This is so true, in the case of actress-turned-singer, Liyana Jasmay.

A couple of months ago, the talented actress released her debut single, Aku Tak Percaya Cinta, in her attempt to start her music career.

That, however, didn’t really go down well with her fans, with some even describing her ambitious attempt as “rubbish” and “ridiculously funny”.

Liyana has also been “under attack” by some parties that also didn’t favour her musical aspirations, claiming that she didn’t have the right voice to become a singer.

However, Liyana is unpertubed. As much as she is serious about her acting career, her new wing is equally important for her.

“I would be lying if I said that those comments didn’t hurt my feelings. It made me feel weak at times, but my experience in acting has taught me well on how to lick my own wound and heal myself and of course, bounce back,” said Liyana.

“Before I even tried singing, I have been thinking a lot about it, including how the fans would react to my attempt. Yes, maybe I am still not the best singer in the country, but I am trying my best and will always improve myself,” said the actress who underwent vocal classes for two months to improve her singing skills.

“I can’t just sit around and do nothing about the critiques. Yes, I am taking it as a challenge and will always take this as a motivation for me to move further and double my effort and works. I will not stop,” she said.

To prove her words, Liyana has decided to launch her EP album, which consists of five songs.

“I am very satisfied with this album because, besides the fact that the concept definitely suits me, I have also been able to get involved in the process, from A to Z. I had been given the space to have my own idea in the making of the album and looking at the final product, I must say that I’m truly satisfied,” she said.

Co-produced by Regal-Way Marketing Sdn Bhd and Metadome Sdn Bhd, the EP is scheduled to meet fans, end of this month.

The album focuses on pop rock alternative, which Liyana describes as “very much herself”.

“This is the kind of music that I like. It’s something that is suitable for the young listeners and I wish to reach out to them,” she said.

The actress added, she is confident that the concept will be accepted by her fans.

“I had been involved in various tours before and from there, I got a lot of positive feedbacks from the fans, and a majority of the youngsters. Most of them thought the concept I am representing is suitable for me.”

The album also sees Liyana working with prolific composers such as Ajai, AG and Elle of Coco, as well as newcomer Aizat.

Ajai penned three songs in the EP - Aku Tak Percaya Cinta, Aku Jatuh Cinta and Kejam.

“I have always admired Ajai’s works and to be able to work with him in my first attempt, it means so much to me. Ajai is one of the most creative composers we have in store and his works are never out of date.

“He is very knowledgeable, be it the retro stuff or the more modern tunes. He is aware of the latest music trends and he knows how to blend that with his composition. He’s a genius.”

Besides the three songs, other songs include Pelik (AG and Elle) and Penyelamat Cinta composed by Aizat and penned by Liyana herself.

Penyelamat Cinta raised eyebrows among members of the Press, not only for the fact that Liyana is trying her hand at songwriting, but also the fact that she is romantically-linked to Aizat.

So, could the cooperation between the two indicate something more?

“We are friends. To me, Aizat is one of the few young musicians of quality we have in the country and I am so proud that he agreed to help with my album.

“About the lyrics, I don’t think it’s a big issue. Aizat has prepared a beautiful composition and I thought why not I come out with something that will have my own touch? So, I decided to write the lyrics for Penyelamat
Cinta,” Liyana said after the official launch of her EP, held at Hard Rock Cafe recently.

In the event, Liyana entertained the guests with some of her numbers, including Aku Tak Percaya Cinta, Pelik,
Kejam and Aku Jatuh Cinta, among others.

Her performance was accompanied by her band mates, and Aizat also made a special appearance by performing a duet with her on Penyelamat Cinta.

During the duet, Liyana seemed uncomfortable and tried to avoid eye contact with Aizat and the audience.

When asked about it, the award-winning actress laughed before saying: “It’s a love song. How could I not have any eye contact with him? And no, I am not trying to avoid the media.”

Judging from her performance at the launch, it would be safe to predict that, given the right coach and ample time, Liyana is set to become the next rising star in the local music scene.

Perhaps her voice is still very raw but Liyana has the right stage persona to awe her fans.

“I hope I can create a brand from my music. In this case, I look up to Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana. She’s been harshly criticised but look how she has branded her name.

“Maybe I still have a long way to go, but I am working hard to follow in her foot steps,” said Liyana.