Not Alone” has helped them. He has received Facebook comments and tweets thanking him for the song.
Though not yet a teenager — he turns 13 on July 21 — Dalton Cyr has written two songs, “Whisper” and “You’re Not Alone,” powerful enough to have made big impacts on listeners. Fans have written about how “You’re Not Alone” has helped them. He has received Facebook comments and tweets thanking him for the song.
DENNIS HO
PHOTO1234567891011
By Amanda Long
Posted 5/29/13
CYR'S FAVORITES
Favorite artists: The Beatles, John Mayer

Favorite guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughn

Favorite performer: Michael Jackson

Listening to now: Parachute

Running and jumping around the stage, Dalton Cyr looks like a seasoned performer. As he serenades girls on stage, he doesn’t look a bit nervous. At 12 years old, he has been performing for only a couple of years. With a management team in Los Angeles and a second album in the works, he's a busy middle-school student who strives to maintain a normal life.

Last summer, Cyr released his first album and went on the road with the Country Pop Rock tour, which highlights upcoming young musicians. On a trip to Los Angeles, he was coached by choreographer Anthony Carr, who has worked with Justin Bieber and Missy Elliot. Cyr has chosen to stay away from choreography and focus on his vocal quality and instrumental proficiency. He said he has also turned down several boy-band offers.

“I liked the choreography, but I do my own thing. I know that there are people that come to multiple shows, and I don’t want to make it boring,” Cyr said.

He made another trip to LA in April to collaborate with producer Paul Fox, who's worked with Phish, The Sugarcubes, 10,000 Maniacs and Edwin McCain. Cyr and Fox teamed up to write songs with other seasoned songwriters, recording in EastWest Studios where performers like Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley have also recorded.

Fox described Cyr as a rarity: a level-headed kid who wants to learn. When he first received a tape of Cyr's music, he had to request another to make sure that he wasn’t lip-synching. Fox said once he knew the performance was real, he was blown away.

“I honestly feel that there is something there. The music world will be hearing of him,” said Fox, who added that he has a knack for discovering new artists. Fox discovered Terra Naomi, the YouTube sensation whose song “Say It’s Possible,” exploded in 2006 and has had more than 4 million views. Naomi moved to LA to work with Fox before broadcasting her virtual summer tour and releasing “Say It’s Possible” on YouTube. That video helped her to receive national attention and score appearances on the NBC and CBS morning news programs.

Once the songwriting stage is over, Fox will produce three songs with Cyr as he performs with seasoned musicians, including drummer Josh Freese, who's played with A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails and Sublime with Rome.

Cyr’s management team in LA includes Irene Dreayer, a long-time Disney Channel executive producer, and Beth Broday, CEO of The Dray Way, an entertainment career-coaching company. Broday has managed performers including Alanis Morissette and Sting. They found Cyr through the Dray Way Facebook page that holds weekly contests where the winners get a chance to Skype directly with Dreayer. Cyr won one of the contests.

“As soon as I saw his video, I was completely taken. I was blown away,” said Broday. “Dalton is incredibly disciplined and talented. He takes his craft very seriously.”

Cyr spends at least two hours a day practicing. He writes songs, does vocal exercises, meets with vocal coaches and guitar instructors, and rehearses in front of a wall of mirrors that his parents set up in his garage. He spent the month of March focusing on songwriting and preparing for the trip to Los Angeles. Cyr said that he has written more than 50 songs.

Even when he's just practicing, his goal is to sweat by the end of the first song. Learning to adjust his body language was a challenge when he switched from using a microphone to wearing a headset. The change from sitting on a stool before a microphone to standing on stage with a headset required a lot more energy.

“I search artists and watch them perform live and try to find inspiration and different things to incorporate as I'm performing,“ Cyr said.

He explained that by watching other artists’ performances and studying their body language, he can mimic their sound when doing covers. Cyr has performed covers of songs by One Republic, Sublime and Maroon 5.



‘It Was Torture’ - Folio Weekly

Dalton Cyr Seriously Skillful Songwriter/Performer

September 12, 2013

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

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.


Rick Stevenson
RICK STEVENSON
Award-winning Director, Writer, Producer and the Director of the Prodigy Camp Rick Stevenson said,

“With the help of a posse of international talent scouts, I get to choose the 20 most talented kids between the ages of 12-18 from around the world.” Dalton was one of three recipients to receive a 2013 Prodigy Camp Scholarship. Dalton beat out hundreds of other young artists for The 2013 Prodigy Camp Scholarship because of his songwriting chops. Listen to his songs and you’ll understand the definition of ‘Prodigy.”

Once at camp, Stevenson said,

“Dalton is a prodigy in the truest sense of the word. As Director of The Prodigy Camp, I see a lot of amazing talent every year from around the world and his talent is the purest. Just standing there, singing soulfully, and drawing from his joy and his pain. He’s a little John Mayer–but with a less complicated love life :) Even though he’s the youngest, he has this wonderfully wry maturity that makes him a joyful presence.”

I caught up with Dalton and asked him about his experience at Prodigy Camp. In his words, here is what he had to say:

Dalton & Thilo at Prodigy Camp
DALTON CYR & THILO BERNDT AT PRODIGY CAMP
“The 10 days I spent at Prodigy Camp were amazing! While I was expecting to have a good time, I had no idea how incredible it would be. I really feel like I am a changed person now. I feel wiser, kinder, better. To be around so many people who are like me–so passionate and serious about what they are doing –and are committed to making their chosen art their career…well, it was a life altering experience for me. I started the week not knowing anyone, and by the end I felt like I had a bunch of new brothers and sisters.

It was really great to meet people I’ve read about on Rivenmaster, like Thilo Berndt, who is just an awesome person. He is so positive all the time which I really like in a person. The Blackberry Jam brothers, Adrian and Julian are great songwriters and amazing too.

Blackberry Jam & DaltonCyr
DALTON WITH BLACKBERRY JAM


In addition to songwriting, performing, and learning about the art of storytelling, I also got to learn about film-making and acted in three films, including one short film I stayed a couple of extra days to be in.

I was also chosen to be interviewed for a really cool project called “The School of Life Project.” The project entails me being interviewed every year or two until I turn 21. Then they put together a short film which compiles the interviews and film footage from throughout the years. The project has about 250 kids from 10 countries whose stories might help other kids.

My days at camp started around 7:00 am with a morning swim, then breakfast and into film-making or songwriting sessions where we would study the craft and learn about how to do it better. Some days I would act.

At night after dinner, we would take turns showcasing our talents. Singer/songwriters would perform live and filmmakers would show movies they made. I was one of five songwriters at the camp, not including the mentors and returning camp members.

After that, we would go to campfire and tell stories. This was a time where people shared their most personal stories. It was a great experience that I learned a lot from and was one of my favorite parts.

After campfire, we would have some amazing homemade cookies and go to bed around 11:30 pm.

The Script The Man That Can't Be MovedDalton Covers The Script in “ - Rivenmaster's Place

Dalton Cyr Seriously Skillful Songwriter/Performer

September 12, 2013

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

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.


Rick Stevenson
RICK STEVENSON
Award-winning Director, Writer, Producer and the Director of the Prodigy Camp Rick Stevenson said,

“With the help of a posse of international talent scouts, I get to choose the 20 most talented kids between the ages of 12-18 from around the world.” Dalton was one of three recipients to receive a 2013 Prodigy Camp Scholarship. Dalton beat out hundreds of other young artists for The 2013 Prodigy Camp Scholarship because of his songwriting chops. Listen to his songs and you’ll understand the definition of ‘Prodigy.”

Once at camp, Stevenson said,

“Dalton is a prodigy in the truest sense of the word. As Director of The Prodigy Camp, I see a lot of amazing talent every year from around the world and his talent is the purest. Just standing there, singing soulfully, and drawing from his joy and his pain. He’s a little John Mayer–but with a less complicated love life :) Even though he’s the youngest, he has this wonderfully wry maturity that makes him a joyful presence.”

I caught up with Dalton and asked him about his experience at Prodigy Camp. In his words, here is what he had to say:

Dalton & Thilo at Prodigy Camp
DALTON CYR & THILO BERNDT AT PRODIGY CAMP
“The 10 days I spent at Prodigy Camp were amazing! While I was expecting to have a good time, I had no idea how incredible it would be. I really feel like I am a changed person now. I feel wiser, kinder, better. To be around so many people who are like me–so passionate and serious about what they are doing –and are committed to making their chosen art their career…well, it was a life altering experience for me. I started the week not knowing anyone, and by the end I felt like I had a bunch of new brothers and sisters.

It was really great to meet people I’ve read about on Rivenmaster, like Thilo Berndt, who is just an awesome person. He is so positive all the time which I really like in a person. The Blackberry Jam brothers, Adrian and Julian are great songwriters and amazing too.

Blackberry Jam & DaltonCyr
DALTON WITH BLACKBERRY JAM


In addition to songwriting, performing, and learning about the art of storytelling, I also got to learn about film-making and acted in three films, including one short film I stayed a couple of extra days to be in.

I was also chosen to be interviewed for a really cool project called “The School of Life Project.” The project entails me being interviewed every year or two until I turn 21. Then they put together a short film which compiles the interviews and film footage from throughout the years. The project has about 250 kids from 10 countries whose stories might help other kids.

My days at camp started around 7:00 am with a morning swim, then breakfast and into film-making or songwriting sessions where we would study the craft and learn about how to do it better. Some days I would act.

At night after dinner, we would take turns showcasing our talents. Singer/songwriters would perform live and filmmakers would show movies they made. I was one of five songwriters at the camp, not including the mentors and returning camp members.

After that, we would go to campfire and tell stories. This was a time where people shared their most personal stories. It was a great experience that I learned a lot from and was one of my favorite parts.

After campfire, we would have some amazing homemade cookies and go to bed around 11:30 pm.

The Script The Man That Can't Be MovedDalton Covers The Script in “ - Rivenmaster's Place