It’s been little over six months since your original acoustic song Larkin Step was featured on YouTube’s main page and since then you have attained many global fans and a record deal with Lempicka Records. How does it all feel to be doing all this?

I still pretty much do what I’ve always done, but it has pushed me to record my songs and try to translate successfully from live shows to recording. In short, it’s exciting but it’s also kind of scary. Signing with Lempicka helps me break into the Australian market, which is an opportunity most Singaporeans do not get.

Are you surprised at the number of cover versions your song Larkin Step has generated on YouTube?

Yes, I am really surprised.  I find that it ultimately effects my own perceptions of my songs.  It is also interesting to see how the songs are analysed.

You have many covers of songs by artists such as KT Tunstall, Elliot Smith and also a heartfelt version of Rachael Yamagata’s Worn Me Down featured on your YouTube channel. Is she a central musical influence of yours?  Who else are you influenced by?

She influences me more in terms of musical arrangement rather than songwriting.  Other artists I like are Fiona Apple, Amy Mann and Emily Haines.

What made you decide to share your music with millions online and have you always been an avid, bold musician?

I didn’t start out expecting millions of people viewing it. I did it mostly just to capture the song itself.  It’s been slightly overwhelming and again kind of scary.

We know this is your first live Australian debut, but have you ever been to Australia before?

This is my first visit to Australia, though I have a lot of friends who’ve studied here.  I like Australia, it’s a nice country. Great weather!

LING KAI will perform at a Lempicka Records showcase with Sue Ray and Tim Beau at the UQ Red Room Wednesday Jul 23, appearing at 5.30pm. The original version of LARKIN STEP can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUY8iT525yQ

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