In 1991, Nora  swept the RTM Bintang HMI talent competition. She went on to release ten albums and compilations. MW meets up with her to learn more about her latest album and her mobile lifestyle.

Onn Yeoh

You’ve certainly had a long and fruitful music career.
Yes. I am pleased that I have been able to contribute to the music scene. I never wanted to be a short term wonder with just one or two albums.What’s special about your latest album, Samudera?Samudera is my ultimate compilation. It contains all my hits from 1991 to 2006. My fans will get real value because it contains 26 songs. That’s basically 2 albums in one.

Why did you come up with Samudera?
This is like a comeback statement. I took a two year break during which I had my third child, and just took things easy. It’s time to get back into singing.

Which foreign singer are you a fan of?
I listen to singers like Lindsay Lohan and Kelly Clarkson but my favourite singer is Lara Fabian. I think she is simply fabulous.

Where would you place yourself on the local scene?
I am not competing with anybody. I think the younger artistes like those from the reality shows have their space. I am happy doing my own thing.

You’ve been a long time in the music business. Have things changed over the years?
A lot. The Internet has really affected the music industry.

In what way?
Album sales are no longer like what they were. It’s more important to come up with one or two good song than an entire album. People are more interested in Internet downloads.

How are you responding?
Oh, I believe in progress and change. We just have to adapt. I support legal music downloads and I believe TMNET is launching something soon. My husband is involved in a way.

You’re married to the famous songwriter Johan Nawawi. What is he into these days?
Johan is into the new media business. Even his company is called Nu Muzik. He is working on things like music ringtones and song downloads.





So your songs are available as ringtone downloads?
Sure. You can use them as caller tones. There are details on how to download them on the album.

What’s the song you are most excited about in Samudera?  
That would be Samudera itself. My husband wrote the lyrics and I believe it will be a hit.

What phone are you using now?
It’s an old Sony Ericsson P800. It’s been very useful for so long but I am thinking about changing my phone. I have been checking out the Dopod.

How important is the mobile phone in your life?
I am absolutely dependant on it. I keep all my contacts, appointments on it. I use the Jotter to take notes. I really make use of my smartphone.

Great. I guess you must be a power computer user too.
I am a Mac user and I do use the computer a lot for writing, listening to music and for surfing the Internet as well. I have my own website at nora.com.my too.

Do your children have mobile phones of their own?
My eldest boy is thirteen and I gave him a Nokia mobile phone after his UPSR exams. I think mobile phones are a necessity these days. They are the best way to keep in touch.

What about your husband, he must be carrying one of the latest mobile phones?
Johan has two phones actually. One of them is a 3G phone. He’s really into gadgets and mobile stuff. Maybe you should interview him instead of me!

How do you keep in touch with family and friends? By SMS or by making calls?
Mostly SMS. I only call when I have a lot to say or something serious to discuss. Otherwise I simply SMS. It’s easier to SMS “Are you coming back for dinner?” than calling.

What about MMS? Do you use that?
Occasionally only. I prefer SMS.

Have you tried surfing the Internet on your mobile phone?
No. I prefer using the big computer screen. I think mobile phone screens are too small to surf properly.

What do you think of 3G?
I don’t see the need for it yet but I guess we will all move to it someday. The only advantage I see about 3G is the ability to make a video call.