Prema Yin aiming high

One of the artistes nominated for the upcoming Anugerah Industri Muzik 17 (AIM 17) is the pintsized rock darling, Prema Yin

"I didn't expect to be included at all!" said the girl in an exclusive with The Malay Mail. She exudes the same kind of energy she does on stage.

The kind you see in four-year-olds who just discovered playpen balls. All very cute and can sometimes be exhausting to watch, for older people.

"I mean, I just filled in the forms and later I found that the album was nominated." Prema's EP Eyo Eyo — a cutesy rock effort — is nominated for Best Engineered Album, while the song Eyo Eyo is nominated for Best Arrangement in a Song as well as Best Music Video. Prema herself is nominated for Best New Artiste.

However, Prema, despite being a relative newcomer, is no stranger to awards, having won third place for Best Rock Vocalist and Best Female Vocalist (Overall) in Voize Independent Music Awards (VIMA) 2009. Eyo Eyo also won Best Pop Song in VIMA 2010 and was nominated for Most Mind- Blowing Video Clip, amongst other things. She also won the ntv7 talent-search Who Will Win Malaysian Topstar in 2005.

"I am just so excited to be in the same awards show as many other industry legends," said Prema. She will be attending AIM 17, on May 2 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) with her bandmates in MON9 (pronounced Monday Nine), which includes Isaac on guitars, Nish on keyboard, bass player Zaim and drummer Moe. "We're called MON9 because we practice every Monday at nine!"

It's this kind of enthusiasm, energy and realistic, down-to-earth attitude (no airs) that has launched the careers of a new wave of young Malaysian stars.

There's Aizat, who made waves after emerging from his Akademi Fantasia days to win the 24th Anugerah Juara Lagu recently with Pergi. Aizat's Hanya Kau Yang Mampu also set records when it was downloaded over a million times as ringtones, netting the young singer a bunch of cash.

Then, there's Zee Avi, the YouTube phenomenon who landed a contract in the States. Yuna and Najwa, meanwhile, showcased their talent in Malam Nada Biru, blowing audiences away. All these young acts made good use of new opportunities made possible online.

Prema's Eyo Eyo also made it to Germany, enjoying airplay on N-Joy, one of the country's biggest radio stations.

"Yes, I do believe that the Internet will play a big role in connecting with fans and marketing our work," said Prema. "It's just that now, I am more concerned with keeping things going. The band is new, and people might know Prema Yin but I want to promote my band more."

She is committed to her band MON9, which is in the midst of finishing their first single. In September, MON9 is also invited to play at the Kansai Music Festival (KMF) in Japan, proving once again that music does break down boundaries and borders.

Also, that Malaysians can certainly make waves internationally.

"We are still trying to find sponsors for our trip to KMF," said Prema. "I hope it all works out because it would be great to be able to play there."

Underneath all that cuteness and energy, is indeed a sound musician and artiste. Yes, and we will be watching, or listening, along with all the new wave of singers and musicians who are making Malaysia proud.

 Source : MalayMail