Tell us more about how you guys started out as a group?
We were all in the Singapore Youth Orchestra together and when we became too old (I mean mature) for that, we joined various amateur orchestras. Whilst we appreciated the support of our friends who attended our concerts, we felt bad seeing them struggle to keep awake through an entire symphony. So we decided it was time to do something different and exciting, both for us and for them.
How have responses been like to your music?
Feedback has been pretty positive, especially in the last few years. It was really great to see people enjoying the performance, bopping in their seats and tapping their toes. However we could tell that they wanted to get out of their seats and dance but probably felt constrained by the more proper environment, which is why we’ve decided to have our show at Zouk this year. Excellent environment for busting out the moves.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I’ve always liked how The Corrs incorporated these pretty violin melodies into their songs. When I was young(er) I used to listen to their CD and play along with the violin parts, wishing that my weekly violin lessons involved more songs that I listened to on the radio. Now our weekly Vox rehearsals involve more than a fair share of songs that are played on the radio, so I guess wishes do come true.
Classical musicians have commonly been associated with nerdiness, but how would you describe yourself?
I started wearing glasses when I was seven and I had braces at 15 so I’ve pretty much learned to embrace the nerdy label. Having said that, I think we have worked hard to try to break the stereotypes associated with classical musicians, such as with the type of music we play and our high energy rock-your-socks-off performances.
What are the top songs you guys love to play?
It’s hard to choose because every new piece we play becomes our new favorite. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has a special place in our hearts since it was one of the first songs we played together as a band and is a perennial crowd favorite.
What’s a metaphor you would use to describe what you do?
Can I use a simile? We own the night, like the fourth of July.
Lastly, tell us something we might not know about each member of the band.
LESTER IS GONNA BE A DADDY! Grown men who employ illegal workers tremble at the sight of Justine. Melissa loves Katy Perry. Cute animals turn Huiwen into a marshmallow.
Find more information on Vox’s upcoming concert at Zouk on Sep 27 here.
