Saturday, May 16, 2009

Meet Straalen!

Straalen McCallum, a 10 year old from Australia with a soul as big as his voice, is truly one of the best up-and-coming young singers of our time. Truly ambitious and positive, he is also the youngest ambassador of the non-profit charitable organization the Zig Zag foundation, dedicated to helping children in need.

I was able to ask him a few questions, and this wonderful young gentleman responded kindly.

What got you started in your musical career?
Hi tony!
I started singing blood,sweat, and tears songs around the house when i was about 5 years old and dad said I sounded good. So David Clayton Thomas was my hero. I also sang "Whiter Shade of Pale" and other songs abut the same time and the teachers at school got me to sing all the time at assembly.


What genre of music do you tend to like/sing?
Now I like listening to just about anything like cool jazz and soul, and I love singing the old Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darren ballads.

How do your parents feel about your singing career?
Dad and mum are really good and help me heaps with my singing. They send me to the world's best singing teacher, Venetta Fields. She has sang with the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Barbara Streisand and all the best bands ever! She once sang in front of 87,000 people in central park! She is a legend and is very strict.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I WILL BE THE NEXT ROBBIE WILLIAMS!!!! I only want to be a superstar!


If you could give advice to other young artists trying to make a name for themselves, what would you tell them?
My advice to others is to know exactly what it is you really want and do everything you can to make it happen. It takes hard hard work. I get up at 5.30 EVERY morning and practice singing. You have to be very strict with yourself. I love it so it's not hard for me but sometimes I would like to sleep in. Dream big and follow your dream. I have that written all over my wall.

Thanks Tony!!!!
Straalen


No, thank you Straalen!


(Be sure to watch in High Quality!)

Enjoy.