Dan Suarez may have a great set of vocal chords, but that does not mean he has a big head.
The Lyons Township High School junior auditioned for and won a place as a vocalist on a CD with a strong message that living a life without drugs and alcohol is the only way to achieve one’s dreams.
The “Serenity” CD is part of a bigger campaign by the We Are One Foundation to encourage sobriety among high school students. The auditions were held at Border’s Books in La Grange Oct. 25.
Dan, who is a vocalist for the alternative band Von Chalant, said he found out from a friend of his mother’s about the audition.
“It interested me so I checked it out, and I thought it was pretty cool.”
Prior to the audition, Dan watched a video of 10 other vocalists hoping to secure a spot on the CD.
“I saw a couple of friends of mine who did really well,” he said. “I listened to the music — it’s really more hard rock. I didn’t really think it was my style, which is a little more relaxed. But they said they would let me throw in my own style and thoughts in to it. They pretty much gave me creative control over it, which is pretty exciting.”
The project is the brain child of Super Star, formerly Kris Kancler, who, along with his brother, Rock Star, formerly Mark Kancler, started the foundation in response to Super Star’s fight with and victory over addiction. The nonprofit organization is aimed at raising awareness of burgeoning drug and alcohol use among high school students.
Super Star called Dan a real trooper.
“It’s tough to stand there in front of a panel of judges,” he said. “They’re taking notes and the singers notice that. That would make me nervous for sure.”
Dan came into the audition with Von Chalant guitarist Brian Quinlan, who accompanied him on “Do it for You.”
“He just blew us away,” Super Star said. “His voice is very warm and inviting, and it will definitely help us convey the message of the song.”
Dan recorded the final track on the 12-song CD, featuring the Kancler brothers and members from Kiss, Heart, Goo Goo Dolls and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Other members of Von Chalant include Nolan Galivan, drums; Michael Leszczynski, bass; and Christian Zwit, keyboards and synthesizer.
Meanwhile, Dan is not letting his guest appearance on a CD featuring an all-star cast get to his head.
“I try not to get ahead of myself,” he said, “but it’s really exciting and I’m very excited.”
