INTERVIEW: Uriah See sings, plays the violin and is an upcoming actor on drama series 'Fried Rice Paradise'
By: Sheila Chiang
SINGAPORE — Uriah See, multi-talented artist with poster boy looks, did not have any airs about him in the 30-minute phone call with Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore. Speaking in fluent English, you could not tell that he has been based in China for some time where he would, most likely, be using Chinese a lot. He said that he has not spoken English in a long time but we beg to differ!
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At 24 years old, he has already racked up quite an impressive list of achievements. In 2014, the singer-songwriter won the Astro Star Quest Chinese singing competition in his home country, Malaysia, before being crowned world champ at the TVB International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship in Hong Kong. He took part in a Chinese singing programme called ‘Super Vocal’ and also trained like a K-Pop idol for a month in South Korea. This young lad has accomplished far more than anyone at his age. Did we also mention that he is a classically trained vocalist and violinist?
He also dabbled in acting, debuting on Mediacorp's adaption of Dick Lee's iconic stage musical, ‘Fried Rice Paradise’ which premiered on Channel 5 on 2 July. Local audiences were introduced to Uriah See for the first time, who plays the cocky and confident Hennessy in the TV series.
Yahoo Lifestyle sat down and chatted with him on how he is doing in China and how he misses roti prata and laksa.
Fried Rice Paradise premiered on Channel 5 (2 Jul). Did you manage to catch the first episode last night? If yes, what are your thoughts on it?
(laughs) Yes, I did. I actually watched it earlier on Toggle. I was cringing the whole way. It didn’t turn out as bad as I had expected. The scene that we did in the episode yesterday was sort of like one of the earlier scenes. I was still getting into the character Hennessey. This character has a lot to play with. In real life, I am not like Hennessy and I am not loud and cocky. I am pretty much an introvert and not naturally an outgoing person.
How do you overcome your introvertedness, especially when you are in this industry?
When I first started in this industry, I hated going to events. One thing this industry has taught me is confidence. I just got used to it overtime. I have to memorise scripts or go up on stage to perform in front of an audience. When I go on stage, I always get nervous. Assurance and support from fans, family and friends gave me the strength and encouragement.
This is your first time appearing in a local production. How was the role offered to you and what made you accept the role in Fried Rice Paradise?
I am open to play any role and I went for the audition (for a role in another production). I thought I did very badly in the audition and I felt very uncomfortable in front of the camera. It felt very weird in the beginning. I was very surprised that they offered me a second audition (for the role Hennessey). I met Guo Sheng, the director and he explained to the role to me. The rest was history.
What were the most memorable scenes in ‘Fried Rice Paradise’?
We had a kissing scene in the middle of the TV series but it was one of the earlier scenes we had to film. It was very awkward as we just got to know each other and we had to portray our characters being in love with each other. The second most memorable scene was when I was fighting with Sebastian (Tan) and we had an argument in Fang Rong’s kitchen and he had my back against the wall. Everyone was there and it was very intense. The third most memorable scene was a turning point where Fang Rong and I got lost in the forest. It was very beautiful and we were sharing with each other about our past and we felt connected under the stars.
For folks who don’t know anything about ‘Fried Rice Paradise’, what can they learn from the TV series?
The story of ‘Fried Rice Paradise’ revolves around this girl who is very determined to chase after her dreams. She’s a go-getter and she makes things work. Despite all the odds against her, she still wants to go after her dreams. Asian society sets upon us unrealistic goals and parents want their children to be doctors and lawyers. It was an inspiring storyline.
After ‘Fried Rice Paradise’, what’s next for you?
I am currently based in China and shooting the second season of Super Vocal in Changsha till September and will probably be based in Beijing after that.
Between singing, acting and playing the violin, what is your favourite?
(laughs) I would say singing first, followed by playing the violin and acting after ‘Fried Rice Paradise.’
You also used to be a badminton player for your home state. You are really multi-talented. How do you juggle it all?
Basically, I don’t have a childhood. I was practising playing the violin and badminton. I had to give up some things. I used to play the piano but I had to drop it. I still play it now and then.
Have you been back home (Johor Bahru, Malaysia)?
Yes! I was back for a few days recently and I miss the hawker food such as roti prata and laksa. I ate so much I gained a lot of weight.
You have already racked up quite an impressive list of achievements elsewhere. You won the Astro Star Quest Chinese singing competition in 2014 before being crowned world champ at the TVB International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship in Hong Kong. Plus you took part in Super Vocal competition and you trained for a month in Korea. You have accomplished a lot more than others of your age. What’s next for you?
I want to come up with an album, like a proper one. I have already published a few original songs and they were hit songs in Malaysia, but I don’t have a full album. I recently wrote this song called其实也不想 (Evasion). It is about avoiding reality and letting go of a bitter relationship.
Who are your musical influences?
Adele, Michael Bublé and Justin Bieber for Western musical influences. For Mandarin Chinese, I like JJ Lin and Stephanie Sun! My mentors were actually Lee Wei Song and Lee Si Song and I trained in their music school.
What is a piece of advice you would give to future upcoming artists besides leaving your comfort zone?
Be true to yourself. Being an artist is about expressing your artistic side. Are we creating a piece of music because the audience wants to hear it or are we creating it to express ourselves? People can be more accepting about different types of music, shows or dramas.
Catch Uriah every Tuesday on ‘Fried Rice Paradise’, showing on Channel 5 at 9:30PM.
For more snippets of Uriah, check out his social media.
Uriah See’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uriahseekhai/
Uriah See’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uriahsk/
Uriah See’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChulcOFXldJZJwYS4efYrLA
