LA Pyae Kabyar is the daughter of famous singer Khin Myat Mon and younger sister of Raymond (lead vocalist for the band Idiot). Though only 13 years old she has already sung on a host of children’s albums and also TV advertisements, all while studying at school. Timeout caught up with this talented young singer at her home in Sanchaung township and asked about her burgeoning singing career.

Was it your mum who got you into singing?
It was not only my mum, I have always been really interested in singing so I started singing on the TV adverts.

What albums have you sung on?
I’ve participated in the albums: “Ye Khe Nget Ka Lay Myar” (Ice Birds), “Kyo Kyar Pone Pyin” (Story of the Crane), “Ah Kha Meh” (Free of Charge) and others.

Do you remember your first singing experiences?
When I started singing on TV adverts like Total Kids school, Mamee Noodles and so on I was only 6 years old so I do not remember much about my first experiences.

But I remember when I sang for Tea Pot washing soap. I found it difficult to sing so my mum and U Aung Ko Latt taught me how to sing. I remember that time because it was difficult but I also felt excited because I didn’t have much experience.

Do you find it difficult to carry on studying when you have singing engagements too?
No, I do not have much difficulty with it because my mum organises for me to sing only when I have holidays so I can study properly.

What do your family think about you singing?
Even though I’m still very young, I’m so eager to sing that all my family agree to me doing it.

What do your school teachers and friends think about your singing?
Whenever I record songs I let them listen so they always encourage me and tell me which part is good and which part needs more work.

What do you want to do when you get older?
I would like to continue singing as my main career and I also would like to be a model too.

Nowadays, many singers are also well educated and they have good job thanks to their education. Are you interested in any academic field?
I’ll surely get a degree but I’m not really interested in academia. What I really want to be is a singer and a model.

Who are your favourite singers in Myanmar?
I like Tin Zar Maw, Rebecca Win, L Sai Zee and so on. Among male singers I like Izzney and D Ram.

Do your favourite singers influence your own singing?
Yes, I really like them so I always listen to their songs and they do influence me a lot as I’m a young girl. But I believe when I get older, I can define my own style.

How do you practise?
My mum always trains me on my vocal power and my brother also teaches me whenever he has time.