Debra Fotheringham, the ninth of eleven children, grew up in American Fork, Utah in the shadow of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. As a child Debra was quiet and contemplative, preferring time spent in her imagination to time spent in real life. As a result, Debra turned to writing as a way to shed light on her world and express her inner creativity. Beginning in the first grade, Debra was invited to various Writers’ Conferences every year based solely on her talent for fiction writing.
From birth, music was an integral part of Debra’s life. Her father had been a professional jazz saxophonist earlier in his life, and Debra grew up immersed in the constant sounds of his large jazz music library. She tried her hand at several instruments, beginning with the violin, then the trumpet, before she finally found her niche. At the age of fourteen Debra simultaneously discovered the versatility of the guitar as well as the diversity and rhythm of world percussion. Debra took to the guitar immediately. While studying percussion in school, Debra used the guitar to escape from the rigidity of formal instruction. Caught between her two loves, writing and music, Debra discovered she could combine them both to create something fascinating and wholly new to her...and Debra began writing songs…and then she began to sing.
At the age of sixteen, Debra began to perform in local venues and she has been charming audiences ever since. Her clear and effortlessly melodic vocals, insightful lyrics, and uncommon skill on the guitar have caught national and global attention.
In 2006 Debra met Nashville producer/engineer Giles Reaves (Patty Griffin, Chantal Kreviazuk) and in 2007 she and Giles co-produced Debra’s self-titled debut album. That summer Debra toured extensively around the United States and Europe, from Seattle to New York to Paris, including an invitation to perform in Long Island, NY as the featured artist for the world’s largest acoustic podcast.
"Her future surely holds opportunities to play in front of thousands of fans at larger venues." --Deseret News
"Utah Valley's Favorite Local Performer." --Utah Valley Magazine
"Fotheringham is perhaps best known for her smooth, jazzy voice and impressive vocal range. Her live performances have the precision of a studio recording. Fotheringham's shows are never disappointing." --UVSC College Times
"Her eclectic style fits as easily in a full-band show as it does a living room... It seems like no place is too small for this hard-working musician, and her website details her adventures through the west, sleeping in cars, looking at stars, and finding Seattle's perfect open air market. Fotheringham's honesty and humanity are as appealing as her talents." --Square Magazine
On the road i see. So awesome! I need to know what you know about getting out there. Teach me your ways! Hey i wanted to hit you up about doing a little Kanye West beat for me next time i play Hammer Hands :). I think it would be fun. I do a version of Heartless that would be fun to have a Debra beat on. Anyways, not sure when that'll be but i wanted to shoot it at ya and say Hi!! Be safe on the road. Aloha Jake-CUB
Hi Debra, I'm really missing you song Parisian Air :), thank you for your music, it gives me a lot of precious thoughts and feelings even when I'm broken. Take care, bless you !
Hi Debra, greetings from Japan. I bought your CD and enjoy listening. It's soooo fantastic! Thank you for the great music. Please come to Japan sometime.
Debra, you are just soooooooo talented. The bass line for waiting and temporary are too die for. And Temporary's opening lyric 'You asked if I were temporary' fabulous. I've added you to my playlist and when you (and stephanie) are playing everyone at works wonders who you are. It's cool sharing something new to the world of folks who only have the local radio at their disposal. You're great. COngrats.
