Time Changes Everything

Today is the first day of a new month.

The month the tally of my age moves 1 digit higher.

I've started taking in more private voice students.

Some of the younger singers, the teenagers in particular, remind me of where I came from - the shy, scared teenager I used to be. So afraid to show the world her need to sing.

I've come a long long way.

And sometimes I feel that all I have to show for it... is only what's inside of me.

10 years after winning The Big Break, some might say - I'm still looking for that big break.

Being an aspiring musician/singer-songwriter in Singapore is just NOT easy.

Recognition is hard to come by, opportunities are fleeting (and more often about who you know, than what you do), garnering support is like squeezing water from a rock.

But where I stand right now - despite it looking quite similar to where I stood 10 years ago, is a lot different.

In a decade, I've lived through a whole lot of personal experiences.

Some have left me wiser.

Some have left me more cynical.

Some have taught me when to care, and when not to care.

At the end of the day though, I still wish to be making music with the same passion and love that I started out with.

It's a conscience choice - because working in this industry in THIS country... can often take away that passion and leave you with that distinctly bitter taste in your mouth.

To all the young, aspiring singers in Singapore, I have this to say to you:

Never forget WHY you sing. No matter what people say, no matter who favours you (or not), no matter if you don't get paid well, or that people look at you and see a CD player.... Keep singing.

Keep improving.Because....

Remember your worth. You ARE an artist. You ARE valuable. Don't ever let anyone treat you otherwise.