TERRY ILOUS
Our first One on One interview is with Terry Ilous. Terry is a veteran musician of the Hollywood scene and lead singer of the band
XYZ
After XYZ's demise, Terry began to explore the softer, more romantic sounds of music by releasing a critically lauded CD under the name of Flynn. Shortly after, Terry's father passed away. Getting in touch with his Spanish roots again, he perfected the concept of the soulful romantic singer with Lucasmusic, his collaboration with guitarist Chris Flores |
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The forthcoming comeback "LETTER TO GOD" is what the rock fans have eagerly awaited for! Along with JK Northrup, the album was mixed by Tom Fletcher, who has worked for SCORPIONS, TOTO, and YES, among others. “LETTER TO GOD” features 2 remakes of previous XYZ hits: "Inside Out" and "What Keeps Me Loving You". Original guitar player Mark Diglio co-wrote several of the songs for the CD. "LETTER TO GOD" is dedicated to Terry Ilous' son, as the song "Letter To God" was the last one they wrote for the CD especially after that tragedy of Terry's son dying late last year.
Jaime: First off, I’d like to start by saying thank you very much for doing this interview. I’d also like to mention that when I auditioned to attend The Vocal Institute of Technology, at The Musician’s Institute, in Hollywood, back in 1990, I sang the song “Souvenirs” off of your first album. It must have worked because I got in.
Jaime: How long have you been singing?
Terry: Ever since I was a little boy. I’ve always had an interest. Singing was natural for me since my mom was always singing at home and my dad was always playing guitar.
Jaime: I Know that you started as a professional wrestler. How did you change from wrestler to singer?
Terry: Same thing. You wrestle someone, you wrestle notes (ha-ha). I was a small kid, so I learned wrestling to defend myself. I learned how to run fast too… As I started to sing more and more, I got asked to join a few bands… and the rest is history.
Jaime: Has any part of your physical training from that part of your life benefited you as a singer?
Terry: Well yes, singing is very physical. So before a show I always stretch out. In fact I do it for about 15 minutes. I stretch out my neck and stomach, and I breathe in and out for a long time.
Jaime: Have you had any vocal training?
Terry: Not really, but I learned on the spot by talking to other singers and asking questions. I also realized that a few things were bad for your throat before singing, like cigarettes, booze, and coffee.
Jaime: How do you keep your voice in shape?
Terry: I drink a lot of water, don’t smoke, exercise a lot, and before going on stage, I really stretch out my vocal cords. That’s about it.
Jaime: How exactly do you stretch out your vocal cords? I mean, what are you doing for a warm-up?
Terry: I do some scales using ABCD etc… and the I do this funny sound letting air go through my lips and adding notes.
Jaime: I think you are referring to a warm-up exercise called “lip bubbles” or “motorboats”. I use this exercise and explain it in my book ,u>RAISE YOUR VOICE.
Jaime: Do you warm up every day and/or before you perform?
Terry: Only before a show or recording, but then again I record or play a lot!
Jaime: How long does it take for your typical warm-up? Terry: It usually only takes me a few minutes, but it depends on whether I have recently sang or not. If I haven’t sung for a while, it will take a few minutes longer.
Jaime: Have you ever lost your voice or had any vocal problems while on tour?
Terry: Once I had to go see a voice doctor. He told me I was pushing too much. He gave me a shot and told me to get some rest.
Jaime: This just goes to show that we are only human. If you push too hard, you are going to vocally suffer.
Jaime: You have an excellent range. Have you always had your range or did you have to work for it?
Terry: I think I’ve always had it, I can’t remember. I think the higher notes got stronger as I started to sing more, but I’m more or less a natural. I’m not for sure if that’s good or bad.
Jaime: Consider it good, I’ve had to work my butt off to get my range.
Jaime: How does your voice and range feel after all of these years? Do you notice any changes?
Terry: Yes of course I notice changes. I like the sound of it now. It’s more bluesy and a bit more mid-rangy. But I’ve got to be careful and not make it too raspy otherwise I lose all of the high range.
Jaime: The song Souvenirs had a really high note. I think it was a G above Tenor high C. When you hit that note do you consider it full voice or falsetto?
Terry: Hmmm… I think it’s a mixture of the two. Funny, I can still do that, but I’m happier by other things I do these days then singing high notes. I like the fact that my way of singing songs has gotten better.
Jaime: Yes, but once upon a time you had to be able to sing where only dogs can hear. But I respect and understand your maturity towards the more important qualities of singing as opposed to being able to hit extremely high notes.
Jaime: For you personally, what physically changes when you are singing higher as opposed to singing lower?
Terry: Really not much. My tone changes. It’s a bit more mid- rangy, but that’s it. Once in a while I crank up some of my old songs and sing along. Damn those notes are high, but I’m O.K. with them.
Jaime: Do you have any tricks or secrets you’d like to share with other singers to help their range and/or their overall vocal technique?
Terry: As I said, take care of your voice naturally. No drugs or hard booze. The truth is, we are all different, so our body’s reactions are not always the same. But overall, it is wise to say that you have to warm up a bit. Consider that for play… then you can go for it. Consider going for it “love making like an animal”.
Jaime: So in other words, “give it everything you’ve got, and don’t stop.”
Jaime: What about in the studio? A lot of singers have trouble singing in the studio. Any pointers?
Terry: Well, before I sing, I think of people I love, like my dad, who taught me the love of music. I see a stage, then I see all the ones that don’t like me or want to put me down, so that I can go to that special place in my heart where I can find love, peace, and rage. I always think of people I admire; like great warriors. I see myself entering a ring, ready for the fight. It’s me or them. It’s physical and I have to win, at least I believe that I win. I never like my performance and I always believe it could be better. That’s why I need someone in the studio with me, otherwise I would still be recording the 1st cd.
Jaime: I love your style and individuality. What helped you to become you? What I mean is how did you develop your style?
Terry: What helped me to become me is what happened in my life. I went from a poor kid, to a rock star, to homeless person living in his own car, to being a better human being in search of answers. That’s who I am today. So I sing with soul. I don’t care if I’m not the most famous rock star. I’m not jealous of anyone, I’m happy trying to be me; A good singer looking for answers. Soul is everything. If you ain’t got one, then you’re not alive. You are just pretending to be. Find out what you want and you’ll know who you are…
Jaime: Who are your biggest vocal influences?
Terry: Too many, but I’ll name a few. Ray Charles, I love his pain. Robert Plant, I love his melodies. Steve Perry, I love his emotion. Of course, the great Freddy Mercury, I loved his style. Let’s not forget all the great black singers from the Motown era. Also, Pavarotti, Ian Gillan, etc…
Jaime: Do you notice any of their traits in your own style?
Terry: Of course. I always try to reproduce a bit of who I have learned from and try to take it further without stealing their style.
Jaime: Are you a loud singer or a soft singer? I have met some singers who sound almost like they are whispering, but sound huge through a P.A. system. On the other hand I have heard some singers who sing so loud they almost don’t need a P.A. system.
Terry: I can be a bit of both. I think I’m a lucky singer. God gave me a gift, so I’m intending to use it to make people feel good for as long as I can. Singing is very therapeutic; it feels like I can heal my pain. I hope to make others feel the same as well. I think I did recently. We played this show in Vegas, and this very poor, crippled kid was in the front of the stage in a wheelchair trying to get my attention. I sang for him and I saw sparkles in his eyes. I really felt great because I knew he felt the same way. That’s THE magic of singing; being able to touch someone. Anyway, we took a picture together and I posted it on my website. God bless that kid and his mom. They don’t have it very easy…
Jaime: Another tough one for singers is developing vibrato. Can you explain how you developed and produce such a beautiful vibrato?
Terry: Just by using some tricks. It is something that can be controlled, more or less. It’s controlled in the back of your throat, while making your stomach very tight.
Jaime: If an aspiring singer came up to you and asked you for the one bit of advice that would make a difference in them as a singer, what would that advice be?
Terry: To sing with soul. We singers have a gift; we can touch people one way or another. The voice is a very powerful instrument. When we communicate, we can make people crazy. Remember Hitler? Well, he had that sound and the way to express himself. Remember Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President”? Everyone wanted to sleep with her…The voice is a very powerful instrument.
Jaime: Thanks again Terry for your time and cooperation with this interview. You’ve actually made me rethink the essence of the voice in a more spiritual view as opposed to a mechanical approach. I’m sure everyone who reads this interview will learn a tremendous amount about themselves and their voice.
I asked Terry for permission to reprint the lyrics to “Letter To God” , in memory of his son.
“LETTER TO GOD”
When I was young I was told I should believe
Beyond this life is a better world
That if we suffer it’s to purge our soul from sins
Then the last one shall be first
You look at me deep in the eyes
Just to know what I feel
The anger that’s growing inside
Please tell me what’s real
All I see is killing me inside
All I see is killing me…
Why can’t you let me decide my destiny?
Now time is passing with more questions in my mind
Without answers to believe
The poor man watches as the rich man drinks his wine
It makes me cry to see him grieve
You look at me deep in the eyes
Just to know what I feel
The anger keeps growing inside
Please tell me what’s real
All I see is killing me inside
All I see is killing me…
Why can’t you let me decide my destiny?
Can’t you see this test of fate is killing me inside
If you wish to contact Terry Ilous or learn more about XYZ and Lucasmusic, you can check out his website,
www.terryilous.com, or go to
www.xyzmusic.com for the latest XYZ news.
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