Interviewed by Karla Ash
Don't lump London-born beauty Nalika with the barrage of one-named
disco divas. Her voice has much more oomph than most of the youthful
starlets on MTV. That may have to do with her musical background.
Her influences, too, speak of high standards. Nalika explained
all in the following interview.
About Nalika
I have been singing since the age of seven. After my parents
heard me sing at a concert in primary school, they recognized
that I had a talent for singing and enrolled me in a local singing
club. This led to me auditioning for Music School where I became
a member of the Redbridge Music School Choir for seven years
in addition to singing in my School Choir. I also received voice
training from the age of 12 and still take lessons to this day
to continue developing and strengthening my voice. I have a strong
musical background. I have studied and passed exams in piano,
violin & singing & I have a Music GCSE qualification.
I think this musical background has contributed to developing
my singing style. By studying music and singing from an early
age, I was introduced to so many different styles of music. However,
I soon recognized that I sang my best when performing soulful
songs as the emotion in my voice came across effortlessly to
my audience.
Inspirations
I draw my musical inspiration from Soul & R 'nab artists:
Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Brandy
& Monica, Norah Jones & Sade.
The Future
I am currently finishing recording two more songs. Both are
ballads - one jazzy, the other pure soul. Both songs are full
of emotion. The melodies and harmonies are beautiful, and I
am really enjoying working in the studio at the moment to get
the sound right. Going forward I'd also like to work on some
fusion music - songs that have Eastern music samples or lyrics
mixed in with Western melodies, the kind of thing Raghav and
Jay Sean have started doing. This is an area that has started
to take off but needs to be represented more in the music industry.
Passion for Music
Yes. I have always loved singing and thought to myself as
I have this talent I must use it. Whilst growing up I have always
made the most of any opportunity to sing - musical shows, concerts,
choir, university cultural shows, weddings or festivals. You
name it, I have done it. I have always enjoyed singing and when
your audience loves what you are doing you know you must be doing
something right. I think the positive reaction I have received
to me singing inspired me to seriously consider singing professionally.
Family
My family has always been very supportive of my musical passion.
The only thing they insisted on was getting my education first
before pursuing a singing career, and I took their advice. My
dad sings classical Sri-Lankan music and also plays the Sri-Lankan
drums (tablah). He was not really encouraged by his family to
pursue his musical interest when he was young for fear it would
interfere with his education. However, this did not stop him
from continuing singing and recording later on in life. For this
reason my dad has encouraged my musical interest. My mum has
always been equally supportive of my passion to sing. She was
always the one taking me to singing lessons, rehearsals or auditions
when I was growing up. She sometimes even accompanies me now
for moral support. I am very lucky to have parents who have been
very understanding towards my musical interest - I can honestly
say I have their support 100%.
I can always rely on them to offer me advice and criticism if
necessary when I sing.
Visit the website at: http://www.nalika.co.uk
