Up & Coming New Nashville- Can You Duet’s Keeira Lyn Ford (With Exclusive Interview)

Photo Copyright (c) Rob Greer

A 24-year-old native of San Dimas, California, Keeira Lyn Ford has music in her blood. Keeira auditioned for CMT's Can You Duet at the open call as a single but found her partner during callbacks when she was paired by the judges with Matt Boggs. You can watch her currently on this second season as she works her way towards the finals. But this isn’t her first blush with television with her music career.

"I tried out for `American Idol' and auditioned in front of Simon, Paula and Randy," said Ford, who also is a songwriter. "I sang a country song and they didn't put me through because they said I didn't look like a country singer. I was hurt, but I turned it into a positive by writing a song about my experience.

"My dad, who plays saxophone in Little Richard's band, really loved the song and started helping me with my career. He's the one who told me about the auditions for `Can You Duet?' and took me to Nashville to try out. It was brutal, but fun."

Ford said going to the auditions without having a duet partner proved to be extremely challenging. While waiting for her turn in front of the judges, she had to scramble to find someone to sing with. Eventually, the show's producers paired her with 23-year-old Texas native Matt Boggs.

"I went through a lot of drama," said Ford, "but I was very happy about being able to sing with Matt. He is very talented and it was a great pairing for me."

Ford's journey in show business began when she was a child with roles in TV commercials and sitcoms. Along with recurring guest spots on "Hanging With Mr. Cooper," "My Wife And Kids" and "Living Single," she appeared in a McDonald's commercial with country singer Garth Brooks.
We had a chance to interview the lovely Ms. Ford and talk about her burgeoning music career and her experience on the CMT television show.

That Nashville Sound- You're a new face to country music- tell me about the uphill road you've faced getting to where you're at thus far?

Keeira Lyn Ford- It has definitely been tough growing up in California where the country market is smaller. Even though my family doesn't have much money, my mom and I have travelled all over the United States for Country competitions and auditions to try and get myself out there. I also don't traditionally look like a country singer, and that has held me back with people like Paula, Randy and Simon of American Idol. However, people that are true country fans, love and respect my artistry.

TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?

KLF- My music is very heartfelt. Everything I sing whether written by me or not comes from the heart. I don't sing anything I can't relate to or think that no one will. Music is a universal expression that gets people through life. I want everyone to connect with my music and make them feel like they are a part of something.

TNS- How has the Can You Duet been thus far?

KLF- Can You Duet has been one of the best experiences of my life. I did a lot of television shows growing up because of my acting background, but being able to sing my genre of choice in front of Naomi, Scott and Big Kenny was a priceless opportunity. They all believed in me and helped contribute to my new found confidence. I made so many lifelong friendships amongst the contestants. The whole show was a growing and learning adventure.

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?

KLF- Right now I'm getting a lot of music submitted to me, so I'm listening to a lot of original stuff. I'm always listening to country, traditional and new, and configuring my own style between the two. In my iPod I have everyone from The Beatles to Brad Paisley to Britney Spears

TNS- What's next for you? Where do you hope to be career-wise a couple years from now?

KLF- Right now I am concentrating on my music and maximizing all of my opportunities so that I can come out strong. A couple of years from now I hope to be signed to a major label, attending every awards show, creating albums and touring ten months out of the year

TNS- Quick questions (which do you like best?) Opry or Opera?

KLF- Opry all the way.

TNS- Record stores or downloads?

KLF- Record stores.

TNS- Fine dining or southern cooking?

KLF- Southern cooking.

TNS- Baseball or fishing?

KLF- Fishing.

TNS- West Coast or East Coast?

KLF- Sunshine in the West Coast.

TNS- Nickname for your guitar or other instruments?

KLF- My guitar is Dusty and my keyboard is Rusty.