Spain to Singapore: Exclusive interview with singer, Wiltay

Returning home to perform at a recent SG50 concert in Singapore, we spoke to the pop singer on what it takes to make it big and having Randy Jackson as a manager.

Wiltay

For most local talents, striking it big internationally has proven to be a mammoth of a task. While the same can be said for Singapore singer, Wiltay, that uphill road did get smoother after a chance encounter with producer and former American Idol judge, Randy Jackson.

Now with awards to his name (Best Pop Album of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards 2014), an impressive fan following, an upcoming Hollywood film and vocals to boot, Wiltay returned home to Singapore to perform at the recent SG50 concert to a crowd of over 45 000.

Evidently, the 26 year-old has an illustrious future ahead of him and boy are we glad Marie France Asia got a little time to speak with him on his start in the industry, challenges and of course what’s having Randy Jackson as a manager like. We could only imagine.

Marie France Asia: How did Randy Jackson first discover you?

Wiltay: I was in downtown Los Angeles filming my new music video and Randy Jackson was at another studio with another band he manages named North of Nine. He came into the studio and said “yo what’s going on.” He said why don’t you send me some of your songs? I agreed immediately and after a week I received a call from him. I was really excited when he asked if we could sit for a coffee to talk about music.

MFA: What is it like working with Randy Jackson?

Wiltay: It is incredibly thrilling. We joke all the time. Randy is a very genuine and authentic person, and that part of him is very contagious. It makes those around him feel very calm and most importantly, while working with him, he focuses on developing the unique you. He sees the things you otherwise might have overlooked. Every time I have a creative idea, I get very excited to seek his guidance because what he does is, he builds on your idea with a very open mind.

He is the perfect mentor one could have, he listens, he thinks on it and he finds the best way to connect with you to get the best out of an idea. One of the greatest things I have learnt from working with Randy Jackson is that he lives life fully without resistance. Everything he does, is always resistance-free.

MFA: What have been some of your biggest setbacks while forming a name for yourself?

Wiltay: I had lunch with my mother once and it was during an intensive schedule. Before I left I took a picture of my mother and I. Only until the end of the day, I looked at the photograph and realized how beautiful my mother was, but because during the day I was really focused on that, I did not get to tell her how beautiful she was in the moment. I realized sometimes I overlook at being in the moment because I am very focused at my passion. It is important to let people know how you feel before it is too late. Thankfully I still get to say how beautiful my mother is to her now.

MFA: Who are some of your musical idols in the industry?

Wiltay: I love Sia, she is an exceptional female artiste that empowers other women. Being a woman is not easy, yet she reflects the beauty and emotions that women have within, which is very strong and powerful. Melanie Laurent is another female artiste that I truly am inspired by. Not only is she a beautiful woman, who is very comfortable in her own skin, she also expresses her emotions through her piano. Her song Debut is definitely one to play when you are deeply in love or in the romantic zone!

MFA: You will soon be starring in a Hollywood movie too, how did that come about?

Wiltay: When I was filming my new music video Back to Life, the director of the music video asked if I could skateboard. I agreed immediately because I used to skateboard when I was a kid. He asked me to send him a couple of videos of me skateboarding. At that time I had not skated for about 10 years. The day after, I skated for about 15 hours before sending him the videos of the best shots I took during the day. Fortunately he loved it!

MFA: Would you venture into acting full time?

Wiltay: Creativity in all forms are crucial for me. I love music as much as I love acting.

MFA: How does it feel to be performing for Singapore’s 50th birthday concert?

Wiltay: It was empowering to perform during the 50th birthday concert. Randy Jackson got to see Singapore celebrate National Day. I felt the 45,000 crowd roar as one, it was a perfect moment to be home.

MFA: Is there anything that you’re currently working on? And what’s next for you?

Wiltay: Working on some new singles, heading to New York, London, Ukraine, Ibiza. Something other than music might be coming up!

MFA: What’s your birthday wish for Singapore?

Wiltay: Happy 50th Singapore! You have done well with creating powerful inspiring women of the country! You are looking really sexy at 50, may the years to come be filled with zest, fun and style!

Tarandip Kaur


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Marie France Asia, women's magazine