Timothy Huang

Bass

(Not-so) Secret Identity: Retail IT Consultant

My parents still remind me that when I was four, some time around National Day, I would continuously go “One people, one nation, one Singapore..” or “Count on me Singapore…” That was when my mom suggested I pick up music.

I flirted with the piano until I was 15 and gave up due to teenage ignorance. My first involvement with structured singing was when I joined my church’s children’s choir at 8 years old. I never looked back since, participating schools’ choirs and annual Talentimes.

My defining moment was when I joined National Junior College Choir in 2002. Under the tutelage of Ms. Lim Ai Hooi and in the company of talented peers, we won a Gold medal at the Singapore Youth Festival competition and were also acknowledged to be one of the finest choirs among Junior Colleges in Singapore.

My 2-year hiatus in the Army did not dampen my passion for singing. In 2006, I joined the current National Junior College choir as an alumnus in Verona, Italy where we clinched the Gold medal once again.

I’m really glad  that I have found a new home amongst 5 other talented people in Vocaluptuous with whom I am happy to share my passion for singing. Funny how I have always wanted to be a tenor,  but it looks like God has other plans for me – to begin my adventure as a Bass, in search of the lowest bass lines on Earth.

Get inside Timothy's head!

• What are your musical influences?

My taste in music style is greatly influenced by my dad and hence I listen to a lot of oldies. The group always complain that I have an “old soul”! As a bass, I have a habit of observing how great basses from other a cappella groups sing. I am particularly in awe of Alvin Cheah from Take 6 and Anders Jalkéus of The Real Group.

• What do you think about the Singapore music scene?

I think that it's exciting times ahead for our music scene because more and more youths are really working hard to become full-time performers. There are also more live music venues opening up all over Singapore so opportunities are everywhere!

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

I love a cappella because there is always something magical about a few people singing together in harmony. It will be great if music lessons for our schools can incorporate a cappella singing into the curriculum. Children should be exposed to that beautiful feeling of singing in harmony!

• How were you introduced to Voc?

I was still in junior college when I saw Vocaluptuous perform at the Heerens. They were so good! So when they put up an ad for a bass many years later, I had to give it a try and be part of the wonderful sextet. It worked out fantastically in my opinion and we have never looked back since!

• What is your full-time career?

I am currently an IT consultant and deal mainly with retail management. I deal with people from all walks of life so they have become a great source of feedback for the kind of music that they like to listen to. It's a great job, I mean, a couple of my clients even offered to sponsor me my clothes. How cool is that?

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

When I was a full-time undergraduate, it was really difficult to manage during the exam seasons.  Life has become better since my graduation so I have no complains. It's tough watching the others like Simone and Gerald though. They either work late or are constantly working under a lot of pressure, and then we see them giving their best during our gigs or practices on the very same days. I salute them for their dedication and focus!

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

Let's just say that our most memorable and embarassing moments has got to do with bathrobes and towels. I shall not say more because the rest may take my life!

• What other interests do you have besides singing?

I love soccer and I'm a West Ham United fan. I love to travel too.

• What other hidden talents do you have?

Uh oh! The group can testify that I am the best there is when it comes to killing jokes. I'm a party-pooper apparently but Vocaluptuous still loves me. (smile)

• What five words best sum up your character?

Diligent. In the beginning, I had to learn up more than 20 songs in order to perform at gigs with the group. Conscientious. As the bass, any mistakes I make on the stage can be heard easily so I work hard to minimize those embarrassing moments. I'm also jovial, honest and optimistic!

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

If I can, I'd do something about my built. Wished I could be beef up a bit.

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

I've spent half an hour on this question... and seriously, why would I want to give up my ability to stand and pee?

• What qualities do you find attractive in a partner?

Honesty. Patience. Compassion. Independence.

• What is your worst dating nightmare?

Really really really really quiet girls.

• What is your favourite food?

Japanese Curry and Japanese Ramen.

• What is your most sinful indulgence?

Facebook at the moment. I'm not much of a Twitterer.

• What do you enjoy reading?

I love stories with a medical setting. Robin Cook and Patricia Cornwell are two of my favourite authors.

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

That's a lot of bad things... Haha.

• What do you like/ dislike about Singapore?

I just like the way it is, the food, the lifestyle and the idiosyncrasies. This is where I call Home, so I always believe that we can keep the good and make the bad better.

• If you had one month to live.

If I had only a month to live, I'll still sing with Vocaluptuous! Maybe we'll produce our third album just for the heck of it! =)