Our sister site, Teen Scene, recently interviewed Ferras. You may not be familiar with him yet, but it’s a sure bet that if you’re an American Idol fan that you’ve heard his single, “Hollywood’s Not America.” Below is our Q&A with Ferras.
Teen Scene: Your name is Ferras Alquasi; what country does that originate from?
Ferras: My Father is middle eastern, from Jordan. So, I guess it’s an Arabic name.
Teen Scene: Your single “Hollywood’s Not America” has become a major hit, did you expect it to become this popular?
Ferras: I had a feeling about the song. This sort of thing is unpredictable, but I always knew the song was special.
Teen Scene: What do you think of it being played as an exit song on American Idol?
Ferras: I was honored to have it as a part of the show. I think the song was a great fit for the Hollywood week episodes, so it was pretty amazing!
Teen Scene: The song almost sounds as if you’re writing about a loss, is it written for or about a certain person?
Ferras: It was written as a response or a commentary on the “situation” in Hollywood. The out of control and obsessive media, the young Hollywood starlets achieving great “success” yet being empty inside. I think there’s a part of Helena Jane in all of us. It’s a reminder to try and stay grounded in the midst of a city founded on illusion.
Teen Scene: How long did you write and sing before you were discovered?
Ferras: 12 years.
Teen Scene: You began writing songs at a young age, what inspired you to start writing?
Ferras: The connection of emotion to music. When my father kidnapped me when I was five, I wrote my first song for my mom - because I missed her. It was my way of expressing myself - it’s always been that sort of process for me.
Teen Scene: What brought you to the idea of naming your debut album, “Aliens and Rainbows”?
Ferras: As a kid, I never felt like I belonged. There was always a sense of alienation. Growing up in a small mostly white town in the midwest, being kidnapped, being half middle-eastern, being able to sing and write without training or lessons at an early age. I always sort of stood out like a sore thumb. So, I came up with this concept that maybe I was an alien. So, I titled this record “Aliens and Rainbows” because it’s representative of a place that I go to where I am met by creatures who are like me, who understand me. It’s a place where you belong. Also, it’s a journey, much like this record. Where do rainbows end? You never know…
Teen Scene: Your parents divorced when you were young as well. Many teens and young adults have to deal with their parents divorcing nowadays. If you don’t mind sharing, what advice would you give to young people about dealing with divorce?
Ferras: My mother was always so strong, despite any obstacle that was thrown our way. I always felt like I had two parents because she did such a great job. Of course there were times I wished I had my father in my life, but at the end of the day I turned out ok. Life is full of things like this, I don’t have the answer or any advice. You take the good, take the bad and it’s all a part of this thing called life.
Teen Scene: You went to Berklee College of Music; what did it feel like learning alongside other talented musicians?
Ferras: There are a lot of wonderful musicians are Berklee. I didn’t really interact so much because I was always holed up inside the practice rooms writing songs on my own. I was only there for two semesters.
Teen Scene: What are your future plans and hopes for your career after your album is released?
Ferras: I hope to continue to make records and inspire people. I hope to always feel deeply, explore new things and take chances. Life is too short not to live it. I hope my music is embraced and touches people on a soul level.
