Tuesday May 12, 2009
Sweet success
By SHEELA CHANDRAN
Indonesian singer Delon has not forgotten his humble roots despite achieving fame.
GRAMMY Award-winning Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston started off as gospel singers; so did songbirds Jennifer Hudson and Jessica Simpson. Likewise, there are also some Asian singers who have honed their vocal skills at church choirs. One of them is Indonesian singer Delon.
The former Indonesian Idol runner-up used to be actively involved in the music ministry for St Petrus and Paulus Church in Jakarta. The training sessions have paid off, propelling him to greater things.
“As a child, I also joined the church choir, just like my brother. Over time, the practices helped polish my classical tenor voice to become one of the leading choir soloists,” said the 31-year-old singer who was in Kuala Lumpur to promote his third album, Perasaanku (My Feelings).
The 10-track pop album features the collaborative work of renowned musician Yovie Widianto and film score composer Andi Rianto, among others.
On a roll: Delon has released his third album Perasaanku (My Feelings) under Sony Music. – ABDUL RAHMAN SENIN / The Star One of the songs, Adinda, is a remake of a song by popular 1960s singer Titiek Puspa. To add a classic touch to the song, Delon decided to sing a duet with the veteran artiste.
“It was an honour working with Titiek. She is one of Indonesia’s renowned singers who have been in the entertainment scene since the 1960s.
“She has a melodious voice and is still singing and composing despite being over 70 years old now. Hopefully, listeners will enjoy Adinda and the other songs in the album,” said Delon, adding that the album also features collaborative efforts with Indonesian singers Irene Rejoice and Gita Gutawa.
Despite having attained fame and fortune, the jazz-pop singer remains down-to-earth and friendly; he was constantly cracking jokes during the interview.
“My life has changed since participating in Indonesian Idol. I used to lead a simple life but since then, I have released albums and have a growing fan base.
“I have a tight schedule, and I seem to be rubbing shoulders with celebrities. I have so many friends these days and this is overwhelming,” said the Indonesian-Chinese, whose real name is Stanislaus Alexander Liauw Dalon Thamrin.
After his father’s passing in 2001, he worked as a door-to-door salesman to boost his family’s finances. To earn extra pocket money, he moonlighted as a singer and took up emceeing at weddings.
In 2003, Delon worked in a Japanese import-export company before participating in the Idol competition in 2004.
Delon’s popularity soared after the reality TV show.
In 2004, he released his first album, Bahagiaku, which sold over 300,000 copies within three months. In December the same year, he was the opening act for Air Supply’s concert in Jakarta.
The following year proved to be a busy one for the singer. First, he landed a role in Indonesian movie Vina Bilang Cinta and launched his second album The Sweetest Gift from Delon.
At the same time, he was voted MTV’s Most Favourite Male and clinched Indonesian TV station Suria Citra Televisi’s Best New Artiste award.
In 2006, the staunch Catholic began getting involved in charity work. First, he recorded song Kokoro No Tomo with Japanese singer Mayumi Itsuwa to help tsunami victims of Banda Acheh in Sumatra. That same year, he also performed for various charities in Perth, Vancouver and Seattle.
Whether it is to enhance his career or improve the lives of the needy, Delon is one who seizes the opportunities that come his way.
Delon’s Perasaanku is available at leading record stores nationwide.
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