Girl makes the Star Search cut, but too young to compete

SACKVILLE - World renowned music producer David Foster has told Sackville songstress Samantha Dixon to try out for his Atlantic Star Search again when she's a little older, but she's much to busy to count the days, or years until, her 14th birthday.

"They heard her and she was a successful applicant, but there was a mix-up with the age requirements," said dad/manager Sean Dixon. "It was a disappointment, but it was pretty nice to know she would have been there."

Until then, 11-year-old Dixon will keep busy performing, writing and recording. She's appeared in a number of plays, has performed live on television programs like Breakfast Television and even had a small part in a locally filmed movie.

"It was called Circuit," said the energetic 'tween. "It was fun, but kind of boring. I was paid by the hour to sit around a lot."

Dixon has been singing since before she can remember and despite her age, she is dedicated to her music and works hard to hone her skills. She has taken voice lessons and is currently learning how to play the piano.

"It's what I want to do," she said.

Dixon says her dad usually gets her to sing songs he knows from older artists like Fleetwood Mac and Cindy Lauper, but she's anxious to record something new with a little more of a hip hop feel.

"He's really into old stuff," she said. "It drives me crazy."

Dixon is also excited about writing her own material. At 11, she doesn't know a lot about heartbreak, but her lyrics are pretty much all geared toward the universal subject.

"My family tells me all of my songs are about love," she said. "But what else is there to write about?"

Despite her age, Dixon has impressed local producers and artists including Frank McKay, who asked her to sing back up on a recent recording. As far as acting goes, she continues to audition, although, ironically, Dixon has lost parts to other kids because her voice is too big for her body.

"My family tells me I'll grow into it," she smiles. "But I'm happy doing what I'm doing until then."

You can hear Dixon's latest recording at www.bruceonbass. com.

blhall@eastlink.ca