More than a pretty face

LOCAL artiste Iz Sulaini considers himself a singer-songwriter first, an actor second, and a dancer third.
One of the 26-year-old's career highlights took place in 2010 when he sang a live duet of A Whole New World with Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, during her concert tour in Malaysia and Singapore.
In the same year, he also opened for international acts such as US R&B star Usher, and K-pop group The Wonder Girls when they performed in Malaysia.
He also writes jingles and corporate theme songs, including for the TV3 game show Clever Girl.
Last year, he began dabbling in theatre, first with a role as a US Marine in the production Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo.
Earlier this year, he was featured a musical The Working Dead, playing a zombie.
Currently, he can be seen as part of the musical ensemble in Adam The Musical at the KL Performing Arts Centre (klpac).
Did you always want to be a singer?

"Singing chose me, and I chose singing. I would like to believe we chose each other."
When did you first join the entertainment industry?
"My parents pushed me into the entertainment industry when I was only three years old. I started doing TV commercials.
"Slowly, I sang jingles and did voice-overs. I started earning money at a young age.
"My parents were very supportive of me being in the creative industry. But they also emphasised on the importance of education.
"I have a degree in advertising. But I believe education is not just about degrees. Education teaches you to finish what you have started."
What is the latest development in your career?
"My first album was released ten years ago. I am planning to cut my second album soon.
"It has seven songs in English, Malay and Mandarin.
"I have just completed shooting my first feature film Misteri Delaila, under the direction of Syafiq Yusof, where I play a photographer.
"One of Syafiq's films Abang Long Fadil 2 collected more than RM18 million at the box office last year. It is the second highest grossing local film of all time.
"Misteri Delaila is a psychological thriller shot entirely in Fraser's Hill, and it will open in cinemas at the end of the year."
How do you look after your voice?
"A singer needs great stamina to be on stage. I go to the gym every day to boost my stamina.
"I have a trainer who is also my nutritionist.
"I never take sugar, salt, soy and dairy products. I make sure I have enough sleep.
"My body is an important instrument and I have to look after it."
What advice can you give to those who want to join the industry?
"The entertainment industry can sometimes be tough and brutal. It can break your spirit if you are not careful.
"It is not enough to have talent if you want to survive in the entertainment industry.
"You must have confidence and guts, and you must learn to develop a thick skin to [handle] all kinds of comments."
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
"Doing less work and getting bigger compensation (laughs).
"If you are willing to diversify and try new things, you can make good money in the entertainment industry.
"I never focus on one source of income. I have always had passive income.
"I don't just sing. I also write my own songs. I am getting royalties from them.
"A lot entertainers neglect the business aspect of their career.
"They do not like to deal with [it]. They just sign their contracts blindly.
"I put my business skills into my career.
"I read my contracts very [closely].
"I make sure I benefit from what I create. I make sure that I still have copyright over my songs."