Growing up with a family member who sang opera in a big venue in New York can be just as much of a burden as it is a motivator—especially if your dream is to be a singer too. It’s a tough act to follow and the comparisons never end. Pursuing a passion can take many paths with unfortunate, winding turns along the way. Fear of failure and rejection can put the nail in the coffin of anyone hoping to sing in a professional, public setting. Pericles, who recently joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Fort Lauderdale, has put his singing career on hold for the last 15 years for those very same reasons. The talent was there, but a series of personal setbacks and self-doubt derailed his confidence and desire to achieve his goals.  At 31, Pericles, who was a brilliant violinist in his teens, decided to forget the past and finally do what he was born to do.  He recently spoke with Mark’s List about joining the Gay Men’s Chorus, the show “Bach to the Future,” auditioning for a reality singing competition, and his musical journey.

You recently joined the Gay Men’s Chorus and you’re gearing up for “Bach to the Future.” How has the experience been so far?

It has been so much fun and I’ve made some great friends.  I don’t know why it took me so long to be a part of it. It’s so amazing to be around people who love to do what I do.

Did it take time to adjust singing around so many other people? Is it competitive for the solo roles?

Well I wanted to be around other singers and make really good music, so it made it easier. A lot of people try out for the roles, so yes it’s competitive. It’s a great atmosphere, though.

“Bach to the Future” is opening soon and it’s your first performance with the chorus.  What can we expect from the show?

The show is March 30^th and 31^st and April 1^st. There’s going to be a big variety of music—fun songs, cheeky songs, choral music, just some beautiful music.  We’ve been rehearsing very hard. Each section has separate rehearsals and then we all rehearse together.  It’s been hard work, but everyone is excited.

You’ve also recently decided to try out for a reality singing competition? They’ve been around for about 10 years—why now?

I have been told for years that I should audition for a reality singing show, but I never wanted to be judged on that kind of stage. I finally reached the point where I realized I need to put myself out there to get some exposure.  I’ve been stubborn for a while—I wanted to pursue my music the old-fashion way. I moved to New York for a while, but I realized it’s a lot harder than I thought and the pressure got to me.

Is your ultimate goal to win?

It would be nice if I did, but it’s not the reason I want to be on the show.  I would like to get exposure and ultimately a record deal. A show like this is a good stepping stone for that. Winning is not the only thing.

Do you think reality singing shows are good for the music industry?

I think they’ve changed the music industry, and it would depend on who you talk to if it’s a good or bad way. Pretty much anyone can come from anywhere and become a recording artist. It’s all up to the judges and the voters and not necessarily the record companies. It’s a different avenue—a great place to discover talent.

What do you think sets you apart from everyone else auditioning for this show?

I just want to show that I am a real artist—and make music that moves people and inspires.  It’s a passion I want to share for myself and for others.

Who are some of the artists in the music industry who inspire you?

No one current, except for maybe Adele—she’s a real artist to me. I look to many artists from the 90s and earlier for inspiration—Barbara Streisand and Whitney Houston would probably be at the top of my list.

How would you describe your style?

I would say it’s more adult contemporary with some theater and soul mixed in there.  I mainly just want to express music from my heart.

What do you think about fame and that lifestyle a lot of singers aspire to?

I can’t even imagine what’s it’s like to be famous in our world now. Being a celebrity is insane, and I don’t know how a lot of people do it. With the kind of media that we have now it’s just 24/7 in your face.

Do you want to be famous?

Sometimes that just comes with the territory, but it’s not really my goal to be famous.

Do you think being openly gay will hurt any chances of your success?

Not at all.  At this point it should be a non-issue. I think the entertainment industry has changed a lot over the last few years—I mean it’s 2012.

So what does your future hold?

I would like to keep auditioning , making music and performing.  I would definitely like to be on tour one day, but honestly I’m just glad I’m finally doing what I love to do instead of hiding behind my fear.