By Chantelle Constable
For the reads who don’t know, would you tell us about how you first started singing, and your success since?
Well, I come from a non-musical family, but after seeing “The Phantom of the Opera” for my 7th birthday, it sparked a love for musical theatre and opened up other genres of music to me. This led to singing lessons from the age of twelve. But I guess the moment I realized I was actually any good came when I won a competition in 2005 judged by Jonathan Shalit (Manager of Jamelia and the man who discovered Charlotte Church). This brought me backstage to meet Ruthie Henshall (West End legend). Ruthie listened to my CD and rang me personally backstage during a performance to say how much she enjoyed it!
From meeting Ruthie, I gained a manager who discovered teenage sensation Joss Stone, which led to auditions with the chairman of Sony BMG and head of RCA. They came all the way from London to listen to me sing! They gave me the best possible advice in that, they are not the right record label for me, but they are positive I have the talent to succeed on the stage.
The compliments of all these well-renowned people, along with winning a few national singing competitions along the way, has really boosted my confidence. I am no a firm believer in that it doesn’t matter what background you come from as long as have the talent and work hard at it – you can achieve your dreams.
Your career up to this point has included both theatre and classical music. On your website, you say that you would like to share both styles of music with your audience. Do you see yourself pursuing one style more than the other, or do you have plans to integrate them equally?
Musical theater was my first love, but I have been gradually introduced to classical music and it now holds an equal place in my heart. After winning the ClassicFM contest, I realized I have a lot to learn and that I need the correct training along the way. But I am who I am, and I have not been formally trained for classical. I am still so young that I am not sure which route I will fall down, but my ultimate goal is to release a classical crossover CD to bring the music to a wider audience who otherwise would not get the opportunity to hear it.
You recently won a competition by ClassicFM that allowed you to sing with Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh. Describe that experience for us.
I don’t think I can sum this up, it was AMAZING!! The whole evening was sublime and my first classical concert! Alfie and Natasha are not only amazing singers but incredible people! I have learned so, so much because of this competition. I am still young and need further training, but it has made me more determined to succeed and to perform in venues such as St. John’s! Without ClassicFM I may not have had the same drive and passion to get there as I do now, and my outlook on life in general.
Your win on ClassicFM depended on people viewing your online profile and voting; you also have a very popular MySpace profile. How you do feel technology is affecting the music business, and how do you feel about those changes?
I think there are various pros and cons on this subject. Obviously, I don’t know all the facts but I think being able to download music makes it more accessible to a wider audience – particularly the younger generation. However, I do see how it affects the charts although maybe it is time for a change; I think download charts are a brilliant idea! On the whole sites like myspace have opened up a new world for me and if used correctly I think it’s wonderful. To be able to share my music all over the world and for people to listen for free is great! The only downside to that is that my recordings are two years old!
You’ve already had the chance to play renowned roles such as Cosette in “Les Miserables” and Rapunzel in “Into the Woods.” Do you have any “dream roles”? Are there any musicians, or other industry professionals, that you would someday like to work with?
I have two dream roles, Eliza Dolittle in “My Fair Lady” and Christine Daee in “Phantom of the Opera” which has to be the top, although roles such as Glinda in ‘Wicked’ look like great fun to play. Theatre is becoming more demanding for both production and performers and I think it’s a very exciting time! I would love to work with Lea Salonga, I think she has a beautiful voice! Also with the producers for Sarah Brightman’s “Harem” album, and one day maybe to sing a duet with Natasha Marsh!
You’ve enjoyed such tremendous success in your career that it’s hard to imagine you ever having a bad day. But suppose you do get a case of the blues… what are the “little things” that keep you going, day to day?
I juggle a lot in my life; dance and traveling to London every week for voice lessons. I work 20 hours a week in a kitchen cleaning up for an all girls school, alongside my A Levels, seeing my boyfriend, family, and friends, etc. But this all keeps me grounded, if not a little stressed out! But I am your average teenage girl, the things that keep me going are my friends. I have the most incredible top girls and guys that I just love to go out with for food or a drink and to just relax and have a laugh. I also (believe it or not!) turn to chocolate too – with a nice glass of Baileys to accompany it if I’m lucky! But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. My goal is a career in music, I look at life as one big picture. So many people suffer every day and I think we have to remember that. My problems are trivial compared to others, and as long as there are people in your life who love you that’s what counts. I am a very lucky girl.
You’ve already accomplished things that most young singers only dream about at your age; what are your future plans? And is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?
Well, after finishing my exams I intend to train hard for a year and work hard on my voice, languages, piano and to keep fit and healthy. In the end, I have potential record company options but I am also considering going to the Guilford school of acting for 3 years or at 21, to ‘Guildhall School of Music & Drama.’ I believe in the old-fashioned, and perhaps the best way that things should be done. That is, training hard and knowing your stuff before you put yourself out there. I know I have a long way to go but my voice is still growing and I need to be careful not to overdo it. I have a dream and I will continue to work hard to get it. One thing I would like to say is ‘thank you’ for all the support and praise I have received. I never dreamed I would have got this far at this point in my life and I know I haven’t completed the journey yet. I still need support, for instance, there is another TV competition that I am a finalist in, this time to sing with “All Angels.” It never ends! There are times when I feel so alone but knowing I have support really helps… just a huge thank you, really!
Learn more about Rhiannon at rhiannonlambert.co.uk
Featured in our Summer 2007 Issue.