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01 November 2005
Anugerah 2005 finalists in LIME
LIME
LIME: Singapore Poly has been producing star champs like Taufik, Kelly Poon and now you, the newly-crowned winner of Anugerah. That's quite something.
KHAIRUL ANWAR: It's a coincidence, really. SP has always encouraged us to not only excel in studies but in our areas of interests.
As a Media & Communication student, is the media industry what you've always imagined it to be?
It's more than I expected! What I study in school is helpful but in the real world, every little thing is an eye-opener to me. When I see how the professionals do their work, I feel small.
You've said you don't mind working backstage. What do you see yourself doing, if not singing?
Singing is my childhood dream and being able to realise it is like 'WOW!' But maybe, I'll be a cameraman, director or producer.
Azmir was always a hot favourite with the judges. Did that make you feel insecure?
In competitions, you'll surely feel worried about your competitors but I try not to let them distract me. I just work hard and know that the best man wins.
Taufik ex-band, Bonafide Vintage Flav'r just released their debut album EP. Are you worried your friends might ride on your fame?
I don't think so. I don't have a band, it's more of an informal group. My jamming friends respect my decision to go solo. Who knows, if I have a concert someday, I'll invite them to play for me. I really don't mind lending my name to help my friends. But if it affects me, I'll voice my objections.
Now that you're famous, are you afraid people might try to sell you scandals to the tabloids?
I think everyone will be afraid of that. But I know I didn't do anything wrong like committing crimes, I should be fine. My record's quite clean.
Would you hide your girlfriend from the public?
I don't have a girlfriend! I'll decide later when I have one.
You'll be performing at the LIME Sonic Bang in Dec. What's one English song you'd like to sing?
Maybe the song I always sing, 'My Baby You' by Marc Anthony. The last talent contest I joined in Singapore Poly, I won with that song!
LIME: You're switching career paths from soccer to singing. Is fame too hard to resist?
SYED AZMIR: (Laughs) I think it is! I didn't expect to become popular and have so many fans shouting my name. But I enjoyed it. I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't. Soccer is a passion, not a job. When I was playing in the National Youth team from 13 to 18, I was best known for my free kicks. People used to call me Beckham!
Which gives you a greater thrill: hearing the screams of your fans or winning a soccer match?
Hearing my fans scream. 'Cos, I'm doing something that people appreciate. When you play soccer, people are supporting the whole team. But as a singer, they cheer for you alone.
Taufik had a hard time juggling NS duties with his career. Do you think you've got the capacity to cope with it?
I think I've been coping well so far. My camp has been very supportive. If I have enough sleep, I can juggle many things at once.
We hear singing is something quite new to you. When did you start?
I didn't know I could sing until I was 14 - I started singing in the bathroom, just like everyone else. I was 18 when this guy heard me sing and asked if I'd be interested to sing at gigs. I tried it and realised I like performing!
Are you passionate enough about your craft to keep on going even when the going gets tough?
I know it's hard for local musicians here but I'm going to work very hard to pursue this as a career. I look back at artistes who've failed and want to learn from them and not make the same mistake.
You've had girls posing as your girlfriend online. How would you prevent your ex-girlfriends from airing your dirty laundry?
That is... man! I don't think they will do anything like that! But scandals are part and parcels of showbiz. Whatever happens, I've to accept it. But I'm not scared. If I find a girlfriend who's really understanding about my job. If she's okay with keeping our relationship a secret, so as not to affect my popularity, so be it.
You'll be performing at the LIME Sonic Bang in December. What's one English song you'd like to sing?
I'll sing a song by Usher. 'Cos I won the Usher competition organised by 987FM last year! I also appeared in LIME!
LIME: Now that you're a star, do you still take the bus?
MOHD FAUZIE: Yes, I do. People stalk me all the time but I've got no choice 'cos my price money hasn't come yet! Sometimes I take the cab when we've rehearsals and I have many things to carry.
Do you wear your shades everywhere?
No, I haven't bought one yet. Actually, it's not much use 'cos people still recognise us no matter what we wear.
What's one English song you want to sing at the LIME Sonic Bang?
I'd love to sing 'Earthbound' by Conner Reeves. It's a love ballad and I really like the melody.
LIME: Now that you're famous, is it easier to score dates?
MOHD KHAIRIL: Definitely very easy! When the girls see me, they see a star. Some ask for my number but I'm attached. It's caused some tension in my relationship but we've managed to settle the problems. I make sure I don't change, so my girlfriend will feel secure.
Do you still take the bus?
No, 'cos I'm driving my parents' car. I'm not used to taking public transport 'cos I've been driving for two years. Now I know how convenient having a car is!
What's one English song you want to sing at the LIME Sonic Bang?
I'm not good at singing English songs. In the finals, I sang an English number which was just horrible.
More scans: Azmir, Fauzie, Khairil
