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SINGAPORE : In any person's life, the coming of age is an important occasion to mark the transition from adolescence into adulthood. Likewise for musicians, there are several ways to mark their "coming of age", but none is more striking or more definitive than recording the debut album.
See, singles or EPs are usually just trailers or teasers to the full range of what a musician can offer. And as many movie buffs can attest, the trailer doesn't always reflect the actual full-length feature.
Recently, three Singapore "debutantes" released their full-length features - Serene Koong released her rather cryptically titled "55:38:7"; Meixin offered a collection of ballads called "Loving You"; and Inch Chua finally released her highly-anticipated "Wallflower".
All three are not newbies to the game. Serene has written songs for other Chinese pop musicians and appeared on Jaycee Chan's album. Meixin released an EP three years ago and has since carved a concurrent career as an actress. And Inch Chua cut her teeth fronting rock bands like Auburn's Epiphany and Allura.
But now, these three ladies have thrown their hats into the ring, as it were, giving their confirmation of intent in the music industry, with each offering a unique take.
Give an Inch
Inch's "Wallflower", for example, is available as an online-only download. And it's free.
"Looking at how the music scene is right now, it's a bit pointless to do CDs, people aren't buying them," said Inch.
"I've tried selling songs online, but after all the admin, the paperwork, the cut that sites and agencies get, the artiste gets less than 10 cents a song. It makes no sense. So I figured, let's just let people hear it for free."
Recorded over two-and-a-half weeks, "Wallflower" features more acoustically-driven electronica pop. "It's sort of an extension of 'The Bedroom EP' (2009), which was kind of an introduction to what I had to offer," she said. "And to let people know that I was moving away from the rocky Allura sound."
Inch will launch the album with a concert at the Esplanade on Friday night. Unlike her previous shows, this one will feature a four-piece band backing her.
"It's a full band, but it steers away from the rock band thing I used to do. It's there to add some oomph to the songs," said Inch. "It's going to be a full concert production, so it's cool, but scary at the same time."
In all honesty
Singer-songwriter Serene Koong is also bucking a trend in the Chinese pop market. She's one of the few Chinese pop artistes to have released an album of self-composed tunes for a debut, and to have creative control over the other aspects, from cover art to concept.
"It's a real challenge," said Serene. "But I'm very thankful to be so involved in all the aspects of the album. I think the drive to want to do it well overrode any of the challenges. After all, getting to do what you want to do is hard to come by."
For Serene, having her own songs on the album is a big deal, even if it sometimes takes some "persuasion" before a song comes along.
"When inspiration comes, it's very easy. But there are days when nothing comes. I refuse to write anything that I don't feel for. What makes me want to write songs is to put honesty into them. There's nothing better than being yourself in front of your listeners," she said.
According to Eric Ng, who heads Funkie Monkie Productions, Serene's record label, the album is also a means to an end. The singer admitted that she's more comfortable writing and singing in English (the songs on the album originally had English lyrics - the Chinese lyrics were reworked by renowned songwriter Xiao Han). Eric hinted that an English album is in the works. So why release a Mandarin album first then?
"To make money lah," Eric said half-jokingly. "Let's admit it, Chinese music is a big market. This is a good way to make inroads into the market."
"I would love to do an album in English," said Serene. "But right now, we're just concentrating on this album first.
The next Stefanie Sun?
Meanwhile, Chinese pop singer Meixin's debut album is the culmination of three years' work.
"That I can actually come up with this album is a big achievement," she said.
"As I was always in China and Taiwan filming, I didn't have time to get into the studio. I'd be filming for one week before I could record some songs. So I'd be shuttling from China to Singapore. It's tiring, but you get used to it."
A plus for Meixin is that she managed to get her original composition, "Because I Love You", on the album. "That's my first song. It's drawn from a bit of my life and the people I know," she said. "I used to write songs, but not all of them were very good. This is a simple song, but I think that makes it easier for people to remember. Besides, it's the first time I'm doing this."
Meixin said her dream is to collaborate with her idol, local superstar Stefanie Sun. "She's one of Singapore's biggest stars. I think her songs are really great. I love her albums and her songs really touch me. If I could cover her songs, that would be great. But then again, she's already done them so well, how can I compete with that?"
Never gonna give it up
The big question, though, is: What if nobody likes what they do?
"Then it's back to your motivation: Why are you doing this? The thing is that if we don't keep trying, it's not going to get any better," said Inch. "It's just persistence. That's what makes people survive in this industry."
Serene agreed that a positive attitude helps.
"It would be nice to get a No 1, but we didn't do this for that," said Serene. "We just want to make music, and I think everything else will come into place. The biggest thing would be that people like the songs. It makes my day when people tell me, 'I was having a bad day, but when I heard your song, it made me feel better'. I think this is a big reward in itself."
For Meixin, she counts herself fortunate "because I get to do and see things that other people don't get a chance to".
"I can do my own album and let my songs be heard," she said.
Added Serene: "I would like to do music for as long as I can, till the day I die. Every album is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
And the girls truly believe they've got a good shot, too.
"After having played overseas at festivals," said Inch, "it's nice to know that some local music isn't that bad. In terms of creativity, I think we have something unique to offer."
Inch Chua's "Wallflower", Serene Koong's "55:38:7" and Meixin's "Loving You" are available in stores now.
- TODAY/il
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