Wednesday, December 8, 2010

MEDWIN MARFIL: IN A TRUEFAITH STINT


Medwin Marfil is a laudable vocal leader of the long living band Truefaith. Since his vocal leadership, the band has gone far and famous on the OPM platform archiving more or less 13 albums on the shelves.

Medwin Marfil makes it clear that singing is his passion ever since the world began for him. It has been part and parcel of his soul. And he has a vision to share his talent and let the people enjoy his music, the way he's doing things to himself. His career would never been this way if his been into bad influence to himself and those around him. Med quoted those who are about to stay on the track that he is now to stay out of drugs, always be grateful to others, keep learning and of course – feet on the ground!

Now Med shred few of his time capitulating and making his mind for some queries for the “Musician Of The Month.”


ON THE RECORD
Do you know how to play any musical instruments?
Apparently, I don’t know how to play any instrument properly. I’m really indolent. But I promised myself to learn the guitar and keyboards this year. I hope I keep that promise. He he Oh yes, my voice. It is my instrument- the most natural one at that!

You've been in the music scene for quite some time now. How do you think that's affected the kind of musician you are?
I’m more relaxed. There really is not much pressure unlike when we started out in the 90’s. Pero I still get nervous during TV appearances and regular shows. I have to re-learn sometimes being confident about our craft especially when it’s a day na gusto ko lang magtago from the world.

What's your first memory of someone else's music changing your life?
When I first saw the video of Duran Duran’s The Reflex I thought, “Wow, I wanna do that!” And from then on I never looked back.

How did those records shape who you are as a musician?
I listened to a lot of Nat King Cole, The Beatles, Shirley Bassey as a kid. During my teens I was into Duran Duran, R.E.M., U2! I was a very lonely kid; and I stayed a lot sa bahay lang. Listening to the radio and playing my favorite L.P.’s made me feel that there should be better days for me in the future. And the good days did come. I write songs now that can inspire kids who might feel detached. New song of faith and inspiration are in the new album, LOVE PARADE!

Who were your music heroes as a kid?
Michael Stipe of REM, U2, Duran Duran, EBTG… dami actually!

When you dealt with tough situations growing up, how much of a role did music play in helping you get through them?
Listening to the radio and playing my favorite music inspired me to make music and give me hope that my sad state back then would somehow pass.

What kept you pursuing a career in music?
Music became my passion since High School. I always felt that I’d be in the music industry eventually.

How important was music in your upbringing?
Very important! Everyone in the family loves music. It can’t be a proper family affair if the stereo ain’t playing music.

What advice do you have for people searching for an artist to inspire them?
There’s always an artist out there who’s feeling what you’re feeling; singing the songs your heart wants to sing. Go and find them in the internet, in a bar, in the record store.

What's your ultimate objective as a vocalist and as a songwriter?
Make people enjoy their lives and be happy.

For some writers the motivation is that burden, that you have to get what's inside of you out and down on paper. How is it with you?
A couple of beers will help me ease the words out and the melody to take shape in my head.

Was writing something that'd you'd always wanted to do?
I used to write songs when I was a child and just kept them to myself. I always felt that writing poems and songs would be my drill. I plan to go back to college and study literature and psychology- I wanna write a book!

Are there new bands you think are worth bringing to attention?
I love Coldplay- I saw them twice na and will watch them in every tour they do! Paborito ko ngayon are Wild Beasts, Kasabian,I Am Kloot, Magic Numbers. Sa local, Up Dharma Down, Corporate Lo-fi, Out of Body Special, Camerawalls… madami!

Any tips for making live performances sound good?
Just enjoy the show. Have a round or two with your bandmates! Realize inspiration from any source. Ask for Divine assistance from the Infinite or the Universe. Always do your best!

What kind of practice regimen do you keep?
I sing whenever I can. I sing when I’m drunk and when I’m listening to great music! I run a lot- that should keep my body especially my lungs healthy. I sleep enough hours- 6 to 8!

What particular song you'd like to be associated with and why?
“Perfect” because that started out Truefaith’s career.

Any advice for beginning musicians?
Be original. Stay away from drug and alcohol abuse. Abuse of any kind is wrong. Keep learning from others; from your musical idols; from your life experiences. Never be pompous- stay humble. Be grateful sa lahat!

What can we expect from True Faith this 2010?
New album (9th studio album), LOVE PARADE will be out 3rd week of Feb 2010! 12 new songs with guests Armi of Up Dharma Down, Carlos of Out Of Body Special, Ryan Armamento of Corporate Lo-fi, Luke Mejares and Dix Lucero. Very new wave-y record; lush 80’s synth pop tunes! I swear it’s a great record! Everyone must have a copy! Cheers! World tour this year: Canada, U.S.A., Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Middle East! J


TOP 5 Albums to play along to:

1. Two Dancers- Wild Beasts

2. Viva La Vida- Coldplay

3. The Unforgettable Fire- U2

4. I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got- Sinead O’ Connor

5. Green- R.E.M.


♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

ZACARIAH: LIGHTING THE TORCH OF FAME


Another promising figure stands at the bright doors of the OPM delta, no other than Zacariah “Zac” De Guzman. Perhaps he won't promise anything to anybody, but look who's got the bacon home. Zac recently won “People's Choice Best New Male Recording Artist” and “People's Choice Favorite Male Recording Artist” at the 22nd Awit Awards (a Philippine version of Grammy Awards) on December7, 2009. Besides, he has been nominated for various awards that are getting even with him.

Fresh and nicely cut, he has lot of stories to tell yet...


Since you're starting to build your name in the music scene how would you want people to know you?
I want the public to know me as someone who loves music so much and gave up almost everything in life to follow and pursue my dreams and passion as a singer. I live and breathe music and cannot live a day without it. I’m an R&B singer, but I am pretty versatile with respect to the genres I sing. I also like to sing Pop songs, Ballads, Gospel songs, and even some Rock songs.

What are you hoping to accomplish now that you have won Awit Awards?
After winning my Awit Awards recently, I hope to be able to accomplish even more goals with my music career, and prove myself to the music industry and critics. I strive to be the best singer and performer I can possibly be and make a name for myself in the Philippine Music Industry and abroad.

What is your take on the media response to the album?
From what I have heard, the media has had a great response to my debut album. Being nominated for and winning multiple Awit Awards is a true testament to the response of the music industry and media, and for that I am extremely humbled and grateful as a recording artist. Being recognized for your music is one the greatest compliments a singer can possibly receive.

How do your awards inspire you as a singer?
My awards as Best New Male Recording Artist & Favorite Male Recording Artist have given me so much more confidence in myself and performing. Winning the awards has also put into perspective how much harder I have to work to prove that I am truly deserving of winning and having these titles.

What are you working on next?
Right now, I am recording songs for my sophomore album which will be released in the first quarter of 2010. I also have songs waiting for me in Canada to record for when I visit there in March. I also have to get ready for tours and shows here in the Philippines and abroad (in Canada and across Europe). I’m hoping to break into the international music scene soon.

Is there anything you want to do differently in your career?
If I were to do anything differently with my music career, I would want to be more visible on Television and in the Media. My songs ‘Suko Na’ and ‘Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita’ have done well on the radio, and are known, but now it’s time for the media and public to know ME more. I hope to be a regular singer on shows such as ASAP XV or SOP, and have more shows and concerts all over the Philippines and internationally.

Since you have plans in coming out with your new album anytime soon, what can we look forward to about it?
For my new album to be released in the Philippines very soon, you can expect to have some more original OPM songs, a revival or two and much more English songs than the previous album. The new album will be more soulful and have an international R&B sound and groove. My imaging and packaging will also be different from the last album. Abangan niyo na lang po! =)

Are you happy with your position now and everything you have achieved?
I am extremely happy with my position now and everything I have achieved! As a new artist who has been in the music industry for just one year, people have noticed I have done and accomplished so much. Sometimes I’m still in disbelief of things I have done and achieved so far. I am extremely grateful and blessed and thankful to our Lord Almighty and for all the support from friends, family, supporters, and fans. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Everything I sacrificed and all the hard work I put in has been paying off!

Where can your supporters catch you?
For a complete and up-to-date schedule of Zacariah events, you can visit my website at: www.zacariah.net

What are the plans for the rest of the year?
After releasing my album by March of this year, I will be promoting the new album for a couple months here in the Philippines and I will have gigs and shows lined up here in the Philippines as well as abroad in Canada, Japan, and all over Europe! In between these shows, I will be recording songs with my producers and composers from major labels in Canada, and we are currently cooking up an album release in Canada and Europe as well. We hope to break into the U.S. Record Industry shortly after, fingers crossed.

Is there anything else we should know about you?
I actually have an identical twin brother named Anthony who sings too! He actually used to be a better singer than me, but then he stopped and I took over haha. My parents are actually both singers, and that’s how they met. I’m lucky to have inherited their singing genes =). For those interested, I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, but studied in the Philippines (Nueva Ecija) from 1994 to 1997. My twin brother and I are known as “DA TWINZ” in Canada and internationally for our customized, multi-award & Best of Show Winning Show Car which has been featured in various car shows, TV shows, newspapers, and magazines all over the world. I was actually one year away from completing my Doctorate of Optometry Degree in the USA, but then took a break from school to follow my singing dream. If I would have stayed in Optometry school, I would have been a Doctor in May of this year. I have no regrets of leaving Optometry school since I already have two Bachelor Degrees and can always go back to school or work anytime. Fortunately, some of the songs I have recorded in Canada are currently playing in Canada and Europe right now. I have the best supporters a new singer can ever ask for all over the world, and especially from my hometown of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija! Love you all! God Bless and more power! Thanks everyone! For everything Zacariah, you may visit my website at www.zacariah.net


♫♫♫


Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine


JAY R: SINGS OPM LOVE CLASSICS


Prince of Soul JAY R
Unfolds A New Chapter As He 'Sings OPM Love Classic'

Everybody knows the face of the star well-known as the Prince of R & B in the country now as the Prince of Soul. Jay R is finally getting ready for his big come back via his new album that soon be hitting the record stores nationwide within this month.

After giving us his biggest hits ‘Bakit Pa Ba?’ written by veteran songwriter Vernee Saturno and ‘Ngayo’y Narito’ his debut album Game Face was Platinum (nearly hitting the double Platinum status). His 2008 release ‘Soul in Love’ awarded Platinum just last year. There are lots of astounding things about JayR; he writes, produces his own songs and his talent in singing and dancing is unbeatable. He never gets tired of improving himself not for once. Now he’s back again to give us another hit album.

The concept of his upcoming disc ‘JayR Sings OPM Love Classics’ was really knew to him. But it’s another additional milestone in his career.

"Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics" Tracklisting :

1. Himala (Originally popularized by Rivermaya) – CARRIER SINGLE OF THE ALBUM
2. Ako'y Sa 'Yo, Ika'y Akin (Originally popularized by I-Axe)
3. Ikaw Lamang (Originally popularized by Zsa Zsa Padilla)
4. Paalam Na (Originally popularized by Rachel Alejandro)
5. Muli (Originally popularized by Gary Valenciano & Regine Velasquez) with Nina
6. Kahit Kailan (Originally popularized by South Border)
7. Huwag Na Lang Kaya (Originally popularized by True Faith)
8. Sa Isip Ko (Originally popularized by Agot Isidro)
9. Sa Kanya (Originally popularized by Ogie Alcasid)
10. Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin (Originally popularized by Martin Nievera)
11. Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga (Originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
12. Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig (Originally popularized by Jaya)
13. Hagkan (Originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta)


Jay-R once again graced your OPM Authority with his soulful presence among us. It's not a usual day-in day-out at the office meeting a celebrated celebrity like him, though we've met him several times. Air-conditioning at the studio is at its best hitting us cold, his presence keeps it warm and bubbly.

He’s at the high of his senses courtesy of his (upcoming) album “Jay-R Sings OPM Love Classics.” Few of the few others were giving opportunities to do a step like this – only if you are like Jay-R.

Jay-R made few favors this time. Few other songs were enlisted because they were of his parents choice and others are just details, nonetheless those are songs they all agreed upon singers and producers alike. Besides songs went through 'rigorous' dry runs and auditory check from home to car stereos to wherever it reaches as long as the feedback come back.

It's an all-tagalog rendition divergent from his past albums which are mostly whipped with accented English lyrics, obviously Jay-R grew up in America for quite some time. It's a truly new innovative musical prowess his putting at the seat of his voice. He's making it as his own and out of something there put his own musical badge definitely called - Jay-R.


THE ALBUM

This album will perhaps be the most noticeable of them all. It takes Jay-R to the new dimension of musicality. The album is composed of an all 13-track songs, all tagalog, all OPM – all handpicked. Under the creative tentacles of the Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, Jay-R celebrates music with his new brainchild “ Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics.”

On the other hand, it is a sort of a tribute to some of the OPM bigwig such as Basil Valdez, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid and even the bands like Rivermaya, True Faith, I-Axe. His album bears few other collaborative effort with other artist such as with the First Female Diamond Artist and Soul Siren Nina in the track “Muli.” The carrier single is Rivermaya's ever famous “Himala.”

Not known to the minority, Jay-R was crowned “Prince of R&B” because of his bland and emotive vocal rendition of every fiber of the songs he sang. Thus, few of his albums have cached several buys and is now certified platinum such as “Gameface” and “Sould In Love.” This is where Jay-R shines the most making him more comely to some movies, endorsements, gigs and regular TV stints.


ON THE RECORD

Jay-R takes the clay into his hand used to give it new shape, the way his artistic sinew can do. Without losing the the real theme he puts his own color to the song with the original jiving with the Jay-R essence. “For me when I'm making a new record, I wanna make it as my own. I stick to the same format of the song but I will create and develop it on my own style for all the songs,” he commenced.

In choosing the songs, Jay-R considers few individuals to have their taste suggested to his menu, “The one you've mentioned earlier, “Ikaw Lamang” 'yun ang pinaka paborito ng mommy ko. Kinakanta ng mom ko 'yun lagi. Kinakanta n'ya 'yun kapag 'yung dad ko nag a-accompany sa piano. So “Ikaw Lamang” is a personal song for me, he said. They were really his parents favorites so he consented, “most of the songs included in this new record gusto ng parents ko kaya I was inspired to do it.” No doubt, mother knows best. Nonetheless, despite being cumbersome at some other Tagalog terms, Jay-R take it as a whole saying, “hindi naman.. You speak yourself in the situation lang sa song, 'di ba each song may story? Naintindahan ko naman (laughs) though there are some words that I don't get pero 'yung buong kanta I get the gist of it. S'yempre alam ko naman 'yung sinasabi sa mga kanta.”

He explains how it would be naturally difficult to record songs, the way it is. “Actually “Muli” kasi ang taas t'saka 'yung timing iba talaga 'yung ginagawa ni Gary V. At the same time sobrang idol ko si Gary V. the way I sing “Muli” parang Gary V. style. I've known the song ever since I was a kid so ang hirap na gawing style ko because I'm used to doing it as Gary V. style.” Besides making it to his own, few other hassles dashed in such as, “yung time frame. Actually I've recorded the entire album in less than a month kasi sobrang daming trabaho n'ung December of last year so 'yung mga equipment ko dinadala ko na sa mga gigs at sa mga tapings ko. Minsan nagre-recording ako sa hotel while doing other work at the same time. It's like every seconds counts.”

Some artists like to test their new songs in their car stereos or invite friends to the studio to hear playbacks. How did you listen to the album when it was a work in progress?
Ako lang I just monitored it myself. I wasn't able na maparinig kina Kris Lawrence or Jimmy Muna. Every minute in December was scheduled. No time for listening or anything. Ako na talaga ang nag-monitor of the entire album.

So you just released the single, "Himala” What was the inspiration for the song?
We wanted to do it na tipong 'yung kanta na “Kiss From A Rose” ni Seal. We wanted to do it something like that because ang ganda nung kanta pang-soundtrack talaga so we wanted to do something like that with “Himala”. Plus I think everyone can really relate to the message of the song.

In this album, you've got a chance to have a duet with Nina. How did you choose who you wanted to have on the record?
Yes, we did “Muli” which was originally done by Gary V and Regine Velasquez. She was actually recommended by Universal Records. I hope they will like the song, it's something new and it's my first time to have a duet with her although we haven't able to record the song together because of conflict of schedules at that time. She's also busy and me so we just recorded it's other parts.

Were you aiming for a specific audience when recording your CD?
Yes. I think we're going for the strictly Tagalog song listeners market. 'Yung mga nakikinig sa Soul in Love that's more of parang high end. Now we're going towards “masa” crowd kasi with each album we wanted to stick to RnB pero marketed to different crowds para lumaki lalo 'yung market namin.

You've done a lot in terms of evolving; you've gone into originals, revivals for Soul in Love and now you sings OPM classics. We're just curious, what keeps Jay R evolving?
I think creativity keeps me evolving. Each time I do an album, I make sure that I always want to do something different after that. I want to reinvent my music. I don't want to repeat things that I already did. I would like to have fresh and new every time I do an album. I never wanted to be the same. So after I do Soul In Love which is all English this time it's all Tagalog naman. And probably after this no more revivals for a while. I wanted to do an all original one. I always something that keeps me going so the fans keep listening to me, not the same consistent sound na nagiging boring after a while. I'm always looking for that new sound in RnB. And there’s still this burning urge to outdo myself with every album I make.

You've done a number of cover songs. What do you enjoy about playing covers?
It's easy to gather kasi kapag original you can record 50 songs tapos dalawa lang nagustuhan mo d'un 'di ba. Covers kasi gawa na siya at nag hit na siya kaya kapag ginawa mo 'yung cover you adopt the “sikat-ness” ng song.

How do you decide on which songs would work well as Jay R songs?
I leave it all with everyone in Universal Records. They all meet about it and they all look at the different aspects. Pero sa akin, kung anong ibato sa akin na kanta dapat 'yung gusto ko, gusto ng parents ko at 'yung kaya ko i-evolve in my own sound.

Is either part of this album closer to where you see yourself going in the future?
Tagalog is definitely possibility for the future kasi Filipino tayo s'yempre. Pero in the future I see myself doing more original Tagalog.

What's the response been from fans who have heard the new material?
So far the response is from you guys only. Hindi ko pa pinaparinig sa iba kayo palang ang nakakarinig and according to you guys, it's a good album.(laughs)

Did you have an idea of what direction you wanted this album to go in or did you just jump in and see what happens?
Yes, we knew exactly what we wanted in this new record like what we did with Soul In Love pero all Tagalog songs this time around. We make sure that before we did it , we had a concept and what direction we're going.

In this decade it seems like it’s been very, very difficult for any artists to continue the momentum of success. They have one album that blows up and then they seem to fade. Why do you think that is?
I think the mentality of the artist should be really strong, feet on the ground and should be working hard always. He/She always wanting to stay on top because they always say it's not hard to get into number 1 but what's hard is staying in number 1, and that's why it's more work to stay there than getting there kaya siguro there are artist nowadays na when they get into the top they get comfortable with it tapos nawawala 'yung fire to work and be on top. So I think that's why they fade out.

Of all the songs you did, what particular song would you like to be associated?
I think “Bakit Pa Ba” would be the song for me. 'Yun talaga ang nagpasikat sa akin and I'm proud because it's original and style ko talaga.

Why should we need to buy your album?
Kasi artist like me, we keep OPM alive 'yung mga classics talaga na kanta so if you buy my album parang you're going back into the future of the old songs.



INSIDE OUT

Inside out, Jay-R drew sympathy to the world’s crackled face like the tragedies around the globe. “All the tragedies that's happening in the world. Like ngayon, may tragedy na naman sa Haiti. It's like the world is really changing and we just have to live in it. Be happy and live it as if it's like your last day,” he asserts.

Getting into maturity with the songs and with oneself is a gradual process, so is Jay-R coping changes and grateful with the help he receives, “I have grown a lot since Gameface and ang daming tumutulong sa aking mga producers at songwriters until now. Although I have been doing cover songs but when I do my original music I myself making my own music na, producing myself and writing it myself na. So I think I've grown as a singer-songwriter-producer.”

More on him...

What else do you have planned for 2010?
I'm planning to release two artists under my record label, Homeworkz and hopefully distributed by Universal Records if they want (laughs). I'll be having concerts and tours lined up in the States. We have this project that we're going to reunite all the RnB artists here and put them all in one concert.

You're shows are so spontaneous and fun. Do you ever get nervous or forget what you're doing on stage?
I always get nervous every show. Minsan what I forget is 'yung lyrics 'yun ang madalas kong nakakalimutan. Kasi minsan iba talaga kapag 'yung energy ng tao masaya parang na-overwhelm ka kaya minsan nakakalimutan mo 'yung lyrics. (laughs)

What is your favorite aspect of being a solo artist?
You only wait for yourself. You don't wait for anybody. And everything is on your terms talaga, you don't have to ask for permission kasi kapag banda dapat lahat alam, lahat on time, maghihintay ka minsan. Kapag solo ka, medyo cool ka lang at walang masyadong inaasikaso.

What are you most excited about artistically in terms of the future?
I'm looking forward to the evolution of music in the future because you know that's what producers like myself are always looking for, you should up to date on what are the sounds today para you have to stay at the top of your game. You always do the research and I always look forward to seeing on how and what kind of music is going to evolve. 'Di ba 'yung Black Eyed Peas they just change the whole hip-hop, RnB, pop and they like fuse it all together? And it just change the music so I can imagined how it's gonna be on 2012, two years from now.

When can we expect an all original songs from you since you're a songwriter at heart?
My next album after this is all original most definitely. Next year na siguro 'yun. I made Ma'am Kath (of Universal Records) promise me that after this album, all originals naman.

You've been working so hard on your album and doing things and going places. If you could go home and relax, what'd be the first thing you'd do?
First thing I would do is go home and relax and go eat and out burger, that's my favorite ever. (smiles)

If you were to pick 3 of the most memorable things over the course of your stay in the industry, they would be...
My first Platinum record for Gameface. The Awit Awards of course and my first show sa Los Angeles with Jasmine Trias in 2006. It was very memorable s'yempre hometown ko 'yun, in a very big venue and it was really a big thing. It was a successful show. My whole family was there to watch me perform for the first time as professional artist in the industry. It was truly memorable.

Other artists are transferring from one label to another, what made you want to stay with Universal Records?
Loyalty is the best policy (laughs). I've been with Universal Records ever since I started in the industry. No, honestly I really do believe in loyalty definitely kasi you're not gonna get anywhere kung palipat-lipat ka. You have to establish a relationship. For me, Universal Records are treating me well and we're making good music so why leave. I believe loyalty is the best because that's where you develop a relationship and you become friends.

And finally, do you have any goals you want to reach before you turn 30 in a few years' time?
I would like to sell a million records worldwide in two years time.


♫♫♫


Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

HI-C: ON BODY TALK


A pop sensation giving rise to Dice &K9 through her steamy vocal sinew is now creating her own storyboard with her new album “Body Talk.” The album features pop-oriented pieces melded together with her sexy voice, besides that she's really is sexy. Hi-C is (perhaps) a daring and bold young blood out there in the wild. Hi-C besides singing has gone to many ventures; such as posing to some other magazines asserting how comely she is at bare essentials, besides the voice that her gets even with it.

Here's more of Hi-C and her album talking...


How did you prepare for your solo album?
Being part of “DiCE & k9 aka MOBBSTARR” really prepared me for it.

How do you personally define the music your playing now?
POP

What were some of the influences in the creation of your solo album?
DiCE & k9 aka MOBBSTARR, Madonna, M.I.A., and Britney Spears

Is there a particular artist that made you want to go solo?
I was a solo artist before DiCE & k9 aka MOBBSTARR

How long were you in the studio for this record?
Some of the songs were recorded 2005, since it’s supposed to be released that year (but since there’s more demand for the group, we didn’t really gave my album a deadline) for the past 4 years I have recorded few songs thus BODY TALK is like a compilation my “favorites” among all the songs I did.

With all the songs included on the album which one is the most challenging for you to record?
Maybe those songs I have recorded outside ‘our” studio like Watchin Me, Physical to name few because I'm not in my comfort zone but song wise, I didn’t really have a problem since the songs are made for me, its like custom fit.

How your album does reflect your personality?
It’s a sexy album; do I have to say more?

What are the criteria/s you need on what songs are fit for the album?
No criteria really, as I've said they are my top picks among those I have recorded

How difficult for you to record an album without your former band mates around?
They are around because they produced my songs.

What prompted you to make a solo album?
I guess it’s time for the world to see me, just me hahahahaha!

How this album challenge you as a singer?
The challenge is doing songs that no one ever did locally.

What can your fans from your former group and the new ones expect from your solo effort?
There’s a lot of me here, since it’s my “solo effort”

What's the most important thing Dice & K9 experiences has taught you?
Don't be afraid of taking risks or of being criticized.

Being a solo artist now, how do you envision yourself in the future?
Doing what I love most, making music

How do the songs reflect the changes after leaving Dice & K9?
I didn’t leave the group. I'm still part of the group. And you guys better watch out for the groups next release.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

ERIK, RACHELLE, JAY R, SITTI and CHAMP: A COLLAGE OF VOICES


FIVE MULTI-PLATINUM ARTISTS GATHER FOR PINOY SONGMAG 6th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!

It's another round-up from your OPM Music authority this 6th anniversary issue as we gather some of the best, if not the finest pearl of our OPM shores. In a clamshell, they are the “mix of voices.” In a potpourri, they are the mix of aromatic herbs and seasoning that exudes a whiff of vocal synergy and performance that breaks a leg.

This mix of voices garners the R&B Prince Jay-R, the high-hitting vocal Rachelle Ann Go, the Bossa Nova heroine Sitti, the soulful balladeer Erik Santos and the Hale front man Champ. They all together pay tribute to this special issue that we have and you have right now, while we give them our salute on the same hefty pages of your OPM Authority.

It’s not just another music magazine you flip and spin into your shelves and then bites dusts!

Here, we’re doing it with authority and therefore we speak with authority. Strictly, no copycat, just the original. The scepter’s power came from the fact that we’ve robbed face to face and skin to skin with them – once, twice, trice and perhaps counting. They have our words and we have their inner thoughts shared to us up close and personal – and its official.

Each of them has stories to tell, questions to answer and something to deny, but duh, you’ll get it as they’ve said.

In this issue, nothing else matters but the hottest, the latest and the satisfaction you’ll get as we have tried our best, and we hope so it pays justice.

Know about how these guys and gals face big or small things in their life, how they have stayed that long in the industry despite the mushrooming contemporary competitions or competitors. You’ll be glad to know how much time, sweat and tears they have spent just to come up with their crowned jewel – their albums. Even more, we’ll learn how they have made it to the top of their individual career so that you and I might as well learn that the more a thing is coveted the more that it’s a hard-won reality to invest in this life. Nonetheless, it isn’t impossible.

The Mix Of Voices will tell you how it is possible…


ON THE RECORD

How is everything? What big things have you been doing lately?
JAY-R: Everything is going well and busy. The biggest thing na ginawa ko so far is 'yung "Kaya Natin Ito" project led by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez. We had 75-80 singers sa Pilipinas. Lahat sila pumunta sa studio and it was pretty exciting. I'm working on a couple of albums right now. Tinatapos ko 'yung Peace and Inspirational album and the Christmas album is coming out next month in the stores.
RACHELLE ANN: Well, kakatapos lang ng concert “True Champions.” I’m very happy kasi parang kami y'ung nag-direk n'ung show. Kami ang pumili lahat ng lineup.After that project, I’ll be having a meeting with Boss Vic (del Roario of Viva) for my next album. Wala pa kaming plano if all original y'ung album. And I think baka by next year na y'ung out n'un.
SITTI: Maraming nangyari sa akin na super big, big talaga. I tried theater for the first time. We had 12 shows sa RCBC in Makati n'ung September to October. The experience is really something that I'll always treasure. Sobrang dami kong natutunan with regards to theater.
ERIK: My album, the Jim Brickman Songbook, naka-release s'ya sa ten countries in Asia. Yun, that's what makes me exited about my album.
CHAMP: For Hale, we've been promoting heavily "Bahay Kubo" and so far it really paid off. So far, it received massive airplay on different radio stations and the video reached number 1 for three weeks. It's been a good run. Now, we're getting ready to release the second single "Kalesa". For Treehouse (his production outsfit) naman, we conducted an outreach program for Ondoy and Pepeng victims. It's been a productive couple of months for Hale.

To what do you owe your longevity? And how do you hope to achieve longevity in this business?
JAY-R: I think as a singer, dapat gumawa ako ng magandang music lagi to sustain my career.
RACHELLE ANN: I owe it sa mga taong sumusuporta sa akin, given na d'yan y'ung family ko, mga fans ko na tinatawag ko ng friends. Sa kanila talaga ako sobrang nagpapasalamat, nad'yan sila for me. Mahirap din kasi kunin ang loyalty dahil sa daming lumalabas na new artist ngayon. So nagre-reinvent din ako ng sarili ko.
SITTI: S'yempre maraming puyatan at sakripisyong ginawa. Sa akin kasi matagal akong nagtrabaho so I huggle my time between my studies and singing.
ERIK: Of course to my family, then of course to my manager.
CHAMP: First to the whole band, I think I always say this the strength of Hale is each other. We work as a team, we work as a group so I think as long as we keep that intack that formula, that chemistry, we will continue to produce good music and at the same time fans, friends and colleagues who support us.

With such a successful albums, did you feel pressure from the business to be conservative and stick with a formula that worked?
JAY-R: Most of the time 'yung ginagawa ko gusto ko, so happy ako. Hindi ako mahilig kumanta ng ibang genre. I have plans of trying other genres pero not for myself para sa iba siguro. Hindi ako mahilig kumanta ng ibang genre kundi RnB lang pero my niece 'yung banda nila Clay is alternative. I'm producing them so we are doing a lot of alternative live music and recording. I guess I'm open to try other music pero hindi para sa akin para sa iba.
RACHELLE ANN: May formula ba? Gusto ko gawin y'ung music ko talaga na gindi ko pa nagagawa. Honestly, y'ung type of music ko hindi ko ma-explain kung medyo jazzy, na may konting blues na reggae na halo-halo siya. Pinarinig ko nga ito sa aking management medyo alanganin pa sila kasi nga dito sa atin mga Pinoy hindi pa gan'un naa-accept y'ung ganung type of music. Basta ayaw ko kasi y'ung mag-stick lang ako sa isang genre. Gusto ko mag-experiment ng ibang klaseng music. Masyado na kasi ako masyadong nata-typecast as belter di ba? Mas masarap kasi ang feeling as an artist y'ung nagagawa mo y'ung gusto mo at masaya ka.
SITTI: Right now, 4th studio album ko na ito and then all of the albums that I've made, they were all majorly covers konti lang 'yung original songs so for the next album talagang I'm really really looking na more original contents sana. For me, kahit na it will take two years or mas matagal kasi right now ang intervals ng albums ko 1 year apart then may ire-release na kami. Sa akin walang pressure from the industry to conform so sana 'yung next album ko more original contents and I'd really prepared for.
ERIK: As a balladeer, wholesome kasi y'ung image, then 'yun y'ung minahal sa akin ng tao eh. And I'm willing to reinvent and I'm ready for anything na pagbabago sa music at kung ano y'ung (gusto nila) kumbaga p'wede naman tayong sumunod sa uso eh.
CHAMP: You always have to consider the business side of music which the recording has not fail to address but as a musician the core should always be above creativity. If you just recycle music and just stick to one formula that is not being creative or innovative.

Comparisons are inevitable and people are always comparing you to your contemporaries. What are your thoughts on those comparisons?
JAY-R: We all have our own trademarks even if we get compared to our contemporaries but its fine with me, I consider it as healthy competition. I'm glad to see my fellow contemporaries doing good as well.
RACHELLE ANN: Given na y'un, kasi ganito naman talaga sa showbiz. Kung sino y'ung nauna i-compare sa bago. Ako umpisa pa lang kumabaga sumabak na ako sa gan'ung thinking ng tao. Kaya nakapag-adjust agad ako sa gan'ung thought ng mga Pinoy. Pero it's a healthy competition naman hindi namin dahil gusto kong angatan y'ung isa. Pero gusto mo ipakita kung ano y'ung kaya mong gawin.
ERIK: We cannot avoid naman yung comparison ng isang artista sa isang artista or singer sa isang singer. For me kasi, mas nagpo-focus ako sa kaya kung ibigay, sa magagawa ko kaysa mag-focus ka d'un sa rivalry mo with other artist. Dapat mag-focus ka d'un sa what you can give to the audience. I think that's the most important thing na gawin ng isang artista o ng isang singer na katulad ko.
SITTI: Hindi ko siya maiiwasan gan'un naman talaga ang mga Pinoy, they usually compare the singer's styles and band styles to others. Sa akin, I don't really pay much attention to this. Pinagbubutihan ko na lang 'yung music na ginagawa ko. Kahit kami lang ng mga ka-banda ko basta nag-eenjoy kami sa tugtugan kahit walang nanunuod basta masaya 'yung tugtugan masaya ka na rin.

A lot of people think you basically came out of nowhere not knowing how hard you really worked to get where you are today. How hard was it to actually "be successful"?
JAY-R: In the beginning parang naka-tsamba lang ako that time kasi, walang male singer na Rnb so n'ung nilabas ako parang everyone was interested. It was easy actually but the hard part was jumping into it. You embrace the whole industry kasi it's my first time doing something like this mainstream kasi ang Pilipinas so ang daming trabaho kaagad. Everyday interviews and photo shoots, recordings and tapings...lahat pati rehearsals. So the hardest part is to sustain it. To keep working and not get lazy and keep giving the fans the music they like pero it's pretty hard in the beginning though parang naka-tsamba lang ako but sustaining it, is the hardest part.
RACHELLE ANN: For me its not that hard, hindi ko naman sinasabing successful ako ngayon pero I’m happy kung nasaan ako ngayon. Since nagsimula ako sa mga singing competition hindi naman y'ung sinasabi ng iba na sinuwerte lang 'yan. Sa akin naman talagang pinaghirapan ko rin naman. Sa mga paghihirap kong y'un nag-e-enjoy naman ako. Sa bawat step na y'un, I really enjoy it, bawat album at concert na ginagawa ko. Dahil masaya ako doing it kaya hindi ko nararamdaman na nahirapan ako.
SITTI: May mga times na nagi-gig kami 3 set sa isang gabi minsan wala pa ngang nanunuod. Laging puyat ka minsan nababawasan na 'yung time mo for your family and for yourself. Nagkakaroon din ng challenge na make every performance a unique one especially right now na parang repetitive na 'yung mga songs ginagawa namin so importante na I don't get burned out kasi if I get burned out baka 'yun ang makita ng mga tao sa akin when I perform. Kung wala 'yung mga sumusuporta sa akin wala rin ako dito ngayon.
ERIK: Ako naman I've never planned all of this to happen siguro it's God's will na mangyari ang lahat ng ito. Of course medyo mahirap for me, because I came just from a normal student. Then I joined Star In A Million, I won , then everything started from there.
CHAMP: That's true, the fact that we just popped-out of nowhere has its pros and cons. 'Yung pros n'ya, s'yempre everyone was curious about us. 'Yung negative naman 'dun there were a lot of criticisms and cynical people saying that we didn't earn our keep at the underground scene which is not true naman. Everyone starts indie and spend time sa underground scene and we were just fortunate that our creativity paid off and a label was just willing to sign an unknown band and heavily promote it. So it's not our fault if they gambled on us.

Can you share a sad experiences before you become successful to who you are right now? What have you learned with that experience?
JAY-R: Before na pumunta ako dito ang buhay ko music talaga kahit na hindi pa ako mainstream andoon ako sa States sa bahay ng nanay ko. Sa kwarto ko I have my own studio and my life revolves on music. And then it came to a point that I was hearing from my friends and different family members na parang wala namang nagyayari sa music ko so they were pursuiding and advising me to go to school beacuse I was still very young, around 19 or 20 at that time. So I took Computer Engineering but I've never satisfied. I just kept doing music even while at school, then then I got my break but the sad part was I came to a point that my hopes were really down and I was ready to give up.
RACHELLE ANN: Siguro y'ung mga tao sa paligid. S'yempre that time kapag nakakarinig ako ng hindi maganda about me, s'yempre bata pa ako n'un, pumapasok talaga sa puso ko y'un. So that time iniiisip ko siguro hindi nga talaga ako magaling. Kasi nga ang daming pumupuna. Mahirap y'un pero pinakita ko na lang sa tao na kaya ko ito. Actually, mahirap din naman kasing i-please lahat ng tao eh. At the end of the day naman ikaw din y'ung pagod. Ipakita mo lang kung ano ang kaya mong gawin ng wala kang natatapakan.
SITTI: Wala akong naiisip na very sad experience except siguro n'ung college ako na medyo natakot lang ako na I might not be able to graduate on time or I might not be able to finish my studies. Before I was gigging everyday 5 times a week and then I had to drop off some subjects and some units so 'yun siguro ang pinaka biggest scare for me pero I started singing Bossa without any expectations that I will make it big. Siguro malaking factor 'yun na n'ung biglang nag-hit 'yung album I was just going with the flow, wala namang expectation na kailangan ganito, kailangan ganyan basta nag-eenjoy lang ako.
ERIK: In my six years here in showbiz, I learned to be more patient, to be more kind to people, I've learned to appreciate every single thing that God has given me. At mas naapreciate at minahal ko y'ung pamilya ko at mas minahal ko y'ung trabaho ko.
CHAMP: I'd have to say when Omni (their former drummer) left the band. I was just really devastated and at the same time it made the whole band matured and learned from everyone's mistakes.

The music business has changed so much with illegal downloading and such. Has that forced artists like yourself to change their approach to their product?
JAY-R: Very true especially for the record label kasi kung walang record label walang magpro-promote sa amin so you have to listen to the record label pero sa akin, I just want to put my music out no matter what inspite of piracy. I'm against piracy of course, pero most people here in the Philippines are at the level of poverty and not everyone is capable to buy the original CD di ba? Lahat ng record labels ngayon ang marketing approach ay sa packaging. Walang bibili ng album kung hindi maganda 'yung packaging.
RACHELLE ANN: Yeah. Kasi sa pirated naman walang naman silang special packaging eh. Now kasi yung mga new albums na lumalabas talagang kakaiba na rin eh. Iba nga ang laki, libro na siya (laughs) and actually we as artists we are force to do that na rin just to compete with the piracy naman. Kailangan maganda y'ung album packaging para ma-attract agad y'ung bibili.
SITTI: I think that's something for the record companies to really cope with. When I came out naman kasi although hindi pa gan'un katalamak 'yung piracy I knew how to deal with it already. Minsan naiinis ako na sana bumili naman kayo ng original pero naiintindihan ko sila kasi kung iyon lang lang 'yung budget nila e gusto ka nga nilang pakinggan. Hindi ko masyadong prinoproblema.
ERIK: That's beyond our control eh. Siguro y'ung recording label namin, where we are in, siguro sila y'ung medyo may say about downloading. That's the in thing today, paran dyan na papunta eh. Pero parang tinatanggalan din kami (rights), kumbaga may epekto 'yan sa hanap-buhay namin bilang singers, ganun din, talagang it's beyond our control, all we have to do is pag-igihan pa namin y'ung ginagawa namin.
CHAMP: Definitely being a musician is very hard. Unlike in 2005 and 2006 it's very hard to sell albums. Now, as an artist you just have to cope up with what's happening. You have to innovate and make yourself marketable. You have to create more ideas, you have to be more catchy and more unique songs for you to stand out so it's very hard. I think the music industry now is in a precarious situation but then as a musician this is what we do, this is our passion we just have to cope up with it.

What were your biggest influences, lyrically & musically, for this new record?
JAY-R: In the new record, its actually the Black Eyed Peas definitely y'ung "Where Is the Love" nila. It has a good message and they want to spread good music and happiness to everyone and 'yung mga "We Are The World" mga gan'un theme, inspirational and peace especially after Ondoy y'ung mga typhoon na nangyari. For my album this time, may collaboration ako with Kyla this time, si Q-York, si Jimmy Muna, Gloc9, Kris Lawrence. Dalawang album ang ginagawa ko ngayon 'yung isa ako ang nagpro-produce y'ung isa si kuya Ito (Rapadas of Universal Records).
SITTI: I really listen to the Bossa Nova classics like Jobim and Gal Costa. 'Yung influences ko more or less gan'un pa rin, Kevin Luis Pah, Patti Austin and Norah Jones kumbaga hindi siya nagbabago and per album hindi siya 'yung iba't-iba ang pinapakinggan ko para makuha 'yung something. More of sa kanta, I research on the background of the song, kung paano siya kinanta, bakit siya sinulat. I really try to put myself on the life of the song.

Is there anyone whose career you emulate , particularly someone like you who's trying to bridge audiences and phases in your life?
JAY-R: Sina Regine Velasquez at Sharon Cuneta. The most common trait about them is that they work hard until now and still humble. They are the highest ranking singers in our country pero they still work hard sina Ogie, Gary V, Regine and Sharon.
RACHELLE ANN: I think pagdating sa style, pagre-reinvent si Ms. Redge (Regine Velasquez) talaga. Kapag tiningnan mo from the year she started ibang klase. Pati y'ung music niya, hindi siya nag-stick. Natutuwa ako, sana maging ganun y'ung maging dating na mag-reinvent para hindi magsawa y'ung tao. Pagdating naman sa performance wise si Ms. Lani (Misalucha). Parang all type of music, rock, opera, ballads as in sobrang ang galing. Silang dalawa talaga.
SITTI: Wala naman, nag-eenjoy lang at sobrang going with the flow lang talaga. May mga super idol ako sina Jackie Magno when it comes to voice. Performance naman si Vernie Varga and vocal energy. 'Yung mga gan'un lang talagang nag-eenjoy lang ako.
ERIK: Marami, the likes of Martin and Garry V. Malaki ang naging epekto nila sa akin. At ang musika ni Basil Valdez. Their music are my foundation as I grew up and as I learn more new things as far as my singing is concerned.
CHAMP: I try to emulate Coldplay as a band. They stick together as a group. There is no superstar in the band. Everyone tries to delegate a specific task so its a collective effort and they don't force anything. They take things at their own place. I think they're planning on taking another break of years to spend time with their families. We see that its a balance work ethic in personal life and work life so I like that.

How did you grow as an artist since you started?
JAY-R: I think I grew a lot. My eyes are wide open now more compared to when I'm just starting out in the industry. And as time goes by, you'll learn a little of tricks. So as far as my artistry definitely I have grown a lot and it's like everytime when you're in the studio and you do an update, parang you make new music and it gets better and better all the time so I think I've grown in that aspect too.
RACHELLE ANN: I dont know (smiles). Personally, iba na y'ung emotion kasi kapag pinapanood ko y'ung performace ko dati parang very technical siya, walang puso and makikita y'un sa mata. Sabi ko, napaka wala kong kwentang kumanta (laughs). Ngayon talaga ibang-iba na, siguro kasi with all the experiences naman may napaghuhugutan na ako ng emotions ko when performing. I think y'un ang pinaka importanteng nagbago sa akin as a singer. To put an emotion for every song that I sung.
SITTI: If you consider 'yung tunog n'ung album na Contagious medyo naiiba siya sa tunog n'ung iba kasi I think with Contagious nadagdagan siya ng konting depth. Nadagdagan siya ng konting kalungkutan kasi d'un sa mga previous parang happy-happy 'yung tunog.
CHAMP: As an artist, you're more appreciative of your blessings. You're more grateful and thankful for the opportunity given. A lot of people are saying we came out strong with "Bahay Kubo" and that's a very good sign and we're just thankful that we were able to do that kasi I think this album is really very special so we want to give justice to the album.

Which song of you , that you always looking forward to perform the most? Why?
JAY-R: I like "Back In Time" with Kyla because we have a great chemistry on stage.
RACHELLE ANN: I think y'ung "Don’t Cry Out Loud" talaga, hinahanap-hanap ng tao. Alam mo ba that song sa sobrang palagi ko siyang kinakanta dumating talaga y'ung time na y'ung lyrics nagra-rumble na sa utak ko. Sa isip ko nagsasawa na ata ko to sing that song, pero ngayon sabi ko hindi p'wede kasi y'un talaga y'ung song ko, kaya inayos ko talaga. At yung "Bakit" din na song ko, it's an original kasi. Y'ung mga bata sinasabayan talaga nila y'un.
SITTI: 'Yung "This is Love" and "Adia". "This is Love" kasi nakikita ko 'yung reaction ng audience kapag naririnig nila 'yung lyrics and then 'yung progression n'un song parang kinikilig sila. "Adia" naman naniniwala kasi talaga ako sa message n'ung song na kahit na may mga nangyayaring masama sa mundo we're still all beautiful and pure.
ERIK: Syempre yung "This Is The Moment". It is the most important song in my life.
CHAMP: "Sandali Na Lang" and "Bahay Kubo". "Sandali Na Lang' because it's new and good song. "Bahay Kubo" because I wrote it and I listen to it a lot in my iPOD which I rarely do kasi minsan weird kapag pinapakinggan mo ang sarili mong kanta pero with "Bahay Kubo" paulit-ulit ko siyang kinakanta at pinapakinggan. I was just so happy with the arrangement and with the execution - the recording.

Are you happy with your position now and everything you have achieved?
JAY-R: I'm happy but I'm not satisfied kasi I'm still growing.
RACHELLE ANN: I’m happy sa lahat, I feel so blessed kasi hindi naman lahat sinu-swerte dito sa business na ito. Talagang ang hirap makarating dito. Kapag sumasali ka sa competition ang hirap manalo, mahirap makita ng mga producers. I’m happy kung saan man ako ngayon, nasa ASAP ako, sa sobrang daming artists at nabibigyan pa kami ng break kahit papaano. I’m so thankful talaga.
SITTI: Yes, I'm happy and enjoying pero marami pa rin akong gustong gawin. Gusto ko talagang makagawa ng album na mas marami 'yung original songs. Naghahanap pa ako ng mas ma-explore ko pa 'yung sarili ko 'yung mga kaya ko pang gawin hinahanap ko pa 'yun and I'm excited na para d'un. I need someone to guide me or someone who will push the bottom kasi alam ko meron pa akong mailalabas.
ERIK: Yes I'm happy, actually isa yan sa mga natutunan ko, to learn to appreciate nga what you have kung ano man y'ung blessings na ibinigay ng Diyos sa akin ngayon, I am contented and I am happy. (But) I'm open to opportunities also so I strive more harder.
CHAMP: Definitely! No regrets. When we came out naman just do your best, no regrets and make everything worthwhile.


KNICK-KNACKS

What are your other extravagances?
JAY-R: 'Yun project ko sa banda ng pamangkin ko, Clay. We are entering them for a contest y'ung Jeepney Music, record label of Apl de Ap. We are doing a lot of recording and we're finishing an album for them. I'm going to shoot my music video for my Christmas album for next year. We're going to do it sa States pag-uwi ko sa December. We will also do a music video for Clay and that will be under my record label Homeworks Records. Materialwise, hindi ako mahilig sa gamit its all studio equipments. Pang-music lang talaga like pianos and keyboards, mixing equipments, speakers and computers. I like to spend my money on that.
RACHELLE ANN: Kuripot kasi ako eh (laughs) ano ba? Mahilig ako sa shoes pero hindi talaga ako mahilig sa mga branded. Alam mo y'ung mga LV, Gucci, na ang ma-mahal, hindi ako ma-ganun. Mas very practical (smiles) I buy y'ung unique na mura, dati bumili ako ng branded pero sale y'un. May pinag-iipunan kasi ako ngayon eh, y'ung bahay (smiles).
SITTI: More of eating out and dinning out with friends, family and colleagues then more of travelling.
ERIK: Food (his actually filling up while answering the question).
CHAMP: Electronics and mga gadgets. Ma-gadget akong tao.

What music do you listen to yourself and who do you admire musically?
JAY-R: Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross. Right now in my CD player I have Mario, his first album. Locally, sila Ogie, Gary and Regine.
RACHELLE ANN: Y'ung music na gusto kong gawin, y'ung medyo jazzy like the music of Kerri Novel, Michelle Featherstone, Regina Specktor, yang mga ‘yan.
SITTI: 'Yung music ko nag-eevolve lang d'un sa mga pinapakinggan ko more or less Bossa nova and Jazz. Minsan may punk, pop-rock. I love watching Yosha play para siyang acid jazz plus punk local band underground siya. I really enjoy local artist like Urbandub ang galing ng lyrics nila. With regards to like who I listen to vocally, sa local si Jackie Magno sobrang ganda ng boses niya sobrang galing.
CHAMP: Aside from Coldplay, I listen to Reggae music when I take a bath. Masarap promise.

Is it hard dealing with fame? Do fans act crazy?
JAY-R: Behave mga fans ko kasi I know a lot of my fans. Kapag crazy sila alam nila magagalit ako or they will hear from me.
RACHELLE ANN: Sa akin hindi naman sila ganun eh. Kasi nakakapag-mall pa naman ako, wala naman chaos na nangyayari, normal pa rin naman. Y'un nga lang kapag merong bagong dumating na intriga, kapag nag-mall ka titingnan ka nila pero ako deadma na lang. Pero okay lang naman, dapat act normal lang.
SITTI: Sa akin kasi what you see is what you get. Tahimik lang talaga ako pero kapag tinopak ako topak talaga ako. Nakakatawa nga kapag nag-mall show kami sa mga probinsya, grabe silang mag-assign ng security, ako naman hindi naman ako pinagkakaguluhan masyado. There was a time before na naweirdohan ako na kapag kakain ako biglang may magpapa-picture. Before may weirdness ngayon nasanay na rin ako.
ERIK: Each artist naman has his or her own concept of fame, it depends on my own concept of fame. My concept of fame is so related with success. So, parang it depends on the level of success that a certain artist achieve. And being the same person as I used to even before na wala pa ako sa showbiz, pero 'pag sa labas, of course I've got to meet a lot of different people. So, dapat kailangan palaging positive y'ung outlook mo para maging positive din y'ung mag-rereflect sa'yo. Kasi you're being idolize eh, you are being put on a pedistal ng mga fans mo. You have to set a good example.
CHAMP: As long as you don't let it get into your head. You always have to be level headed and grounded. Our fans get excited but not act crazy.

What's the one misconception you feel people just don't get about you?
JAY-R: The mayabang-ness just because I'm from the States.
RACHELLE ANN: That I am a snob (laughs). Lahat sila kapag tinanong mo sila Erik, Sarah, Yeng, Jed lahat ng ka-trabaho ko ngayon tanungin mo first impression nila sa akin ganun. Si Yeng nga sabi niya 'di daw niya alam na magiging ka-close kita. Sabi ko bakit naman? Sabi niya, feeling daw niya ang supla-supalada ko. Kasi hindi ako y'ung ma-chika agad. Ayaw ko naman kasi masabihan pa ako ng ‘feeling naman nito’ y'ung ganun. Unless they would get to know me na, magbabago na y'ung impression nila sa akin.
SITTI: I think some people think that I'm a manufactured Bossa nova singer when in fact I've been singing ilang taon.
ERIK: Akala nila suplado ako, pero hindi.
CHAMP: I can't think of any.

Is there anyone you would really like to work with or meet?
JAY-R: Si Gary V and Regine Velasquez. Sa younger generation si Charice Pempengco and Sarah Geronimo.
RACHELLE ANN: Si Rico Blanco. Gusto ko siyang maka-trabaho. Sinabi niya sa akin na magtulungan kami sa isang kanta. I told him kasi na sumusulat ako ng kanta, Anyway, gusto ko y'ung music niya, y'un lang (laughs).
ERIK: Siguro in the future international artists. Kaya lang patay na y'ung gusto kong makasama. Sino ba? Jayson Mraz, Usher and Josh Groban.
CHAMP: I'm planning a collaboration with Parokya Ni Edgar by mid next year. We're just finalizing everything. Sana matuloy.

How much does your family depend on you and how much do you depend on them?
JAY-R: I depend on them a lot in terms of moral support such as love and understanding. I talk to them a lot and get some advice.
RACHELLE ANN: Ako sobrang I depend on them talaga lalo na ngayon na marami akong pinagdadaanan sa buhay ko (laughs). Mahirap din kasi basta magtiwala. And y'ung mga true friends ko naman sobrang busy rin. Sino pa ang lagi kong kasama kundi my family lang talaga.
SITTI: My family depends on me a lot morally kasi parang ako 'yung nagiging nanay sa bahay namin. I also depend a lot on my family when it comes to guidance and spirituality.
ERIK: Lahat na ng support; financial, moral, spiritual, lahat na ng support na I can give them.
CHAMP: As my support system, my family is very important. When you're feeling down and you need someone to talk to it's always family and friends. So it's very important that you have a strong support system kasi we're only humans. We have times when were down and lost so having family around is a big help.

What are the plans for the rest of the year? What is up next for you as far as music in concerned?
JAY-R: My plan is to make OPM rise again. Do an all-original music again. I want to penetrate Asia with my music.
RACHELLE ANN: I’m not so sure actually (smiles). Pagdating sa acting wala akong naririnig. And kung ako rin y'ung tatanungin I’m not that interested. Siguro talagang focus lang ako sa music. Ang plano namin dalhin sa US yung ‘True Champion' na concert. And mukhang magkakaroon ng repeat (laughs). We will be touring sa mga provinces, sa Canada and then sa States. Pagdating naman sa album, we will be having a meeting by next week (as of press time) nothing definite pa naman about it. So far siguro y'un muna. But I’m hoping sana puro composition ko na (laughs). Parang story of my life (smiles).
SITTI: May upcoming US tour kami with ASAP sessionistas. This November 21 may back to back show kami ni Erik Santos sa Aliw Theater, 'yun 'yung pinaka-major event namin this year. It's my first time to perform at the Aliw Theater, excited ako d'un. My album is still out in the market. We're not working on a new album as of the moment.
ERIK: I just want to stay in the show business. Goal ko lang talaga is to sustain whatever career I have right now, para masustain ko y'ung pag-support ko sa pamilya at ma-sustain ko rin y'ung support na binibigay ng fans sa akin.
CHAMP: For this year, we just want to close the year right. Playing as many gigs as possible. We are really happy that the album is doing well. We just want to share the music - tugtog lang ng tugtog. Release the second single which is "Kalesa" and make a very nice music video and hopefully next year will bring more blessings.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

MYRUS: A STAR IN THE MAKING


PROFILE:
Real Name: Myrhus Apacible
Nickname: Myrus or just My
Age: 19
Birthday: February 17, 1990

Can't live without:
My family
Recent splurge: Macbook Pro
Secret talent: Voice impressions. But please don’t tell Christian Bautista, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcacid, Kean Cipraino (of Callalily), Mark Bautista, Jay-R, and Champ that I can copy the way they sing and talk.
People would be surprised to find out that: I'm close to 6-feet tall. They actually think I'm short.
Must-have beverage: Water
Celebrity crushes: Sarah Geronimo and Paula Taylor. I hope that I get to work with them soon.
Fave childhood obsession: Amateur singing competitions. I’ve made a decent money out of these contests.
Most surreal fan moment: When someone gave me ice cream while belting out in a gig. I still ate it out of courtesy.
Biggest change: uhm... nobody knows na tatangkad ako ng ganito. Siguro sa height lang hehe!
Growing up, I was always.... been very shy. I still am until now, sometimes…
Favorite fan gift: Ice Cream ( hehe! )
I am totally addicted to: Facebooking, shopping, and making my own version of popular OPM songs.
Favorite record of all-time: The Very Best of Christopher Cross
Favorite hang-out: Tagaytay because it’s very close to my hometown, Dasmarinas, Cavite.


The blithe of personality, figure and comely voice defines a Myrus, a newly hewed voice from within his soul and from without his uplifting atmosphere. Like any other young aspirant out there, he is a little shy to come out to the open, but who's gonna stop him? Not even failures, I guess.

Myrus is now trying to inculcate his own style, engineer his future and as a whole enjoys whatever comes the way.

Myrus comes from a musical lineage. His parents sing well. One of his sisters trained him for an upstart of his talent.

After the discovery by Chris Cahilig on Friendster, a public relations entrepreneur, Myrus starts spreading his wings and learned to fly the OPM skyline. He was brought over to the scene by his single “Sayang” a melancholic original by Clair dela Fuente. He cached nomination for Best Solo RnB Artist for his first single “Laging Ikaw” during the Philippine Radio Music Awards and a lot more to come.

One of Myrus notable strength is his versatility and malleability of his voice. His repertoire includes various OPM artists such as Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, and Martin Nievera. Some others, he tries tevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Usher, Michael Jackson, Prince, Brian McKnight, Joe, and Eric Benet.

As of this juncture, Myrus is bracing and enjoying himself for a series of album launch. His debut album titled “Love Cycle” is not hitting record bars nationwide. He is doing promotion and launch at various SM Supermalls, and that’s 18 album shows. This includes hefty packages with everyone's participation and purchase of the album.

Myrus is showing more colors to catch eyes with the nation's media giant, ABS-CBN and GMA-7.
Your OPM Authority coveys a heartfelt gratitude for his presence with us sharing his time for a photo shot session and musical ideologies with us.

“I think it’s one of the dreams of every singer to be part of a variety show on televison. I hope I get that chance sooner,” Myrus says.


ON THE RECORD

When did you know you were a singer? At what point, in your life, did you decide that this is what you were born to do?
When I was three, my mom told me that I already couldn’t stop singing. I grew up joining singing competitions, building my dream to become a recording artist. I knew all along that this is what I want to do with my life.

How do you know your manager, Chris Cahilig?
Before they were audiotioning for a girl group. I dunno if you guys are familiar with Dream Girls? Their like Pussycat Dolls tapos one of the memebers of that group happened to be the sister of one my friends. He mentioned Sir Chris then I sent him an e-mail providing all my contact details. Then he called me and let me sung over the phone kasi ayaw naman niya ako papunta sa Manila to do a face-to-face audition tapos baka hindi rin naman ako makakapasa so sayang yung effort. I'm actually from Dasmarinas, Cavite. I was actually seventeen that time. Then the rest, they say is history.

What was it that led you into the music industry? Who inspired you? When did you know that this is what you were going to do?
From the moment I realize that music is my life, I didn’t stop dreaming. Everything though happened so fast. I was just a simple college student when my manager and producer Chris Cahilig discovered me in social network site Friendster. He is the one behind my budding career in music industry and I am glad to be given all these good breaks.

My inspiration is my family. Everything that I do is dedicated to them. I want to give them the good life that they deserve. They’ve been always with me 101% through this journey.

What do you love about being a singer?
Everything about it! I think being able to singer professionally is blessing.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time with my family in our house in Dasmarinas, Cavite. I try to get a lot of rest too in preparation to my next busy schedule.

What's the response been from fans who have heard your new single, "Sayang"?
My cover of the song “Sayang” triggered public curiosity on me as an artist. I am flattered to have been told that I made the song relevant to the younger generation of music lovers-that my voice gave justice to the beauty of its melody and lyrics.

"Sayang" are blowing up all over the radio airwaves. What big things have you been doing lately?
There are so many good things happening lately. I would be having a charity concert Ms. Lea Salonga at the Big Dome on November 30. The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) asked me to sing “Sayang” and become a presenter in the first Star Awards for Music. Aside from numerous corporate shows, I have an album tour in 23 SM Supermalls nationwide and a performance in MYX Mo! 2009 in November. Recently, Wowowee (ABS-CBN) gave me a spot number and it introduced me for the first time to my fans nationwide. My music video gets at least a thousand hits every day since the exposure.

Is there anyone whose career you emulate, particularly someone like you who's trying to bridge audiences and phases in your life?
I want to follow the footsteps of Michael Jackson career-wise, but not his early death.
You've been in the industry for a while. What's the biggest compliment you've received so far? Being called a hit maker. I never thought in my whole life that I would have a hit song. It’s fulfilling and inspiring.

Can you share the production process for this album like the preparations that you did?
Of course I released the Love Cycle then we came out the repackaged version. Actually
of all the songs I had only prepared for "Sayang" kasi at first kabado ako baka hindi magustuhan ni Ms. Claire yung version ko. Then I found out na nagustuhan naman pala niya. Yung preparations ko for the entire album, mabilis lang. Sandali lang talaga, pinag-aralan ko each songs.

Chris Cahilig (his manager): Actually yung initial sa paghanap ng materials, matagal since hindi pa kami kilala pero nung nakuha na naman siguro around 3 months.

How did you motivate yourself on each songs?
Ang ginagawa ko, nagpapa-kwento ako sa mga tao na na naka-experience on that particular situation likebroken-hearted. And ang isa pang ginagawa ko, ina-aral ko talaga yung kanta word per word para alam ko kung anong emotion yung ibibigay ko on each songs.

What's your favorite song on this album?
Actually I've got three favorite songs on the album; Ikaw Lamang, Bakit Hindi Ko Pa Na Sabi and of course, Sayang.

What made those three songs special to you?
Yung Ikaw Lamang, dapat hindi siya makakasama sa album pero sinabi ko na 'dapat isama n'yo 'yan sa album ko!' Alam mo lahat ng tao na nakakarinig ng song na iyan, talagang nagugustuhan nila yung song. A lot of people can really relate to that song.

What was the most challenging part of making this album?
Initially, our challenge was to gather enough songs that would make up the album. I am grateful that the couple Roberto and Celeste Gados and Ranciv Bisnar offered their original compositions to us.

Who choose on what songs are gonna include on the album?
Chris Cahilig: Me and my producer, John Ong with consultation with Myrus, of course. Siya rin yung gumagawa with Itchyworms, Kenyo and Gloc9 albums. He is a Filipino but he did some International like he did "Play" of Jennifer Lopez and "Butterlfy" of Mariah Carey.

While doing the album, do you have any particular artists/albums that you're listening to that somehow had a big impact on the creation on this album?
Michael Jackson. I am actually a big fan of him. Sa lokal naman, sina Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera. I was amateur way back so their songs had a big influence on how I am as a singer.

What do you wanna accomplish as a solo artist?
I want to establish myself as a popular solo singer. I want to achieve what my music heroes had like Gary V. and Jay-R to name a few. Siyempre I want all the people who believe in me to be proud of me. I don't want them to dissapoint. So I make sure that every shows that I've have I considered them as my last performance and no-half baked. And gusto ng TV exposure because this is it! Nung lumabas yung "Sayang" nagkaroon ako ng so much confident about myself.

Why of all the songs that can revive, why "Sayang"?
Ang dami na kasing nag-rerevive ng foreign songs so why not revive our own, 'di ba? Parang nakalimutan na ng generation ngayon na kapag narinig nila yung song nag-iisip sila na, 'original ba 'yan?' And super nirerespeto ko Si Ms. Claire as an artist, talagang paborito namin siya ng mommy ko. Yung "Sayang" malaki talaga ang impluwensiya niyan sa buhay ko.

What is Ms. Claire dela Funte's reaction when she heard your version of her song?
After noon tinawag na niya akong 'anak!' (laughs). Ka-facebook ko siya and she always calls me. Super happy and proud siya sa song kasi yung version ko hindi naman nalalayo sa original rendition niya.

Was there any pressure doing that song?
Sobra. I listen to the original version of that song. Pero nung recording na hindi ko na pinakinggan kasi gusto ko naman lumabas yung sarili kong interpretation of that song.

What's with the album title, Love Cycle?
Kasi lahat naman na-iinlove. And since lahat ng na-inlove for sure na-experience na masakatan. "Love Cycle" kasi na-in love ka, nasaktan ka tapos ma-iin love ka uli so paikot-ikot lang siya, parang buhay natin.

How would you describe your music to a non-Myrus listener?
Alam n'yo yung tunog nina Raymond Lauchengco, Dingdong Avansado, mga ganun medyo mas bata lang ng unti kasi yung mga kanta ko ganun yung tema. Ang ginawa ko lang na atake medyo fresh, young and pinoy na pinoy yung dating na pasok sa panlasa ng mga Filipino.

What are you hoping to accomplish for this album?
Gusto ko bumenta ng sobra yung album. Now that it reached Gold, I want to make it on Platinum status. and I'm really hoping that it will leave a mark to those people who listened to the album.

Chris Cahilig: His album "Love Cycle" went gold after two weeks of release though we didn't highlight but yeah, it's official.

Given a chance, who do you wanna collaborate with?
Hindi naman ako choosy when it comes to do a collaboration. Kahit sino p'wede. Pero If I'm gonna given a chance, I want to have a duet with Sarah Geronimo, Kyla and Rachelle Ann Go. And also Gretchen Espina, one of my closest friends.


♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA: A HEART'S JOURNEY


Few of us might remember those golden old days when goose bumps ruptures our skin every time a Jose Mari Chan hits primes the airwaves. You'd practically feel the melancholy, longings and hopefulness in his every vocal whisper. It's seems a foretaste of being in trance to a place of eternity and boundless horizon.

For the newer generation it wouldn't be a place of nowhere and alienation or a place of strangers 'cause we'll take a ride through voice and time with the Asia's Pop Idol Christian Bautista.

True and great pleasure was with him to receive early a turnover of legacy from the prolifically and celebrated double-platinum OPM artist Jose Mari Chan. Christian Bautista took a vow of great artistry to revisit Jose Mari Chan's golden classic hits. He's laying them on now to present and newer generation with few added musical colors and creativity.

Before we delve down to the heart of everything about his new album, this was the 7th times Christian Bautista has graced your OPM Music Authority with his cordial presence. The 7th times also that he shared with us his musical ideologies, high spirits, frustrations, success and albums too!

To the Asia's Pop Idol, our great esteem and salute, kudos! God Bless!

“Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan” is the main badge of Christian Bautista's rendition of Jose Mari Chan's original hits. The album is under the recording cradle of Universal Records.

The songs themselves are considered crowned jewels of OPM, so who would we expect to man them to our time? The album was produced by the Platinum producer Ito Rapadas. It contains 19 tracks from Jose Mari Chan's originals. It is with collaborations with Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, Asias Nightingale Lani Misalucha and the Philippines' Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo.

The album's carrier single “Tell Me Your Name” is starting to make noise over FM stations. While it's music video with participation of the Thai beauty Paula Taylor has done some on MYX. Christian is making few more fame as MYX Celebrity VJ for the month of October.

Perhaps, Christian's big leap commenced with his debut album with an overwhelming single titled “The Way You Look At Me,” which made a significant Platinum counts. It was released in Indonesia wherein it was certified Quadruple Platinum, obviously it was a place where he is superstar. It was also released in other Asian countries. But the most remarkable country where he might left his heart is Indonesia. The plans, soon thereafter the Philippine release of “Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan,” Indonesia's biggest recording label, PT Aquarius Records will have its own release of the same record. This includes a sexy and hefty package with Christian Bautista jives a duet with Indonesian female recording artist Noryn Aziz titled “Ngiti,” translated in Bahasa. Asian wide release will follow soon.


'ROMANCE REVISITED'

How will "Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan" differ from your previous albums in terms of preparations?
It is a different album because it is a concept album and its remaking the songs of one artist that made a remarkable mark on the OPM industry. So unlike the other past concept albums na compilation like APO Hiking songs or Eraserheads, iba't-ibang artists ang gumawa. For this, one artist remaking another artist songs na medyo maraming characteristics and stuff that we have to follow like ano 'yung mga songs na ilalagay, lalagyan ba ng Christmas songs kasi Jose Mari Chan or love songs lang ba? Dapat approved din kay Jose Mari Chan 'yung line up ng songs at kung sinu-sino 'yung makaka-duet. Challenging siya from the very beginning up to the end because it’s always hard to remake excellent songs already so 'yung challenge ay kung papaano mo pa mapapaganda e ang ganda-ganda na. Tapos ipapa-check namin kay Jose Mari Chan kung mayroon pa siyang mga comments. Pero all in all, sa dami ng napagdaanan namin we're very much confident and very happy with the outcome.

Of all the tracks on the album, what's the most challenging song for you to record?
“Afraid for Love to Fade” kasi ang dami niyang shifting medyo mahirap 'yung shifting niya at maraming takes ang nangyari. So kailangan perfect siya.

How do you prepare for duet singing sessions with Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Sarah Geronimo and Jose Mari Chan?
Ngayong kasi kapag nagre-record ako, isa-isa lang. Una nirecord ko as if they were beside me. Nilagay ko sa isip ko na if ever they sing again I can re-sing it again para to match 'yung kanta nila. And usually that's the case. Pero I was there n'ung nagre-record si Regine at si Sarah na talagang I was just so happy na nandoon sila at naging part sila ng album na ito. It's so surreal because I couldn't believed that in one album you have Regine, Sarah, Lani at Jose Mari Chan na ka-duet. They're all Universal Records except for Sarah.

What is your favorite Jose Mari Chan song off the new album? And how did you motivate yourself for that song?
"Beautiful Girl,” kasi yung kanta parang nakita mo lang siya ng sandali at hinahanap mo siya. So parang yun ang emotion na nilagay ko ang sarili ko. Marami kaming versions na ginawa but eventually nagustuhan namin yung present version. Kung kay Jose Mari Chan, medyo mellow na longing, kami mas pursigido and bumagay naman (laughs).

Whose idea is your packaging?
Kina Ms. Kathleen and Universal Records. Pinapili ako kung anong gusto ko. Something na kapag binili nila 'wow this is a good buy!'. Why? Because it has a calendar, great album, it has 19 songs. Hopefully people will eventually buy this on first release. Who knows 'di kapag may clamour sa mga stores, we can always re-print it.

What kind of feedback have you been getting from your album?
So far so good. Sales are doing good. They love the album. They love the packaging. They love the songs. They love the music video. They love the way I sing. Thank you Lord. So far, all the comments are all positive. And you guys love the way I sing (laughs). 'Yung mga ka-duets ko so far, they love the versions that they did as well. Overall, so far so good talaga.

Is there anything else people should know about you or the new disc?
Minsan kumakanta ako 'Mr. Jose Mari Chan, okay ba ito?' pinaparinig ko sa kanya tapos sasagot siya 'may be you can change it'. Talagang I had a very close relationship with Mr. Jose Mari Chan while recording this album sabi nga niya 'just call me Jomari'.


'ROMANCE REINVENTED'

Your latest album is different, as far as look and style go. What's the story behind the changes?
Medyo in-adjust namin ng konti. Ginawa naming listener friendly at binawasan namin 'yung tremolo masyado. I had to forcefully do that kasi medyo nasanay ako because of West Side Story. Nag-isip din kami ng attack na medyo fresh na in a way na medyo may Christian Bautista pa rin na maririnig pero fresh. And thank God it worked.

With such a successful debut CD, did you feel pressure from the business to be conservative and stick with a formula that worked?
Meron pero ang gusto ko kay Ma'am Kathleen (Managing Director of Universal Records) said 'you have to stick to your strength and improve but I want you to bulk up. I want you to work out. I want you to change your image so that people will be excited again. Na kahit na you're still sticking to your singing style there is something new about you, that when they see and hear you sing, there is something similar yet but there is something different.' Buti na lang hindi nila ako pinag-rap or rock (laughs). So I stick to my niche.

When you went into the studio for this album, what was your goal?
My goal is definitely to please three kinds of people. First, Mr. Jose Mari Chan that he will like my renditions of his songs. Second, myself na talagang masabi ko sa sarili ko na I did my best lalo na sa vocals na talagang binigyan ko ng diin. Lastly, of course my fans who have waited for so long 'coz it's been quite a long time that I haven't release a new one and hopefully they will like this new project under a new label.

Comparisons are inevitable and people are always comparing you to the likes from your contemporaries. What are your thoughts on those comparisons?
A lot of them can sing better than me but I am the only one who sounds like me (laughs). Mas gusto kong mag-connect to the audience. I want to romance them as I sing to them through my songs. And a lot of them are great great singers so wala akong masabi. I'm just glad that on the same plain field we are still in a way friends even though we are competitors.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you personally and musically?
Personally, I live independently and really happy being a single man. I am ready for anything but not helplessly searching and looking, not desperate either not incomplete. Musically, in this album, I prove to myself that I can still produce a different kind of sound to reinvent my singing style but still be familiarized that people will surely like. So I was also surprised as well.

The music business has changed so much with illegal downloading and such. Has that forced solo artists like yourself to change their approach to their product?
You make the packaging bigger and better. You release songs that people will really want to buy, keep and treasure. I guess nakikita nila na iba pa rin 'yung physical form kasi 'yung nagda-download naman ay mga young ones lang naman, marami pa ring more on physical. So I think it will take around 10 more years para 'yung mga bata ngayon pagtanda nila na i-download n'yo na lang.

How has your music and style evolved over the years?
In terms of music, I have learned to stay focus on my singing style to be recognized as a balladeer. Sometimes I do experiment and accept some side projects, solos or singles that border on rock or pop from time to time but still going back to the core kung saan ako sanay at saan talaga ako gusto ng tao which is ballads. As for personal style with this album, I had to level up. We have hired the services of the very talented Liz Uy as stylist. She helped me enhance my style to be more classic, sophisticated that will surely fit to the songs of Jose Mari Chan not to end and yet still be accepted of this generation and the upper A and B market.

How do you define yourself as an artist?
Someone who continually wants to be better that what he is all the time.

You've been known for original songs, were you afraid that you might turn off your fans of 3 years ago with this new album?
Hindi, okay lang sa akin kasi kailan ka pa makakakuha ng chance na i-remake ang mga kanta ni Jose Mari Chan at ibibigay sa iyo ang ganyang challenge? It's very hard and pressure sa akin kasi double diamond artist ito parang 'who am I' pero n'ung inindorse niya ako at sinabi niya sa akin na 'Christian, I am glad you're doing this album' I was very strengthened, encouranged and challenged. It's a project that you won't refuse though it's covers para siyang it's something to continue his legacy, so why not okay lang.

What do you cherish more, having an album that debuts at number 1 or having an album that will last?
What will last of course kasi 'yung number 1 sandali lang 'yun, mapapalitan 'yan ng bago lagi. S'yempre kapag nakabili ka na hindi na sila bibili ulit pero an album that will last 'yun talaga. And I feel that this album will last a long time. Ang dami-daming single na p'wedeng ilabas.

Who decided to change your moniker from “Asia's Pop Idol” to “Asia's Romantic Balladeer?
Universal Records pa rin. Anyway, close pa rin naman kasi noong Star In A Million ang tawag sa akin Romantic Balladeer.


HIS 'NEW HOME'

Tell us about your situation at Warner Music.
You know what last month? I visited them on their office just to say hi. It was good closure na nag-usap kami as normal people and as friends. Ako kasi kahit anong falling out gusto ko eventually maayos ko. I don't wanna burn bridges whether in relationships or away sa mga pamilya.Gusto ko laging inaayos tipong 'sige huwag muna tayong mag-usap ngayon pero later on mag-usap tayo.'

After thousands of albums sold with Warner Music and now you're with Universal Records, why change now?
There are some reasons, first my contract has expired. I wanted something new in my career.

Why did you go to Universal Records?
We've meet all the record labels tapos nagtanong kami kung mayroon silang ideas and projects for me. N'ung sa Warner I asks them 'ano po 'yung next project natin?' Tinimbang naming lahat kung ano ang pinaka-maganda. Love din namin talaga ang Warner pero it's a business and career move. And Universal Records promise that this next project that we're gonna do is going to catapult me again to whatever. And I really believe that and I made the right choice.

Anything that you would like to say to Warner Music?
I will always be grateful to Warner because they brought me to where I am. They brought me to Indonesia. They brought me to everywhere. I will always be grateful to them and I'm glad that when I met with them they are still very warm to me. I have a new family now and I'm really happy also with my new family. They are giving me full support. They've been so nice. And there is more to come in terms of regional. Marami pang mangyayari na na dapat abangan pero for the mean time, secret pa s'yempre.

How is it working with Ito Rapadas for the first time as your record producer?
Okay si Sir Ito because he knows what he wants and he respects the artist artistry tapos he find a middle ground so lahat kami satisfied. Nakikinig siya talaga.


ON 'PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART' DUET WITH SARAH

We don't think of anyone else to sing the new version of “Please Be Careful With My Heart” except for Sarah Geronimo. Since we guys are friends, I texted and asked her on whatcha think of doing us a duet together for that song. I'm glad that she is very happy and excited to have a duet with me. It just so happened that her schedule is available. So we let Ms. Kathleen and Carlo Orosa (my manager) talk with Boss Vic del Rosario (of Viva Records). Overall, the coordination went so smooth.


JOSE MARI CHAN ON CHRISTIAN...

Christian is one of our finest singers in the country today and I feel honored and delighted that he is doing this entire album of my songs, introducing them to a new generation of music lovers. The feelings of love and yearning that the young people are going through are the same emotions that inspired me to write these songs. Indeed, love and music are not only universal but eternal.


WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS...

What can we expect from you this year?
Everything is banked on this album. I was praying for this album two years ago. It's an answered prayers. Hopefully more concerts this year and more show here and abroad. It’s starting to pick up na nga e, right now it's at number 4 na kaagad sa Music One first release. So I'm really happy with this album.

♫♫♫

Special Thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine