The Skye’s the limit for child pop singer
E.B. youth gets recognition with release of 1st single
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

SCOTT PILLING staff Vienna, 6, a student at East Brunswick’s Central Elementary School, works on her vocals earlier this week.

EAST BRUNSWICK — She’s inspired by Avril Lavigne, and she uses electronic rhythms much like British performer Dido. But Vienna Skye is in a category all her own, considering her age, all of 6 years old.

The East Brunswick resident and Central Elementary School student won’t be 7 until July, but people all over the world are already hearing her self-penned tune “Who Am I.” The youngster, whose full name is Vienna Skye Balsamides, released two versions of the song on CD earlier this year after recording them in a local production studio owned by her father, Manny.

For Vienna, writing and recording is just part of a list of hobbies that includes playing piano — something she began at age 3 — practicing gymnastics and ballet, and even working on a modeling portfolio.

Manny Balsamides, 42, a lifelong township resident, acts as his daughter’s manager and producer. A musician himself, Manny co-wrote “Who Am I” with his daughter.

The song has already garnered air play on radio stations and in clubs both in and outside the United States, Manny said. In fact, the song has made it all the way to Holland, where it is getting a lot of play in dance clubs. Italy and Canada are among the other countries where the song has sparked interest, he said.

The radio version of “Who Am I” reveals the influence of Avril Lavigne — who Vienna said is her favorite singer — while the other version is a dance mix. Vienna’s promotional material indicates that the latter version “offers a powerful hypnotic mix ideally suited for hard-core trance clubs and synthpop lovers.”

“It’s not kids’ music, even though she’s very young,” Manny said, adding that he always has to explain to people in the business that “we’re not talking ‘Barney’ music or kids’ music.”

“It’s very accessible music for teenagers and adults,” he said.

The enhanced CD includes two music videos filmed in various locations. Vienna has also appeared in music videos from pop singer Jillian Ann and gothic band Dawn Chorus. She has also received a few other management offers, Manny said, and some recording contract interest.

Vienna, who is a bit shy, said she learned to sing simply “from practicing.”

She noted that she wants to be a singer when she grows up.

“Britney Spears is the last person I would compare her to, but she likes this livelihood,” Manny said. “She would love to be a professional singer.”

It’s not hard to see where Vienna got the performing bug from. Manny is a piano player and has been in several bands, including Ish. In the 1980s he was making original music that could be compared to Depeche Mode, he said.

Manny built a network of contacts over the years with his own career, and he has been using them to help get one started for his daughter.

Vienna spends a lot of time in the studio, he said, and it was she who expressed interest in putting together a song.

“It was going to be just for fun,” Manny said.

But it’s grown into something far bigger than expected, and has the potential to achieve greater recognition. Vienna’s videos, Manny noted, are even expected to be shown in retail outlets that contract to have audio and video looped into their stores.

The hook is that she is so young, but still sounds and appears like pop stars such as Lavigne, Manny said.

“That’s the novelty of it,” he said, referring to Vienna’s age. “If she was 15, it would be impossible, because there are so many other people that age trying to do this.”

The CD is already selling — through her Web site at viennaskye.com and via CDBaby.com — and fans have even discussed her work on Internet message boards, Manny said. Vienna even gets fan mail on a daily basis from people who visit the Web site.

“She likes the spotlight. She’s getting a kick out of this,” Manny noted.

Manny, who over the years released five CDs of his own, and his wife, Donna, have always been very into music — they named their first child Morrissey, after the popular British solo artist and singer of the Smiths. Morrissey, Vienna’s older brother, is now 9.

Manny noted that Donna, a native of England, is also supportive of her daughter’s burgeoning career.

Vienna, meanwhile, is continuing to focus on improving her craft, taking voice and piano lessons, and the plan is to release a full-length album later this year.