     
Hazrul Nizam
Tenor
(Not-so) Secret Identity: Professional Singer
My mom used to tell me that I actually sang before I started talking! I used to sit in front of the TV playing with my toys and minding my own business until a commercial came on and I would just drop everything and stand directly in front of the TV, blocking everyone's view, just to hum along to some jingle! Then as I grew older, I became really shy and wouldn't even sing in front of my family!
I was like every other Mat (or Minah), starting out with Malay rock groups. Then I started listening to Chinese pop songs, then English R&B, and found that my Chinese singing was even better than my Malay singing!
My first break came when I joined Talentime in 2001. It was actually by sheer chance that I auditioned for it. Since then, I've been actively involved in the music industry, and my solo album received 8 nominations in 7 categories at the 2002 Anugerah Planet Muzik, the regional equivalent of the Grammys. I didn't win anything but hey, I re-wrote history by being the artiste with the most number of nominations in the history of this award!!
I was also introduced to Vocaluptuous by a fellow Talentime participant, Gerald, and also by our ex-member, Rupert, both of whom claim credit for bringing into this group!During my audition (yes, I had to audition!) they put me through a whole series of 'tests', including dance moves! Having no professional music training, I couldn't read music and had to learn all my awful falsetto parts from 'tong-tapes' (the sound of the piano as Simone plays my part)!
Being in a group is very different from singing solo, being able to create lush harmonies just increases my passion and love for singing. I've learnt not to have a life outside the group as our kan-cheong President insists we practise every weekend and more!
Get inside Hazrul's head!
- What are your musical influences?
I listen mainly to R&B, pop, jazz, ballads (The group calls me the ballad king as I channel all my emotions into my hand actions!!) So I really look up to singers like Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Guy Sebastian (1st Australian Idol), Michael Buble, Beyonce. I hate to admit it but I WAS and I stress the word WAS, like most Malay rocker-wannabes; I used to listen to Malay rock back in the 90s. Groups like Wings, Search, Ekamatra, Iklim....oh dear!!! Why am I telling you guys all this!! Sorry but I have to kill you now that you know!!
- What do you think about the Singapore music scene?
I have to say that the local music scene is not as appreciated as it was back in the 70s. It's a pity coz' we do have lots of talented singers and musicians. If only these musicians, including us, Vocaluptuous, were given the opportunity to shine, we'd be appreciated as much as international artistes.
- What do you think about a cappella music in general and in Singapore?
I was never exposed to a cappella music till I joined Vocaluptuous. The only a cappella group I knew of previously was Boyz 2 Men. But once I was introduced to a cappella music, it was like love at first sight. How amazing is the human voice!! Music at its purest! The a cappella scene in Singapore? Frankly, I don’t know enough about it to comment.
- How were you introduced to Voc?
I was introduced to Vocaluptuous by a fellow talentime participant, Gerald, and also by our ex-member, Rupert, both of whom claim credit for bringing me into this group! And guess what?? I had to audition!! Can you imagine that me having to go through an audition process to join the group??!! *rolls eyes* Hahahaha, just kidding! Anyway during my audition they put me through a whole series of ‘tests’, including dance moves! Geez!!
- What is your full-time career?
Singer cum administrator of sorts.
- How do you balance your full-time career with singing with Voc?
Hmmmm let me think how I balance singing with umm, more singing... Hmmmmmm…
- What are your most memorable/embarrassing moments with Vocaluptuous?
Wow... I have lots of great memories with the group...our Japan trips, our concert but the most memorable has got to be the Taiwan trip! First of all, it was so cold there!! The coldest it has ever been in 20 years!! Then, there were 2 earthquakes and if I wasn't sharing rooms with Gerald, I'm sure I’d be dead by now, HAHAHA coz' I would have slept right through them (Thanks lots bro, for SAVING MY LIFE hehehe!) and lastly, I lost my voice COMPLETELY just before our final concert!! Oh man, what a trip!
- What other interests do you have besides singing?
I love sports (well I try to participate in them as much as I can!): I enjoy badminton, bowling and swimming. I love cars! Still saving up to get myself my alfa Romea Brera and Aston Martin DBS!
- What other hidden talents do you have?
Hahahaha well explaining it here will not be as fun as watching me do it! I can make up a small lip or as the group call it, a pussy lip HAHAHA. Well I want to think I can dance!
- What five words best sum up your character?
B.I.T.C.H = Brilliant, Intelligent, Talented, Cute, Humorous
- Which part of your body do you like best/worst?
I’m happy the way I am! Though I need to get my butt to the gym more often!
- If you could be of the opposite sex for one day, what would you do?
Hmmmmm, I'd get naked, stand in front of the mirror and play with my boobs a lot, HAHAHAHA!
- What qualities do you find attractive in a partner?
Big boobs, big booty, voluptuous body! HAHAHA! Ok seriously, someone understanding and caring with a great smile!
- What is your worst dating nightmare?
Bad breath, body odour, bad teeth, can't carry a conversation.
- What is your favourite food?
I LOVE FOOD!! Well, one can tell by my size hehe I love Japanese, Thai, Italian, Indonesian, Western, everything lah....LOVE my mom's cooking!!! well except for ikan asam pedas!
- What is your most sinful indulgence?
Butterscotch cheesecake at Coffee Club!!!! YUMMY!!! I'll actually get pissed if I go there and they say it's sold out!!!
Oh man!! I'd go get myself my dream cars... note the plural please! The Audi R8, Aston Martin DBS, Alfa Romeo Brera, Merc SLR McLaren and the Lamborghini Reventon!!!
- What do you like/ dislike about Singapore?
Singapore is the safest country I know! Both in terms of criminal activities and also natural disasters. It's easy to get around as it has one of the best public transport systems in the world.
Singapore is too rigid.
- If you had one month to live…
I will not go around telling people I only have one month to live. Will just keep it to myself. Will splurge on my family and friends. Spend LOTS of time with them, telling them how much I truly appreciate them.
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