Singer eyes pop stardom

THE VOICE: Aspiring Lake Tekapo singer Becky Murray is hoping 2010 will bring good things for her vocal career.

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An aspiring South Canterbury singer is hoping 2010 will be the year her name and her voice become known to the nation.

Becky Murray returned to Auckland today after spending the Christmas break with her family in Lake Tekapo.

It has been an exciting past year for Murray, 23, who made the move north to take up a $45,000 contract with New Zealand musician and entrepreneur Gray Bartlett.

Murray was the only Kiwi performer Bartlett took on last year, chosen after a contact of his found her demo CD in a Queenstown lodge.

"I got a phone call and he said 'come up and we'll see if you're good enough'. The interview went really well and he was like, yup you are," Murray said.

It was not the Tekapo "country bumpkin's" first foray into the national singing scene.

Frankie Stevens has also been a great help after Murray met him while singing at an international netball game.

Murray admits she has come a long way since being labelled the "na, na" girl because she forgot a couple words in the Australian national anthem, and is hoping the move to Auckland, and some hard work, will this year bring its rewards.

She is paying for the contract by working two jobs, as a barista and personal assistant.

TO MAKE sure she keeps meeting important people, and meeting the rent in her Grey Lynn flat, she also takes on anything else like working as an extra on Shortland St.

Between all this she also fits in songwriting lessons and vocal coaching and most importantly, performances at functions all over Auckland.

These events, which are mainly fundraisers, are all about exposure and networking.

Murray has sung at events including Telethon, a tribute to Sean Fitzpatrick, and a Kidscan fundraiser with John F Kennedy's nephew Robert Kennedy.

She admits she has come up against some criticism because of her decision to "buy her way into fame" but does not regret it.

"Some people are against it because they think talent should shine through. That's true in some respects. But there are so many people in Auckland trying to do the same. If I hadn't have taken up the contract I wouldn't have met half the people I have."

Murray is now dressed by Trelise Cooper for her performances after the New Zealand fashion designer spotted her at the Kennedy evening wearing an Australian dress.

"She said we want you wearing New Zealand, so now I just have to ring each time I perform."

While growing up she sang mainly classical songs. She is now moving more towards pop-rock, a change which she said she is loving.

"Stephen Small from Autozamm is writing some original material for me, and the band I'm recording with has guys from Opshop and ElemenoP."

Her CD, a mixture of originals and covers, is due out mid-year.

- © Fairfax NZ News