Khiron's Voice

If you know Opensim, you've almost certainly heard the beautiful mezzo soprano voice of Khiron Ametza at one venue or another. And yes, you're right, I did have to restrain myself from calling this blog post Ametza Soprano, and no, it wasn't easy, you know me so well. Anyway. The very talented Khiron (check out her SoundCloud page!) started her career as a vocalist back in in 1986, singing with lounge bands, in bars, dance halls and parties in general. Then about 15 years ago, she made a change. 

Khiron Ametza: I decided to focus on the virtual world in 2009 and stopped performing in RL. 

She's a seasoned and busy performer (you can find her calendar here) so I was curious to know what she feels are the most significant differences for a singer between these very different realities.

Khiron Ametza: The difference between RL and Virtual Worlds is that in VW I can sing what I like to sing, while in RL I had to sing all kinds of rhythms and songs that were bad for my ears and used to make me sick, and what's more, singing with playbacks gives me the pleasure of listening to the music the way it is, without musicians inventing different melodies for the songs.

Khiron Ametza: I started in SL 16 years ago, but I discovered OpenSim when it first started, singing for the now defunct 3rd Rock and the now defunct Inworldz Grid. I like singing at OpenSim because the crowds are cool and funny, and you don't feel the pressure of having a big crowd or not, and also the venue owners don't charge you whether the crowd tips the venue or not. In SL, you feel that pressure all the time, although some venues don't do that, but they will pay you a different rate because you don't get paid for small crowds at shows. 

Khiron at Rosie's on sim Cartier, Pangea grid

How about that very distinctive name?

Khiron Ametza: Khiron comes from the astrological chart, where the correct spelling is Chiron, and Ametza because when I started in SL, I had to choose a surname and this was the one I thought suited it best.

Khiron and an enthusiastic audience at the Majestic, Gentle Fire Grid

Some singers simply dip into Opensim when it's time to perform, but Khiron enjoys being on the platform even when she's not on stage, and - wisely, considering that no grid is immune to crashes and losses - she has accounts all over the place. On a platform that has a tendency towards tribalism, that cosmopolitan spirit (gosh, is hgpolitan a word? No, I thought no) makes her a good role model for us all. She makes no great claims for being a builder, but is an enthusiastic environmentalist, in the pixel sense of the word.

Khiron Ametza: I love furnishing houses and creating landscapes. As for my main home, I consider all the grids I am part of as my home. I often say that I am everywhere and nowhere lol.

Khiron at home (photo by K Ametza)

Opensim's main language is English, on most grids, which can be a challenge on the international stage. Khiron's English is good - but she's modest about her achievement. Not only that, her repertoire includes songs in an astonishing variety of languages, from Portuguese to Japanese, the result of a globetrotting RL that has taken her to many interesting countries.

Khiron Ametza: my problem is to understand when people are talking. I can write and read but talking and listening is not easy for me... I should do voice more regularly so I would learn much more, but I prefer reading. 

Thirza Ember: well, in voice there can be some pretty thick accents, and everyone talks fast, so at times it gets confusing

Khiron Ametza: but when you're learning you need to get used with fast talking

Thirza Ember: That's true!  Tell me something else, you have a set of regular appointments on different grids, I know - but can people contact you for a performance outside your schedule, and if so, does it happen often? do you require a lot of notice ? Do you have any requirements about new venues?

Khiron Ametza: I'm always looking for new locations. People can certainly contact me for new places. I don't demand much, I just need them to tell me the date and time! In the case of tips only show, it's essential that they tip me. I make my own posts on the opensim world website.

Khiron dancing at Rosie's - fabulous gown, Alchy !

There are all kinds of styles of ballrooms and music venues in Opensim, some very casual, or country, or futuristic, or dark, and many favor the formal look, like this event at Rosie's. It has to be asked - what about fashion? How important is it that Khiron has the right look for each of her performances?

Khiron Ametza: I change outfits for every concert, in every grid. My inventory is very organized and I take pictures of every outfit to make it easier to choose.  I love shopping and I know exactly where to find what hehe

Thirza Ember:  Finally, Khiron, what advice would you give to anyone who's thinking of starting a career as a singer in virtual worlds?

Khiron Ametza:  Be yourself wherever you are, and remember that behind the screen there is a human being in control.

Khiron onstage beginning her set at Rosie's, with fellow singer, Nazirah Avro