DURING a trip last week to Mawlamyine, we met Yee Lay, one of the participants in a nationwide singing contest organised by Super Coffee. Yee Lay was one of 18 singers selected for the Mawlamyine final contest. Timeout had a chat with him about his experience.

Timeout: We heard that you are from Yangon. How did you come to take part in a competition in Mawlamyine?

Yee Lay: Yeah, I live in North Okkalapa township in Yangon. Actually, I been in Mawlamyine for a while. When I saw the announcement about the singing contest, it wasn’t stated whether they would hold the audition in Yangon or not. I wasn’t certain that I would have the chance in Yangon so I joined the competition here.

What songs did you use to compete in the contest?
Well at first I planned to sing “A Tait Myat Khin Sain” (The Grass Field in the Past) by Lay Phyu. But they only have two keyboard players so it wasn’t possible to sing it. So I chose the songs “Gannawin Seesar” (Classic Sunset) by R Zarni and “Myat Won” (Eyes) by Si Thu Lwin.

Have you ever competed in any other contests?
I participated in the 2009 Melody World singing contest and have already passed the level one stage. I just need to pass the other levels now.

Oh, so you enrolled in two contests. You really don’t like to miss chances!
Yeah, I grab all chances I can. As you know, singing contests are great opportunities for those who have no relation with the music industry but a strong will to sing.

Which competition is the most challenging? This one or Melody World?
Melody World is like a live show, which is exciting because the audience are right there watching you from in front of the stage. Also, you can perform a song in its entirety and the judges base their decision on your performance from the whole song. In this contest, you only have one minute to show your singing ability and the judges decide on that one minute performance so you must be more careful than usual. In my opinion this contest focuses more on vocal talent.

As a contestant, how high are your hopes for the contest?
I do believe that singing contests can completely change the life of the winner. They can link that person with the music industry. As you know, even the professional singers are struggling in a worsening industry; it’s even more difficult than usual for us amateurs. I’m really thankful to the organisers of the contest for providing us with such an opportunity.

What kinds of obstacles do you face when you sing?
In the past, I was strongly influenced by my favourite singers. So, I used to sing in a style quite similar to theirs. But if you want to have success over other singers, you must be unique when compared with them. If you mimic Lay Phyu, you will be just an imitation of him so you must have your own style. It was quite difficult to abandon what I used to do.

How do you improve your singing ability?
I study and practise by listening to vocal lesson CDs. I sing karaoke and sometimes I play the guitar.