Lured by classics

UK-based singer Melinda James talks about her love for music and performing in India

April 14, 2014 06:10 am | Updated May 21, 2016 11:06 am IST - Hyderabad:

Melinda James

Melinda James

It was Karen Carpenter’s voice that inspired her to pursue singing. Today, with over a decade’s experience of singing at various hotels and cruises across the world, Melinda James still likes to croon Carpenters’ numbers. Over the next three months, the singer will perform at Taj Krishna with a selection of some classics.

The singer who had worked in Mumbai for eight months is happy to be back in India after a gap of four years. “India’s probably my favourite place to work in. There’s something about this country; it’s probably got to do with the fact that the people are really nice and there’s a nice feel to this place. I would say that my earlier stint in Mumbai prompted me to come back to India and this time to experience a new city,” she smiles, adding that the while her first visit to India did come as a culture shock, now she is more used to it.

She has been in the city for about a month now and is looking forward to catching some tourist attractions soon. “I’m settled in now and would like to experience the real Hyderabad.”

Melinda, who will perform at Seasons bar every night from Tuesday to Saturday and during brunch on Sundays, will croon covers from popular bands like Carpenters, Abba, Beatles etc. “I also like to sing Carole King, Norah Jones. I sing covers and although I have written a couple of songs it is not where I want to go. I’m happier singing covers,” she admits.

“As a kid I was learning dancing. But when I heard songs by Carpenters I was hooked. Since the age of 13 singing took over dancing for me. I had some music lessons when I was younger and then went to a performing arts college before joining a music school,” she elaborates . As a established singer, Melinda has been on the move constantly, performing in countries like Japan, Cyprus, Turkey and Spain, apart from a lot of cruises. “That is also the best part about my job; I get to travel a lot and experience different cultures. The only downside to this is that I have to stay away from my family a lot,” sighs the UK-based singer.

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