If I Cannot Fly, Let Me Sing

on January 5, 2021

No matter what people think of you, always sing your own song

There is a saying that “music” is what feelings sounds like. Whenever there is quietness in my life I will always fill it with music. In many ways, music is my escape from reality to an imaginative dreamy world. And it that world, I’m always a singer.

Unfortunately, I cannot sing! I mean really cannot sing. But I knew a cabin crew who can sing really well. In fact, she won CX singing competition twice! Her name is Mariam and recently I had the pleasure of talking to her through a “video-call” session.

When or How did you discover your passion in singing?

I think I started singing in Grade 4, when I joined the school choir team. It was a happy and memorable experience for me especially when I was chosen to be the Soprano (the person who can hit the high notes) for the choir team. When I was in secondary school, I have also participated in a TVB singing competition. Despite having some experiences, singing remains a hobby to me and it was not something I considered pursuing seriously in my life.

How does joining CX affects your passion in singing?

I joined CX in 2002. In those years, CX organized singing competition almost every year. But I never thought of joining the singing competition as I don’t think I could win, or I am not good enough and etc. – I guess I am not confident with myself. It all changed in 2004 when I was asked by my friend to help her to prepare for her singing competition. It was then that the thought really came to me – “Maybe I could try”

So in 2005, I joined and I won. It was one of the most important life changing moment for me. The joy of performing on a big stage, the joy of singing and the opportunity to meet many new friends are all life changing experiences. Most important change though, is within me, that I am good enough to win.

https://youtu.be/TLzvRkPatPk

2005 CX Singing Competition

What is your most memorable experience in singing?

Winning the CX singing competition remains my most memorable experience. In fact, I participated and won the singing competition again in 2015. Exactly 10 years apart. I still could recall clearly the song I have chosen to sing and how I performed on the stage. It was and is still a meaningful and emotional song. It’s about the pain and sadness of losing someone that you loved, and I am especially proud of how I have delivered the song to the audience.

https://youtu.be/nfksGZWyuq4

2015 CX Singing Competition

Winning the singing competitions, opens up a lot of opportunities for me. Since then I have performed with live band in pubs, wedding events, parties and also musical festivals. I have also been asked by few musical producers to create demo tapes for new songs. I have learned a lot from these experiences. Being a singer requires so much more than just the ability to sing. It requires emotional maturity, strong personality and the ability to get the audience on your side.

https://youtu.be/6a84wPkaqBc

Who is your favourite singer/song?

My favourite singer is Sandy Lam. She has a unique voice which is soft but yet clear. What I most admire about Sandy is her originality and creativity. Over the years, she has produced albums and songs from different kinds of music genre such as jazz, R & B, rock ballad and pop dance.

What is your plan in future?

The pandemic has put a stop in most things, including flying. Since I cannot fly, maybe I could sing. So in the past few months, I have been recording some youtube videos of my singing at home. My hope in creating the youtube channel is simple. To create a place where I could capture my memories, and perhaps, if someone likes my voice they could listen to some of my songs and music.