Sam Kan

Vocal Percussionist / Tenor

(Not-so) Secret Identity: Physiotherapist

One of my favorite pastimes in the 70’s was to imitate the signature tune of the popular Cantonese storyteller, Lee Dai Sor on Rediffusion and tricking my dad wonder who turned on the radio or replicate the sound of the “karang-guni” man deceiving neighbouring housewives of his arrival.  Then I went on to impersonate Elvis Presley’s vocal style just to make my mum giggle as she had a secret crush on him then. 

Believe or not, the first time I ever joined a singing competition, I sang a cappella, which didn’t impress the judges at all.  I also remember being shown the exit door after attempting, in the most innocent way, to complement my choir teacher’s piano playing with my vocal “shaker”.

The first vocal group I joined was Reflections, directed by Andy Quek, which began experimenting with acappella songs because accompanied pieces in church were considered too radical for the conservative members.

We went on to collaborate with established groups including The Onesimus Principle, but more than that, we were beginning to become intrigued by complex harmonies that always gave that “special-feeling-in-the-air” effect.  I introduced one of Spike Lee’s productions, Do It Acappella to Andy in the 90’s and this inspired him to spearhead the AKA A Cappella series in Singapore and later found “Vocaluptuous” in ’97, of which I am currently the only pioneer member. 

Get inside Sam's head!

• What are your musical influences?

I'm personally more drawn to music arrangements regardless of their genre. Being able to make any piece of music sound contemporary and refreshing is always exciting to me. But a couple of influences worth mentioning include First Call, Take 6, Hi-lo's, Manhattan Transfer, Fourplay, Quincy Jones, Toto, Stevie Wonder, George Michael...

• What do you think about the Singapore music scene?

There is certainly more new blood emerging in the local music scene and they are strongly influenced by current American trends. While it is a good platform for any artiste(s) to start with, it is also just as important to evolve and integrate an own sense of style that is unique and recognizable. Having said that, then there is the question of sustainability if any artiste(s) decides to pursue music professionally. Unfortunately, few can achieve international success.

• What do you think about a cappella music in general and in Singapore?

One of the artistes that inspired me in the 80's was our very own "Onesimus Principle" whom to me was the quintessential group for tight vocal harmony. Then there was a explosion of interest in acappella music when Andy Quek produced the AKA Acappella series in the 90's resulting in the emergence of more intricate harmony styles, rhythms, and addition of vocal percussion. Many of the members of the current new groups I spoke to had previously attended the AKA series of concerts and had been inspired.

• How were you introduced to Voc?

Andy Quek and I were together in a contemporary Christian group called "Reflections" and when he formed Vocaluptuous in '97, he was specific about adding a vocal percussionist and asked me to be part of the group.

• What is your full-time career?

A Physiotherapist and Rolfer.

• How do you balance your full-time career with singing with Voc?

Priority, commitment and compromise.

• What are your most memorable/embarrassing moments with Vocaluptuous?

Memorable moments: Our very first concert "We Don't Dance", performing the national anthem on the National Day Parade, Kobe beef in Tokyo, collaboration with Neri Per Caso.

Embarrassing moments: Dancing with a provocative pelvic gyrating movement to the song "You're Never Gonna Make it" and we certainly did not make it. The other would be singing the jazz standard "Route 66" at supersonic speed.

• What other interests do you have besides singing?

Poring over interior design/architecture magazines, watching world war documentaries, movies, trying new restaurants.

• What other hidden talents do you have?

I can "preach" a sermon and would make a good salesperson.

• What five words best sum up your character?

Friendly, compassionate, happy-go-lucky, humorous, chatty.

• Which part of your body do you like best/worst?

Best - My hands ‘cos they are used for healing
Worst - My sensitive skin

• If you could be of the opposite sex for one day, what would you do?

Be pampered like a diva

• What qualities do you find attractive in a partner?

Trustworthy, able to communicate, someone who can cook, affectionate, down to earth...

• What is your worst dating nightmare?

I once went on a date with someone who had strong feminine views. She was offended when I offered to pay for the meal.

• What is your favourite food?

I love authentic Italian food...e.g pasta, lasagna, osso bucco...

• What is your most sinful indulgence?

My BMW 5 series.

• What do you enjoy reading?

Magazines on current interior designs, food, health. The book I last read was on the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe.

• If you could do anything in your life without having to worry about money or consequences, what would it be?

Continue to practise physiotherapy, rolfing and dabble in interior design...

• What do you like/ dislike about Singapore?

I like the cosmopolitan atmosphere, how safe it is to live here, the abundant food choices and the conveniences that come with living in the city.

I am not thrilled by the indifference of Singaporeans in general.

• If you had one month to live...

I would continue to work, sing, love and play...