The Sirasuca Project
Hometown: Tewksbury, MA

How are you feeling about competing in the Finals?
“Competing in the finals is something that goes beyond words for us as a band. We have worked so hard and have had so many obstacles blocking the path to where we wanted to end up. That feeling you get when you play a song in public and you just know that people are listening and appreciating the music is extremely addictive. We are all influenced from someone or something. We want to influence others in the sense of letting them know that with the right amount of work and drive, you can do whatever you want. Getting picked just to be on the show was so amazing for us. Taking the next few steps and advancing to the finals takes our dream to a whole new level. We are so ready.”

Why do you think you should win?
“First of all, I feel as if we already won just for being a part of something this cool. The reason I feel we are worthy of winning is all together is because I feel nothing is given, it’s earned. We earned the opportunity to compete on this show and when we got here, we earned our sopt in the finals. Not just us, but with everyone else around us who has seen our struggles and stuck with us. We feel we have just as good of a shot to win as anyone else. I am sure all the other contestants feel the same way and their talent truly shows that. Everyone is so talented.”

As a band, what makes you stand out?
“I think what makes us stand locally with all the other talent in our town is our original song and cover song selection. Our originals have received a very positive response in the past year and a half. It helps us because most of the bands from our hometown are strictly cover bands. Not it’s a bad thing to be a cover band, but it helps us to have originals to add to our variety. The covers we do are also something that makes us stand out. You never know what you are going to hear at our shows. We have something for everyone in the room and we do it in a way where you don’t even know it’s coming.”

Where have you performed?
“We have played at numerous bars and clubs in Boston, Lowell, Tewksbury, Billerica, Haverhill, etc. We have also had some great shows in New Hampshire. We love the opportunity to play in different places – it builds support and gives you more people to share with.”

Why kind(s) of music do you enjoy best?
“We are very big fans of simply great songwriting. The cool thing about this band is that we all share the same influences and style of music. We love great songwriters such as Tom Petty, Rob Thomas, Elvis Costello, etc. We are also huge fans of 90′s pop rock and share a common interest in acoustic music.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Our biggest accomplishment so far has definitely been this opportunity to play on Community Auditions. I have been watching the show for a while and every time I watched I would always think in the back of my mind, ‘Man, we could so do this. That would be so great for us.’ This opportunity turned that thought into a reality and for that we are so grateful.”

Ashley Tucker
Hometown: Worcester, MA

What song do you plan on performing at the Finals? Why did you choose that song?
“I am singing ‘I Have Nothing.’ This song is very emotional and powerful. It has many different dynamics and the lyrics are relatable to many people, including myself.”

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“Growing up I always loved singing and was highly influenced by MTV.”

How long have you been performing?
“On and off throughout the last ten years.”

What kinds of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“Hip Hop/Pop. Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. I see them as amazing singers in their time, and I strive to reach that level of talent/success.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
“Mariah Carey.”

How would you describe yourself to someone who does not know you?
“Quiet, goofy, likes to laugh a lot.”

Anna Nyakana
Hometown: Stamford, CT

How do you feel about competing in the Finals?
“I feel honored to be competing in the finals, music has been my passion since I was a small child living in Germany. After performing in only two episodes my fans and supporters from around the world voted me into the
finals, so I want to send a special thanks to them including my family in Uganda, Africa (webare munonga – thank you very much!). Being in the finals is not just for me but for all of them as well.”

Why do you think you should win?
“At this stage in the compettion, some might say it’s all about winning. For me, it’s about performing a song that the people will feel, a song that will inspire rather than influence. Throughout this competition, I have only performed songs that I have written and composed.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
“Bob Marley has most most inspred me for his music woke my consciousness. The messages in his songs inspired me to keep true music alive and write songs that can relate to the masses; people from all walks of life.”

How long have you been performing?
I have been performing since Elementary School, when my family and I immigrated to the States. I always participated in school concerts and musicals and began playing the clarinet at age 8. At age 15, I taught myself how to play the guitar and classical piano.

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Five years from now, I would like to be inspiring people around the world to pursue their dreams, live in harmony, and create positive changes around them, despite theri circumstances, through my music.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Being featured on the front cover of the Uganda Observer, printed in Kampala, Uganda. My father is from Uganda and that newspaper showed me the support I had across the world from the country and continent that also claim me as their daughter.”

Kels Ferguson
Hometown: Taunton, MA

How do you feel about competing in the Finals?
“I am really excited. This has been such an awesome experience and I’ve met such great musicians. This is no simple karaoke gig. This is the real deal and it has been a total honor o be a part of it.”

Why do you think you should win?
“I have been waiting my whole life for an opportunity like this. It’s not a matter of ‘should’ I win. I want to win, but I am going up against talent that I’ve never competed against before. This is the first competition I’ve ever been a part of so if I should lose, I would not regret it or feel as if I was cheated. The talent in these Finals is amazing!”

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“My father was a lounge musician for many years. He got me started at a young age singing with his band and I’ve continued ever since, especially since he passed away. I know that to be a musician was my fathers’ dream for me.”

What kind of music do you enjoy the most? Any favorite songs or artists?
“I enjoy all types of music. I prefer to sing Pop music, but have sang plenty of rock with my band and certainly a lot of oldies with my father’s lounge band when I was young. I adore performers like Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and the like. They not only produce wonderful music, but are known to put on a  great live show.”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Getting into Berklee College of Music as a horn player when my musical strength is my voice. That was certainly an achievement.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“I would like to get paid for doing what I love. That does not mean that I have to be rich and famous, but if I could get a decent job in the entertainment industry that pays my bills each month, I would be happy with my life.”

Tamar St. Julien
Hometown: Newton, MA

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
“Funny, creative, energetic, and talented. Fun loving!”

As a performer, what makes you stand out?
“I would say it’s the talent and the passion behind it. I want my audience to feel what I feel when I sing.”

What kinds of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I mostly enjoy gospel music and some R&B. Of course, Whitney Houston – no other voice compares!”

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
“Probably going on tours with my gospel choir in undergrad and with Rashad Mcpherson and Divine Purpose, which is a group I sing with sometimes.”

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
“Musically, it would have to be singing the national anthem at Fenway Park.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Recording and touring!”