Ferras

Guide Note

Known as the artist who performs the American Idol Goodbye song, Ferras is a pop rock artist who released his debut album April 1, 2008.

Ferras began playing piano at the age of 5 under very strange circumstances. His parents had been recently divorced and his father had promised him a trip to Disneyland. On the way to the airport, his father stopped to purchase a toy for Ferras to keep him occupied during the trip. Ferras had chosen a small Casio keyboard which would later become his emotional escape. His father had lied to him and actually kidnapped Ferras and taken him to Jordan.

Ferras began playing his keyboard and had even written a song for his mother while he was missing her. His Mother ignited an undercover rescue and Ferras rejoined his mother in the United States three months after being kidnapped.

While growing up Ferras felt different. He was half middle eastern, had a strange name and lived in a white neighborhood. He claimed that he felt out of place. He played piano by ear and loved to sing and this brought a lot of attention to him as a child. He stated that he felt alienated and therefore created the concept that he was from another planet. Thus, the title of his debut album, Aliens & Rainbows. Because of the alienation he felt, he focused his energy on his music ability.

In His teens, Ferras convinced his mother to move to California where he could focus on his music and was already performing. He caught the attention of Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit who wanted to sign Ferras to his label. He declined the offer and decided to enroll into the Berklee College of Music. While he was attending school, Fred Durst began setting up auditions for Ferras which eventually led to him signing with Capitol Records.

After signing, Ferras began working on his debut album Aliens & Rainbows. which released April1, 2008. Before the release of his debut album, his single "Hollywood's Not America" was chosen to air on American Idol as the goodbye song.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Ferras Alquasi
2. Born: 1982
3. Birthplace: Gellespie, Illinois
4. Years Active: 2007-Present
5. Record Label: Capitol Records
6. Debut Album: Aliens & Rainbows
7. Kidnapped by father at the age of 5
8. Debut single "Hollywood's Not America" was the goodbye song on American Idol Season 7
9. Influences: David Bowie, The Beatles and Elton John
10. Discography

1. "From the start, all I wanted to do was write and sing songs that would make people feel something." —Official Site
2. "I don't know if that's post-traumatic stress from being kidnapped and taken away, but I've had a fascination with aliens and what not." —Wyoming News Interview
3. "There’s definitely that element running through my music; it’s an emotional connection." —NewNowNext Interview