Transcript of interview with Phyllis Chua (conducted by Amanda Lee), 16 August 2016, 4 pm, Phyllis’s residence.
Phyllis is a 61-year old female Chinese Singaporean housewife. She used to listen to English pop music when she was much younger – before she got married – as she had more time. She enjoyed music by The Carpenters, Mariah Carey and Donna Summers. She listened to them mainly because their music was popular during that era. She does not listen to Western classical music but thinks that some of the pieces can be nice. Phyllis thinks that in order to fully appreciate it, she needs to be in a quiet place – which she thinks is something she cannot do as her family is noisy. She thinks it is important to preserve Western classical music for future generations so that they know that such music exists. Phyllis enjoys Chinese pop music by artistes like Teresa Teng and A-mei and by newer artists like JJ Lin and Kit Chan. She used to go down to the Esplanade with her friend to catch some free Chinese music performances. Phyllis especially likes Chinese opera, as she grew up accompanying her mother to the shows. Phyllis still tries to catch some opera performances whenever the opera troupes from China are in town. Phyllis listens to Singaporean artists like Stefanie Sun and Tanya Chua. However, she does not think their music represents Singapore. She thinks it depends on the singer and the songwriter’s country of origin. One song she thinks definitely represents Singapore is Kit Chan’s Home (1998).
“Because that time, er, [English pop music by the Carpenters and Donna Summers] is our age what. Ah, during our in – age, that time maybe early 20. That time we are in that type of level so we ... see, ah.”
“But actually, is – is – their – their music is nice, lah. Ah, ah. Actually I don’t mind listening to all these, er, like Beethoven like what you say, those classic one. The classic one is actually very nice, especially when, um, if nobody at home, ah, then very quiet, then it’s very good.”
“I think, er, is good to preserve it because at least the – the – the new generation they all come out ah, at least they – they – they know like got classic music, ah. Otherwise all – all – all these kids they – they don’t know got this type of music.”
“Phantom of the Opera (1986) and another one is [Miss] Saigon (1989) I think. Miss Saigon, that one quite long already. Ah, that time I brought my two kids ah. I brought my two kids to see the Miss Saigon. The ticket is expensive, lah, that’s why cannot afford, lah.”
“Actually since I’m young until now, I always follow my mom to see those Teochew opera. Teochew opera, ah, until now I also quite like the Teochew opera, lah. Those opera lah, like Cantonese or Hokkien, or what – I – I don’t mind. I – I will watch and listen to that.”
“Ya. I like the costume, the headgear, all these [in Chinese opera]. And then their movement, you know. The one they call it the water sleeve.”
“Ah, some of the songs [represent Singapore] only. Because don’t – some of the songs are written by somebody – not Singaporean what. The writer, ah. Those people that write the song, ah.”
“Because you’re a Singaporean so you sing the song is belong to – if you get another, ah, ah, other country singer to come and sing this song, is not. Bu shi hen da [not very compatible]?”
“But Singaporean, seldom got good music, leh.”
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