Tracy Forsyth

Tracy, born in Vancouver, BC, Canada, began of her musical career with training in high school with teachers Leslie Allison and Audrey Borschel; performing in various high school productions (performing to directing), vocal choirs and jazz camps; being involved in various theatrical endeavors from West Vancouver Little Theatre to acting courses and Festivals; and, working as a soloist (amongst all this activity Tracy also graduated with Honours). She was awarded a Theatre Arts Scholarship and attended David Thompson University in Nelson, BC where she performed many roles in University productions. She then moved on to performing as lead vocalist & guitarist/keyboardist in Vancouver, BC & Los Angeles, CA. in various groups. She recorded songs in studios around Los Angeles including Beverly Hills. While in Los Angeles she was given the opportunity to be in these films: 'Roots of Evil' (aka 'Naked Force'), and 'Spellbinder'. Back in Vancouver she wrote with a fellow musician (great songs - sound of Sabbath, Uriah, etc.) and they performed on live radio at Vancouver CO-OP Radio a couple of times, singing various original songs. The songwriting duo had a fabulous chemistry going but the Vancouver scene was too small and the next move needed to be made outside of Vancouver.

The all-female band ‘Catastrophe’ based in Seattle, WA was a perfect match at the time so she joined them and toured and recorded as lead vocalist & rhythm guitarist for a year. These songs were written by the guitarist, Cathy Lauer, and Tracy added her magic to them. While in Seattle Tracy trained with vocal teacher Sue Carr (actress/singer/vocal coach). Sue later moved to Los Angeles, attained numerous singing and acting successes, and has returned to Seattle where she currently teaches.

In 1993, when the tenure of that band had run its course, Tracy returned to Vancouver from Seattle. Many years of researching, reading and attending seminars occurred during the years since returning to Vancouver. Tracy's view of the world & knowledge of the global situation changed dramatically. Back in Vancouver she wrote more and became interested in a different genre - choir music. The classical training she had taken in high school was being put to more specific use. The exceptional talent was being expressed in another way now. She expressed her fabulous talent and skill with beautiful choir songs in the Unity in Action Choir in New Westminster being engaged as the high soprano performing various concerts, as soloist and choir member. She was a member of that choir from 1994 to 2004. Additionally she worked as a soloist at numerous events in and around Vancouver such as weddings, church engagements, private functions. The genre was focused on standard material and then opera. Tracy took classical training with Caroline Harder (Vancouver Opera). She also met Scott (her husband to be) at this time and promoted his carving and artwork throughout these years.

Spring 2003 brought some theatre back into Tracy’s life. She acted and sang in Heritage Valley Resort's, Abbotsford, BC, production of 'The Perfect Wedding'. The production and actors received excellent reviews, both in newspapers, on radio and from the audience and the play was held over for additional performances. Summer 2003 brought the recorded demo of two original songs: 'Which Step Shall I Take' & 'Glorious Days'. May 2004 Tracy recorded thirteen original songs for pre-production for the CD. Both recordings were at Green Room Studio, Abbotsford, BC.

Various solos were performed with rave reviews at the Grand Chapter Sessions in the Chilliwack Coliseum, Chilliwack, BC from May 30 - June 2, 2004. In August 2004 she recorded the second pre-production of CD songs in the Green Room Studio. (Later, on May 15, 2005, she also performed at the Honour Reception for Judy Stanley-Long, Mission, BC. Between May 29 - June 1, 2005 she again attended the annual Grand Chapter Sessions performing various solos at the Sportmart Place, Kamloops, BC. Tracy "...mesmerized the audiences").

Mid-April 2005 the recording began for Tracy's debut CD. Kelly Stodola had been chosen as the drummer. He played with Danielle Osborne and Greg Schmidt in the band Blind Pigeon. It would be easiest to choose a guitarist & bassist (a whole band) that was used to playing with each other. That was simple & coming together very well. Next: the date. The studio was to be Strait Sound in Gibson's, BC. A date in April was chosen and then Kelly informed Tracy that Blind Pigeon was going to be performing in Sechelt that same weekend! Absolutely perfect. The drums and bass were recorded that weekend by Ray Fulber in Strait Sound. The production was then moved over to JON Hemingway's studio, JOHEWADO, in South Surrey. (JOHEWADO has since moved to Nova Scotia). Greg Schmidt added his guitar parts at his home & they were transferred later. Nathan Mah added keyboard parts. JON added numerous parts - from recording, production, engineering, mastering, assisting with back vocals, keyboard playing, CD design, web design, - the man is a genius! All the contributors did a superb job on this project. Even Danielle added vocals to the track 'Where Were You Daddy' as a 'little girl' voice was needed and hers was perfect. As Kelly Stodola had remarked at the first listen of the CD "my drums have never sounded so good!" (combination of Strait Sound & JOHEWADO?). That's a fabulous compliment coming from someone who has recorded in some of Vancouver's best studios. Scott, Tracy's husband, added his beautiful artwork for the cover and throughout (view more of Scott's art at Scott Forsyth Art). The majority of the CD's workings came together easily and the process was filled with synchronicity. The CD was released in August 2005. After many years waiting it was finally accomplished!

Shortly after receiving the pressed CD’s Tracy was asked to perform in the musical production 'The Perfect Breadbox' written by Myles Murchison. Though this was cutting into her promotional effort it was a musical production she felt was right for her. It was a wonderful production and one of the highlights of her performing in the last few years. Tracy got to show some of her three octave range by taking on the high harmony in one particular song. The production played at the Wheelhouse Theatre in November 2005 in South Surrey, BC.

JON Hemingway called her 'Heavy Metal Lena Horne' during a recording of one of the songs. Later she remixed a higher melody of 'It's Up To Us' (#12 on the 'Multimedia' page) to show the range capable. It shows her nail, with clear assuredness, those notes of high 'A'. It's a voice many know and love. Tracy dedicated herself to promoting the CD with a large amount of success. Highlights include: a 1/2 page newspaper article written about her & her CD in the Peace Arch News (first CD ever to have that large an article in the newspaper), appearing on a KISM radio interview and the CD receiving radio airplay around the world.

Victor Yong accompanied Tracy on the KISM radio interview for the airing on March 19, 2006 and later he introduced her to the sound of Nightwish from Finland. When she first heard songs by Nightwish she considered the band too dark and heavy. After a couple more times listening she realized what a gem of a band this was. Tracy was amazed that such excellent music was being recorded and performed in the world. The world had hope for the kind of music she could excel in! Rock with an opera singer - Europe is and has been doing it! Thank you Victor! (She thought "where have I been?")

In the summer of 2006 Tracy could feel a change coming though didn't know what it was. Then in September 2006 things shifted. During a jam session which it was decided to perform 'Dark Chest of Wonders' by Nightwish along with other rock songs she realized the hard edge rock never left her and she still very much enjoyed singing that genre. Thomas Yee (organizer of the jam & guitarist) asked Tracy if she'd like to join a band with some of the musicians at the jam. The focus would be Classic Rock with about 20% Euro-rock. It then became known that the band Nightwish, the world renowned symphonic rock band from Finland, was looking for a new vocalist so it was decided to make the showcase performance on December 3rd, 2006 an audition video to send to the band. They attained a club to perform in, decided to name the band Solar Fire, rehearsed twice only and then performed to a very pleased crowd. Despite a sound system that was severely inadequate where Tracy could barely and sometimes not at all hear her vocals she did a superb job. Short clips are available on the Multimedia page.

During the summer of 2007 she joined with some other musicians and formed a second band named Revolution Calling. This was a classic rock band with an emphasis on Queensryche (another of her favorite bands). She continued to promote her CD, rehearse and perform with the two bands. Later in Dec. 2007 Solar Fire performed at the Backstage Lounge in Vancouver along with Revolution Calling. In the beginning of 2008 she focused some time & energy back to writing. The second band, Revolution Calling, disbanded with all members going off to separate projects or taking a break from music. In December 2008 Tracy wrote over 30,000 words for a book that had been waiting to be done. It was a wonderful experience.

The year 2009 proved to be a very interesting year. Tracy was very busy with a multitude of things. Singing-wise she performed with the Unity in Action Choir at the Celebration Concert '40 Years of Spirit Rising' in New Westminster at Unity in Action . It was wonderful to see all those friends she hadn't seen in quite a few years. It was a wonderful night enjoyed by a packed house. Also in October Tracy performed at the special celebration at Inner Garden in White Rock. Tracy gives thanks again to all the people who purchased CD's and for all the otherwise wonderful support at both events! Rehearsals continued with Solar Fire.

Beginning in early 2010 Vancouver's Queensryche tribute band blossomed. After many years of wanting to put together this tribute band Tracy joined up with Emi Topcu, (Chris De Garmo) of Lethal Halo to create this excellent musical project. Next on board was guitarist and vocalist Marysia McGilvray (Michael Wilton). Bass player Leo Pedersen (Eddie Jackson) was the next to add his talent & energy. Rolf Popp (Scott Rockenfield), from Solar Fire, joined the team adding his solid drumming. Stephen Parker joins them as the keyboardist amongst his very busy schedule. In early June Tracy recorded the thirteen songs (the first songs chosen for the band to learn) in karaoke fashion in Mark One Studio in Burnaby and was very pleased at the closeness to Geoff's singing that she accomplished. Mid-July it was decided that if the band could pull off Queen of the Reich well that that would be the name of the band. After the first take of the song it was joy all around: they had the name of their band. Tracy, with never having sung that song before, nailed it quite well, securing the piece and a major step forward was made. See Queen of the Ryche page for further band information.

In addition, rehearsals continue with Solar Fire. They are adding new songs and are looking forward to gigging.

Additional Song Lists.