Theresa Interview

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Theresa Sokyrka on Canadian Idol, her career, and Saskatchewan
A large crowd filled the White Fox Community Hall Saturday night to celebrate the White Fox Credit Union 60th Anniversary.

Wednesday April 13, 2005

Nipawin Journal — Theresa Sokyrka on Canadian Idol, her career, and Saskatchewan
A large crowd filled the White Fox Community Hall Saturday night to celebrate the White Fox Credit Union 60th Anniversary.
The entertainment for the evening was former Canadian Idol runner-up Theresa Sokyrka. Prior to her performance, Theresa talked with The Journal about her time on Canadian Idol, about her music career, and her work as Saskatchewan's Youth Ambassador for 2005.
Journal: What was Canadian Idol like? How was the experience?
Theresa: Canadian Idol was a lot of work, most of it behind the scenes. It was a 24-hour a day job. I had a really great time doing it and I love to talk about it and remember it, but I'm really excited to start my own career now and it's really helped me to do that. It's been a great experience because of that.
Journal: Has it changed for you after Canadian Idol?
Theresa: Yes, mostly when I'm at home it's a lot different. When I go to other places like Toronto, Winnipeg or Edmonton, life is not so different -- just walking around in strange places. As far as Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, there is a lot of recognition here. It's really great. They are all really proud.
Journal: Do you keep in touch with Kalan Porter?
Theresa: No. He's much too busy. He's got a lot of different things going on his life and a lot has changed. He's a busy, busy bee. I saw him at the Junos for a little while; 30 seconds maybe.
Journal: Would you recommend anyone that likes to sing to try out for Canadian Idol?
Theresa: I would. It opened up so many doors in the industry. It's not a sure thing, but if your willing to work and keep working after all the show is finished and the hub, hub is done, you have to keep working. In any situation. Keep working.
Journal: So your cousin Donna (RCMP officer) lives in Nipawin? Will you get to see her this trip?
Oh yes I've saw her already. When I came into town I got pulled over. I thought maybe I was speeding, then I thought for a minute -- wait a minute -- I'm not speeding. That's Donna. I know it is. Sure enough, it was. She was playing a trick on me. She's been very supportive of me -- she's my godmother.
Journal: You did a commercial for SaskTel, what was that like?
Theresa: SaskTel is a great company and they are willing to help me out, so I'm willing to help them out. It's the total idea of Saskatchewan. People here are kind, they want to help. The concerts that I have been having in Saskatchewan are being promoted through the Hospital Foundation in each small town. What a great way to promote. They have the ability to advertise and then it helps them out because they get a cut of it.
That is one group that will always need money -- the Hospital Foundation. From all the voting and the stuff that I went through last summer it is totally evident how much support was coming from Saskatchewan so this is my way of giving back to the communities.
Journal: What are your plans for the future?
Theresa: I have the Youth Ambassador for the Centennial year until December 3l. I'm doing a lot of touring to small town Saskatchewan and talking to kids about staying in Saskatchewan -- how your dreams can be fulfilled here.
A lot of kids think they have to leave to Alberta and Ontario, but it's possible to do things here. I've made my whole album here -- back in Saskatoon so you know it's possible. It's all possible. All of your dreams are attainable here
I want to write my own music and hope to do more writing. I'm working towards that and Idol has helped in the natural process.
Sokryka also performed in Nipawin on Sunday night with her live band. Her new album which is titled "These Old Charms", is scheduled to be released on April 26

[hookedonci]

Just 10 more days.