What singers want

Many in the music industry believe that by signing contracts with entertainment businesses, local singers can achieve star status.

Model-turned-singer Ho Ngoc Ha

The model-turned-singer Ho Ngoc Ha is a typical example of someone who reaps the benefits of being a contracted artist.

She studied piano at the Military Arts College from an early age, but thanks to her beauty and her 1.73 meter height, Ha became one of the hottest models from 2002-2004.

Not long after reaching the peak of her modeling career, however, Ha astonished everyone by leaving the catwalk to forge a career as a singer.

Around the same time, several notorious scandals involving sexy photos left Ha reeling. Few thought she could recover.

This explains why the exclusive contract she signed with Music Faces Entertainment J.S.C in 2005 has come to represent a milestone in her life and career.

Wise choices

Bui Thanh Binh, Director of Music Faces Entertainment J.S.C based in Ho Chi Minh City, says his company’s criteria for a contracted singer include excellent voice, good behavior towards the public and fans and of course good looks.

His company was quick to realize Ha’s star potential even when she was in her darkest hour.

Binh says because of the harsh competition in the entertainment industry, businesses have applied all kinds of tactics – true or false, honest or immoral – to promote their signed acts.

He claims, however, that his company tries to get rid of any tricks by focusing on real talent and quality.

“Promoting someone with little talent or lying to audience means degrading your prestige, which soon ruins a business,” reckons Binh.

Ha agrees, saying: “Music Faces would never have contracted me if I had zero talent. You cannot become a star if you sign with a little-known inexperienced company.”

She says that after signing with a reputable company, a novice singer need not worry, since their veteran managers will know how to coach them.

Such companies are also professional in helping singers prepare the legal contracts with show organizers and producers, especially those from foreign countries.

“The only thing you need focus on is singing well. And when you can focus on one thing, you will surely do better,” she believes.

She also emphasizes that overseas producers and show organizers often seek talents through local prestigious companies, since they believe such artists are better trained and more professional than freelancers.

The 24-year-old points out: “We merely follow the global approach.

Even famous celebrities like Madonna, Mariah Carey or Britney Spears still depend on their PR companies.”

Support and consultation

Take one of the most famous home-grown pop stars, My Tam, who has been a free-lance since her career debut some ten years ago.

She advises newcomers to get contracts with well-known companies in order to receive professional training and take their career in the right direction.

Regarding herself as one of the few lucky ‘songsters’ to achieve notoriety without such support, Tam recalls, “At the beginning, everything was hard.

I had the freedom to choose how, where and when to sing, but the challenges of trying to garner success in a bustling city without any support and consultancy could easily overwhelm someone.”

Tra My, who became a household name after competing in the finals of Vietnam Idol 2007, recently unveiled that she is looking to sign an exclusive contract with a respectable company.

She is also currently cooperating with a company on a CD to be released this year.

The bottom line would appear to be that success ultimately depends on the strength of the two parties: the company and the singer.

Without talent, a strategic vision and morale, neither party can be successful.

Source:TN