CHRIS CAYZER: New Kid On The Block

Chris Cayzer, ninety-nine percent passions and fervor and a percent of pretty face and crystalline voice equals a performer par excellence. This might best describe this 'new kid on the block' making old things new via glamorous figure and lucid voice. A bright guy born of Filipino parents seems to exude a foreign becoming. Nevertheless, Chris grew and foretasted a foreign rearing. He grew up in a fertile plains of Brisbane, Australia. Having a share of Aussie character, lifestyle, social and lingual breeding, I almost ran out of vocabulary then.



So, where did it all started? A release says, it was a 16-year old Chris then, when he received his first lavished guitar which heralded the dawn of his career. Chris just gave it his best shot, defining them through unyielding string bends and breaks, song compositions which runs to poor and not so poor, and a heart out for it.



Despite discouragement, as he told us, “I've been told by other people that it's hard to do that, but if you'll never try you'll never know. It's OK to lose when you are trying, but it's not nice to lose your soul. 'Cause you really want to do what you want to do, it's not all about market, it's all about what you want to do, and that's my dream.” Indeed, he just got paid by the time, energy, cost and overt-time spilled on it.

“...I've been told by other people that it's hard to do that, but if you'll never try you'll never know.”

Now, he's steadfastly pacing his way towards the promising daylight of his career. We've just been favored by his presence taking few and precious moments answering old and brand new questions hot and daring.



What is the first thing we should know about Chris Cayzer?

“Chris is C-a-y-z-e-r [laughs] When you say my name, think of the guitar. I write my new songs. I write what I think is right. Chris is [a long pause]... a dreamer. I wanna be known as a guy who keeps evolving and improving.”



Any stories to tell before you formally started as a solo artist?

“I was from Brisbane, Australia. I came from there right here when I was 18 to study in La Salle, because I'm planning to have a business here. And you know, I was going out one night and then a man asked me, “do you wanna start singing? Do you wanna start acting?” I said, OK...and I'm making it to college while I was doing those stuffs.”



Some bits from the third single Holding Out?

“It's a happy song which cheers you up, like if you get up from a break-up. It isn't actually talking of the break-up side, it's more on if you're looking for somebody, you don't need to look for a person, cause she'll come at the right place at the right time, just concentrate on what you are doing. So, it's all about waiting for love.”



Can we expect for more (after that album)?

“Much relaxed. More on the thinking side of things. You think of the song and then you reflect it on to yourself. And that's basically how all songs should be, for me. The way I write, I want people to reflect and relate to what I do. And I'm sure that's what most artists what wanna do.”



What image do you think your music project to hearing the masses?

“I want to be recognized by the masses, but I wanna be normally me. I wouldn't be into any category because sometimes I go into techno music, sometimes I wanna rock, I wanna do blues, jazz. I don't restrict my self to one genre just to please everybody. But you really wanna do is to please anybody. But what most importantly the person you please is your self. I'm trying to expand my self to learn more, I don't want to stick to one thing.”



Any foreign or bands you're inspired with?

“Of course John Mayer, James Taylor. I also like Michael Franks, Kenny Rankin...”



What is the hardest part in playing music?

“I say, you know, the thing that makes it easier are the people who supports you, and you are so blessed. But the hardest part is when you are writing a song, you don't know where its start came from. If you wanna be more relaxed, it's hard to relax sometimes when you're writing a song. Cause you know, if you have a dead line to write a song...actually I'm writing a jingle (for a certain perfume), and if you write a jingle their's a deadline. And with me, songs come to me, I don't look for the songs. Just like my new single Holing Out, love comes to you if you don't look for love.”

“It's OK to lose when you are trying, but it's not nice to lose you soul. 'Cause you really wanna do what you wanna do, it's not all about market, it's all about what you wanna do, and that's my dream.”

How do you rate your LIVE performances as of the present? Say (1-10)

“Basically after every performance their's something I do wrong, so I only rate my performance about 5 or 6. But I could have done better. I want better, I wanna be better, but you can never be perfect, you to keep improving and learning no matter how old you are. That's what other artists told me. You kept on learning and learning and learning, and that's what would keep you better.”



What do you think is most important, the image of the group or the image of the music?

“Music. Music makes me. That molds me. It's part of what's inside of me. You know, looks are just looks. Some says I was a Francis M. look alike. When I do music it differentiates me from whatever I look like.”



Besides music what are the lessons you've learned as an artist?

“Self-discipline. Because if you have the talent but without discipline, what's the use of the talent. You've got to have a self-motivation. When you've got to sleep, you've got to sleep early; you always have to be healthy. If you have a deadline you have to meet that deadline.”



Away from being a musician, what would you be?

“I would still be studying about business or I'll be doing sports.”



If asked to sing or perform for the last time, what song would you be singing?

“I don't know! Because I still have a long way to go, and there are more songs in my head. Right now, I don't want to be thinking about that.”





KNICK KNACKS WITH CHRIS



If you could invent a new instrument, what would it sound like?

“It will sound like [laughs]... [a long pause] it would sound like very digitalized. A sort of a digital guitar.” Or I would be smashing guitar...[laughs].”



Which do you prefer, songs in English or songs in your own language?

“English, 'cause you know I grew up in Brisbane, Australia. Again, I'm in the process of learning, and I've written a couple of Tagalog songs.”



What do you think the world would be like without music?

“Their will be no sound. Cause you get music from this, that and everything. (pointing to chairs, tables etc..).”



If you were a song, what song would you be?

“I would be...[thinking], Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve.”



If you had only 24 hours to live, what would you do?

“I would misbehave [laughs]. Probably, I just be myself. I would just swim as far as I can. Or I would just take my chances. I never think really of dying yet.”

“Music makes me. That molds me. It's part of what's inside of me...looks are just looks.”

If the whole world were listening, what would you say?

“I'll just say never give up if you failed. You have to be dropped for you to fly up.”



If you will be face-to-face with God, what question would you like to ask?

“Why Am I face to face with you? [laughs]. I'm not worthy to be face to face with God.”



Given the power to change the world. What change would you like to do?

“Pimples, I guess the world needs pimples[laughs]. (I would change) All sickness of course. And I guess balance, the world needs balance.”



What sort of praise would you like to hear?

“Hey Chris, nice! [giggle]. But I have to be deserving for it. It has to be real. It must not be plastic.”



If you could not differentiate beautiful from ugly, how would choose your girlfriend?

“Well, it should have to be her...and, and I don't know.”

♫♫♫

LOVI POE'S BLOOMING YEARS HERE AND AHEAD

From a teddy bear cuddling lass to a blooming career lady just got caught into our records during our usual pictorial and interview sessions with our local artists. This day (April 16, 2009 respectively) marks the invasion of the beautiful triumvirate of OPM on your beloved 'music authority.' Together with her were other lovely singing bees, Kyla and Rachelle Ann Go.

Well, call it blessing were we've been favored to gather, if not the finest then the best, of our local music industry vocal heroines. And one of them is a multi-media artists Lovi Poe, who's reportedly this time is 'blooming' as we it.

Just a few pieces from Lovi, she is the daughter of the late Fernando Poe, Jr. Nonetheless, never late for some early recognitions and awards. Such as OPM Artist Of The Year by RX 93.1, Artist Breakthrough of Of The Year of SOP, and an applauded album launch and concert at the Music Museum and counting more wit her latest album, “Bloom.” And it did orchestrate to her ambiance as we start the record rolling for her musical thoughts and idealisms.


THE BLOOMY ALBUM TALKS

Lovi mirrors to her second album as her maturity sparks here. For her, it's just getting deeper as she keep paddling on her way to the bosom of her field of enthusiasm. She speaks, “Maybe right now mas naging deeper 'yung way ng pag-perform ko kasi I have more experience now. First time I recorded songs for my 1st album I was 16, so by now I have more experiences.” She even shares the time when she was still snuggling her teddy bear on her debut album. “nu'ng first album kasi first stage 'yun nakahawak pa ako ng teddy bear. So excited ako to show people how I transformed from the first album,” she said.

She made no dichotomy between the song and acting herself – both are whipped with emotions. “There are different emotions per song. For me, it's just like acting. You have to put yourself into character.” She entertains the thought of putting herself to a song or like a song, “City by Sara Bareilles. The girl there she's like sometimes she doesn't feel like singing tonight the same old songs but then she keeps going back there.”

Besides working for herself, she works harmoniously with others too. “I would love working with everyone because every producer that I've worked with they give me different opinions and it's like having a different kind of flavor. With the producers that I worked, some are spontaneous, some are really funny so it sounds happier,” she tells us.

Now she's working on for further questions below.

If you could cover one song from the past, which would you choose?
I guess “Someone That I Used To Love” by Natalie Cole

Tell us in 10 reasons or less why we should buy and listen to your new CD “Bloom”?
First, I wrote a song in the album. Second, Vehnee Saturno wrote two songs, “Dito Sa Puso”, “Sa Pag-iisa”, in the album. Third, nandoon 'yung favorite song ko. It's a revival “Love On A Two Way Street”. Fourth, I have a duet with Aljur Abrenica “Save The Sunlight”. Fifth, my make-up was done by Juan Sarte in the album. Six, I have a version of “This Love” by Maroon 5 in the album. Seven, “Not For Sale” a Tina Arena is also in the album. Eight, we worked so hard for this album. Thank you, Sony Music and last, this album is very special for me in so many ways.

Did you have a specific idea about the kind of sound you wanted to pursue this time around?
I love Jazz music and rock. Some people don't know that I love singing rock songs. Rock and Jazz hopefully if given the chance.

What did you learn from your early experiences making music, and how did that inform this album?
That you have to put your heart into every sound and word. My friend, Gian Magdangal, told me that every time you sing you should be a good story teller. I've realized that it's true. So since he told me that every time I sing I put that in mind and it worked. Every time you sing you tell the story of the song.

How do you think you are evolving?
I was just showing changes in terms of the songs I choose to sing and the way I sing it.

Do you have any particular favorite tracks on the album?
Anything.

Are there any other new instruments that you experimented with on the new album?
When I was in first year high school I tried to play the guitar but I can't. None, for this album.

What are your preparations for this album?
Medyo tumagal 'yung recording kasi I got sick in between so I have to rest for a while before I continue recording but then the preparations siguro I just kept listening to the songs so that I could really get into the music.

Is there any song in the album that you always look forward to perform on stage?
I think “Nais Ko” kasi feel na feel ko 'yung song.

How did this record challenge you as a singer?
I guess because I'm reviving songs it's very challenging and it's hard to meet the same level as the way the original singers did it plus there are songs written by Mr. Vehnee Saturno so it's really really hard kasi the pressure is really high so hopefully I was able to meet his expectations.

What is your personal style when it comes to your music how do you spell it?
I want it a little jazzy. Sometimes when I sing a song I make it a little bit jazzy. I really admire Sara Bareilles and Sarah Mclachlan. I accidentally bought her CD nag-switch kami nu'ng girl na hindi ko kilala. I was actually buying Mariah Carey album tapos nagkapalit kami nakuha ko 'yung Sara Bareilles since then favorite ko na siya.


PART OF GROWING

As a girl just done with her teener years, at least with age, she's 20 now, it's all natural to be a bit or outrightly conscious of her physical and over-all well being. It's a bit harder for her maintaining an image most specially that she's not only a singing diva but a showbiz loud as well. She figures out, “yes, It's hard to actually maintain such thing kasi s'yempre may sari-sarili naman tayong ugali na hindi nakikita ng ibang tao but then for me, I think its okay siguro that's how people look at people from show business.” Nonetheless, being a star herself doesn't preclude her from being a fan girl herself. She admires most specially Regine Velasquez. She confessed, “yes, kay Regine Velasquez lagi akong nastar-struck kahit nakasama ko na siya a lot of times. But more on girls talaga.”

Lovi considers herself accomplished at the 16 all because, “I already had an album at the age of 16.” Having an album, she never, as she confessed to us that she did not actually or not fund at least of downloading materials from the internet. Instead, “I'm more on buying sa i-tunes.” Though, she takes few words for those who are fund of piracy, “everytime when I'm walking around from gym 'tas may nagbebenta ng pirated CDs I'm joking na ipapahuli ko kayo. You know it's very bad and it's so sad kasi for us parang it doesn't do us any good at all especially for recording companies.” She further adds, “yung mga classmates ko nga nagjo-joke na i-download na lang 'yan. Sabi ko no way...I know it's a joke though I know that they download stuffs. I can't do anything about it. Its' hard to stop them mahirap nga namang bumili ng mga CDs ngayon. For us singers, we know how it feels for them. It's hard to judge them 'coz they don't really know how it feels.” It seems through these hard times resistance against them is futile.

What is the best experience you've had so far or have learned, from being on the spotlight?
Siguro when I got to have a duet with the The Moffatts, ngayon Same Same na sila sa first album ko kasi I am a huge fan of them before.

Do you work out a lot?
Sometimes.

How do you stay in touch with friends when you're working so much?
I call them most of the time. I really have to see them as in.

How do you hope to achieve longevity in this business?
Having my heart into it. If you just have the talent but you don't have the heart it's not gonna give you anything.

If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Piracy.

What do you think it means for a girl to be strong?
For me, you cannot say that you're strong all the time but in some aspects you are like in certain situations you handle things well. You shouldn't go beyond the limits or even go below.

Anything you want to say to PinoyMag readers?
I just wanna thank them for they are the once who's keeping my passion alive. Sometimes the burning thing is our na but they still keep it alive.

What new fall trends are catching your eye?
Ako kasi Bohemian stuff or anything. I'm more on dresses kasi 'pag tinatamad ako, dress ang sagot ko.

For this summer, long dresses and something loose kasi mainit. Do you guys still shop for fashion bargains?
Yes of course.

What's the most you've spent on one thing if you're treating yourself?
I bought a car for myself so far 'yun lang after that tipid muna.

Is there always pressure to look good?
Look at me now, hindi ako nagsusuklay..just kidding (laughs)

What's the worst thing ever written about you?
Siguro 'yung I'm not a good daughter...not true at all even my family could attest to that but then its okay so all I can say its not true. I'm a good daughter. First time kung mag-vacation at maglalabas ng bahay now that I'm 20.

Biggest misconception about you?
That I'm a quiet type. Sa taping kasi they always say na nasa isang sulok lang ako. Siguro sometime lang naman 'yun.

Does the reality of being a celebrity live up to your expectations?
I really don't have expectations for myself because my mood changes a lot but then all I can say is my passion for music has always been there. Sometimes it gets really tired performing and singing but once you get on the stage and you sing the song that you really like, the passion goes out.

Wouldn't it be fun to be a celebrity especially when younger ones look up to you?
It's actually hard. Even though wala ka sa tapings or you're not really performing on stage even you are just outside you feel like you are still working because you always have to look good. The pressure is always there on what people would say it's kinda hard but for me I don't want to try to please everybody because you cannot please everybody.

What are the fun sides of being a celebrity?
Free stuff. Clothes, shoes, accessories.

You're super busy now, but what do you most like to do when you have some spare time?
I read a lot. Sometimes I go out with my friends.

♫♫♫

RACHELLE ANN GO: FALLING IN LOVE

Together with some other princesses in the OPM mantle, Rachelle Ann Go vied against traffic and searing hot day to grace our pictorial and interview sessions with them. It seems that the hot climate orchestrate with the hot divas that have here on the studio.

Rachelle Ann, as we know it, is a “Search For A Star” winner who once tossed her head up and dreamt for a star – and heaven never did forbade. From her hefty illusions, now she counts unto her forehead laurels of multi-platinum award CD releases. Her self-titled album alone garnered a double platinum recognition coupled by the limited edition crowned platinum too.

Rachelle's vocal supremacy is known to every fan and listeners alike. She has the voice hitting the whistle register note. It's high hitting, and it's orchestrating her album status. She never did get enough. She's forging more and she's actually “Falling In Love.” This doesn't quote her present love life; rather it's her music that showers the ambiance of being in love.

Another sizeable musical archive was tossed into the airwaves once again. This is Rachelle Ann's “Falling In Love” album digitally packaged with revival of the popular songs of all time and the classics, such as, If, Of All The Things, Somebody Waiting, All The Things You Are, I Got Caught Dancing Again, This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Didn’t We, Feelings, Let the Pain Remain, Traces, You And Me Against the World, You and I and I’ll Always Love You. And alright, that's it. She’s doing some again, and we can obviously intuit to where it will be going. Meanwhile, Rachelle shred some of her precious time to entertain few rolls of questions from us.


ALBUM TALKS FALLING IN LOVE

Like any other singer, Rachelle runs the same line of experience of how they handle their decision to sing and finally end up in something more mature. “Before I just sing for the sake of singing. Now I’m mature enough and really sing from the heart,” she said.

“You will experience LOVE when you listen to it.” Her brief and straight concession to her albums worth on the record bars as well as on the concert platforms.

One more thing she came out of her mind with her Falling In Love album is to let you heart speak or sing with you. If feels different, it sounds good and feels good. “I should really sing from the heart. That really matters a lot. After doing Falling In Love album, I truly felt this is really different from my previous ones in terms of the feelings I poured out.” And it really made a difference now with due respect to the previous albums.

What frame of mind were you in while recording this new album?
Being in love. Hihi!

How much pressure do you feel to follow up the success of ____ (title of the album's most successful)?
Actually there’s no pressure at all. I am really happy with the outcome of my latest album “FALLING IN LOVE”

Who did you most love working with?
My idols and my love

If you could cover one song from the past, which would you choose?
“ TRULY”

Does the reality of being a celebrity live up to your expectations?
In a way yes.

Did you have a specific idea about the kind of sound you wanted to pursue this time around?
Yes, less birit is better haha! But seriously, I really wanted a type of music where in when you hear it you’ll get relax and could relate to it.

How do you feel this album differs thematically or production wise from the first?
The music is easy listening. Its more of acoustic and some are with strings.

How do you feel you've grown as a musician since recording "Falling in Love"?
I can really relate to my songs nowJ I am able to put my own style.

Is either part of this album closer to where you see yourself going in the future?
Yes.

Do you have any particular favorite tracks on the album?
“I’ll Always Love You”

Are there any other new instruments that you experimented with on the new album?
None at this moment.


IT MADE HER FALL IN LOVE

Rechelle believes in the principle of being clean-cut image to the public because, “definitely, because as an artist people look up to me and I should be a role model.” Sometimes, though there are stimuli that currupts that image wittingly or unwitting ly. She retorts, “actually, I really don’t care if there are bad rumors/issues about me. What I don’t like is when they include my family.”

Nonetheless, she did always remember that fun is all around the corner – and around the globe. Obviously, she travels more often. “Yeah its fun, I get to travel and learn different cultures, I meet people and make new friends. Most importantly, I entertain people by my music.” You've done acting and singing-which do you love most? Singing of course, that’s my life.

Did you grow up wanting to be a celebrity?
Hmm... yeah,haha! I really want to be a singer.

Does anyone make you star-struck?
Yes a lot. The singers I look up to. (Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta,Kuh ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and a lot more….)

Whose style do you admire in Hollywood?
Keira Knightley, Heidi Klum

Can you describe your own personal style?
Like Gossip Girl hehehe!

What new fall trends are catching your eye?
Goddess and minimalist.

Do you guys still shop for fashion bargains?
Oh yes! I’m really into that! I’m ‘kuripot’!

What's the most you've spent on one thing if you're treating yourself?
SHOES!!!! SHOES!!!!! SHOES!!!!!!

Is there always pressure to look good?
Yes, whew! In this business people always criticize the way we look. haha!

What sort of things are you enjoying listening to lately?
Easy listening (Pop jazzy folk songs).

You're super busy now but what do you most like to do when you have some spare time?
Adventure! Malling, shopping, eating out, and watching movies.

What's your favorite item of clothing?
Now, I’m more into dresses.

Have you ever downloaded anything illegally?
Hmmmm... Hihihi! Piracy is Bad!

Okay, if a kid was being prosecuted for illegally downloading your album, would you leave them there to get their just punishment?
I’ll give them another chance and explain why piracy is not good.

What is the best experience you've had so far or have learned, from being on the spotlight?
Best experience is when I get to perform with the finest artist of the Philippines. I also learned that in every performance I should be at my best and what I have now is not mine, it’s from God and I should acknowledge it.

How do you hope to achieve longevity in this business?
By applying my skills in marketing, especially in marketing strategy and building good relationship to my clients and employees that matters most and by being persistent with my performances.

If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
To let the people realize that talent is important rather than the physical looks.

♫♫♫

HEART TO HEART WITH KYLA

Another darling of the OPM industry is a 'princess' living in her castle of fame and fortune is the R&B Princess Kyla. A multi-awarded singing diva who's vocal beauty entices some foreign artists alike such as Fra Lippo Lippi, Ronan Keating, Too Phat and others. She has made collaboration with them once or maybe twice and looking forward. And all these years that she has been in the industry, she just couldn't get enough. She's on for something more, such as her seventh album “Heart To Heart,” that we will be grilling later on.

Just a bit of her, Kyla is the third of the four siblings. Her real name is Melanie Hernandez Calumpad. She made her academic accomplishment graduating Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at the Philippine Christian University.

Her early recognition started during her younger years, perhaps singing with her mates on schools and fiestas. Nonetheless, her formal singing engagement was with Civil Service Commission Christmas Party till taking a big leap on time, she find herself crowning a prestigious MTV Video Music Awards as 2001 MTV's Southeast Asian Viewers Choice Awardee.

As dubbed “Soul Princess” or “R&B Princess” of course a masculine contemporary takes the other crown, and it takes two to tango. Her vocal tandem with the “R&B Prince” Jay-R casts the segment “Souled-Out” on GMA-7 Sunday show.

Fresh and bubbly, she shed few hours for our usual pictorial and interview sessions, this time with her and of course the other lasses on their way. Kyla sits with us for somewhat a heart to heart talk with her drawing few questions and positing few answers from her.


ALBUM TALKS HEART TO HEART

Most of Kyla's musical blends include the major components R&B and Soul with a pinch of Pop and Jazz. She's been challenge to describe her album to worth the tag and the audience, “beautiful 'yung songs, inspiring, challenging, sexy and full of soul.”

For her personal styles on music is uncompromising as long as you give it a full blow – and the rest will follow. “I experiment and mix a lot of different sounds. It depends on my mood and experiences. We are not sustained to do what we want we just follow on what we are being told. Kung ilalabas mo 'yung 100 % artistic style mo they have to give you the freedom to do whatever you want.”

At the spark of her career, Kyla secludes herself to her generic genre, R&B. But then shes, pouring out time and effort foretasting other kinds of music. “Before kasi hindi ako open sa ibang kind ng music like my very first album it’s all pure RnB tapos next few albums naging mas open na ako sa mixture ng Pop and Ballad kasi dati ayaw ko gusto ko Jazz lang and Soul. I'm open to all kinds of music siguro ang 'di ko na lang nagagawa ngayon Country music at saka Rock.” Being open actually gave her more leeway for growth and maturity. Hear her, “and also mas nai-express ko na ang sarili ko ngayon when it comes to music I've grown in terms of writing songs and composing.”

Kyla express his welcoming attitude towards camaraderie and interpersonal relationship towards individuals who work for her. “Naku lahat naman sila e talagang nag-enjoy akong makatrabaho. Actually lahat naman sila e kaibigan ko 'yung iba nga e kumare ko na so lahat sila nag-enjoy akong katrabaho.” Though, her experience when she's grilled for the recording are potpourris of pain and pleasure by frame of mind. She notes, “love and hurt. Iba-iba kasi eh its all about love and pain. It's actually a sequel of heartfelt.”

How much pressure do you feel to follow up the success of 'Heartfelt'?
Medyo kasi 'yung 'Heartfelt' when it came out in a week nasa top of charts na siya agad even before it came out 'yung “Love Will Lead You Back” nag-hit na siya agad and also when it came out sa market mataas agad 'yung sales n'ya kumbaga maingay siya. Nu'ng sinundan namin ng “Heart to Heart” medyo may konting pressure na mapantayan. Although in my opinion 'yung mga songs dito sa 'Heart 2 Heart' and the way we have delivered the songs I think this one is much better than “Heartfelt”.

If you could cover one song from the past, which would you choose?
Ako gusto ko 'yung kantang “A House Is Not A Home”. I would really love to record that. I have been begging 'yung dati pa naming boss ng EMI if I can record that song. They think its too old for me and masyadong mataas. I don't see it that way kasi when it comes to songs and music. You can always make it sound fresh and sound you it all depends on how you deliver the song and the arrangement. 'Yung song na 'yun ang dream ko talagang mai-record.

What did you learn from your early experiences making music, and how did that inform this album?
Siguro 'yung mas maging open ka at s'yempre makikinig ka din doon sa mga boss mo. They know better than you. They know the market. They know how it works. You have to listen 'tsaka kailangan hindi ka masyadong tutok d'un sa gusto mong gawin hindi mo sinasatisfy 'yung sarili mo lang but 'yung mga bibili ng album mo in the future. You have to consider all the aspects.

How do you think you are evolving?
There is a difference when you're a singer and a performer. I have to learn a lot of things pa when it comes to performing din. It's not just about the music it's also about the visual kasi 'yun na ang uso hindi lang 'yung boses mo ang pinapakinggan importante 'yung what they see on stage. I guess nag-eevolve pa.

Do you have any particular favorite tracks on the album?
“Written In The Sky”, “Tahan Na”, “Stay Away”, “You Make Me Feel” and 'yung duet namin ni Jay-R “Back in Time”.

What are your preparations for this album?
Medyo mahaba 'yung preparation namin sa album. Namili pa talaga kami ng mga songs on what will really work for me.

Are there any other new instruments that you experimented with on the new album?
Oo kasi ang sarap mag-experiment. You learn also kung sino ang ka-collaborate mo. 'Di ba magkaiba kayo lagi ng takbo ng isip and styles. In the future, I would love to do more collaborations.

What inspires you to write songs?
Kasi fulfillment siya e iba kasi when you write your own songs tapos kunwari nag-hit siya parang you feel proud kesa d'un sa kakantahin mo lang at saka iba kung ikaw ang nag-compose alam mo kung saan nanggaling 'yun.

How did this new record challenge you?
Sa mga songs medyo challenging siya kasi mga 80s siya e. Napressure ako kung paano ko siya ide-deliver.


FROM THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART

Kyla casts her hearts spell on each question we ask. On the onset, she feels strongly about some Filipinos or say artists who gives more second attention to foreign artists that the local ones. “Kasi sila they believe in what they do eh. I think thats it kasi tayo they feed us. Tayo we follow them. They are confident on what they do. Feeling ko kasi tayo kung gagawa tayo ng isang bagay kailangang confident tayo at gagawin nating maganda ito 'pag nakita naman nila the way we handle ourself , the way we project ourself, 'yung confidence natin sa sarili kahit hindi masyadong maganda 'yung song your still feeding them your song. We have to learn how to feed our audience/listeners. We have to set our own style. And what we need talaga is the support of everyone. Kung ano ang nakikita ng tao iyon ang tinatanggap nila e.” Nevetherless, locally she admits to be star struck by few other fellow artists, she admits, “Oo marami. Actually 'yung mga medyo nauna sa amin the people whom I look up to up to now – Si Regine kahit katrabaho ko siya I'm still not that comfortable in the sense na you look up to her talaga and you feel like wala ka pa sa level niya. More on respect talaga. Si Gary V. din kahit ilang beses ko na siyang nakasama minsan nakatingin lang ako sa kanya. Pero nakaka-inspire sila.”

She drew a shrugging gesture on the obvious duality of music and the artist's image. Oftentimes it’s hard for some individuals to accept the (extreme) polarity of the image and the music. Some musicians have uncompromising vocal acumen but are facially challenged. She asserts, “The image of the music kasi 'yung personal image mo will follow e. 'Di ako naniniwalang may pangit na singer kasi 'pag naayusan na 'yan gaganda 'yan depende na 'yan sa damit, sa sapatos, sa buhok. Nadadala lahat iyan sa imaging. Dito sa Pilipinas kasi 'pag pangit hindi masyadong pina-patronize. Mayroon kasi tayong mentality na hindi masyadong maganda na kapag sariling atin hindi masyadong tinatangkilik o sinusuportahan pero kapag foreign artist we support them. We sing their songs and we dance to their music. Sa atin mismo parang we put ourselves down. Nawawalan ng kumpiyansa 'yung artist dito eh kung hindi nakakakuha ng suporta sa mga mismong kababayan natin or konti lang mas na-appreciate natin 'yung mga foreign artists. Nakakalungkot kasi s'yempre marami rin namang magagaling na artists’ dito e parang kulang, or hindi napapansin at hindi nabibigyan ng importansiya.” It's somehow self-defeating to give much regard on foreign platform while our own lays unflattered.

Are you conscious maintaining a clean-cut image?
Oo naman kasi kailangang concious ka kasi kung 'di ka conscious parang wala kang pupuntahan. Every time I do an album, I want to make sure na there is something new din.

Does the reality of being a celebrity live up to your expectations?
Personally, I really want to get my hands dirty when it comes to producing the song but unluckily I'm a co-producer kasi sa akin kapag celebrity ka or actress or singer you should be more into the music you make. You should be hands on and you should concentrate. Right now hindi ka masyadong free kasi you also have to consider kung ano ang gusto ng boss mo. You have your own boss too to follow and to listen to.

What has been the your most important professional accomplishment to date?
Nu'ng naka-receive ako ng Merit for MTV Best Video for Asia 2001.

What new fall trends are catching your eye?
Summer kasi kaya iniisip ko 'yung mga masasayang tunog Reggae ganyan. Hindi kasi ako ma-gadget masyado e basta meron akong basic mayroon akong camera, laptop, cell phone okay na ako d'un.

Do you guys still shop for fashion bargains?
Oo naman.

What's the most you've spent on one thing if you're treating yourself?
Siguro 'yung bags. Gusto ko lang talaga 'yung bags.

Is there always pressure to look good?
Oo naman kasi iyon 'yung visual e iyon ang nakikita nila. Kahit 'di ka maganda basta naka-ayos ka lang.

What's the worst thing ever written about you?
Siguro 'yung recently lang sabi nila I'm pregnant daw. Dati kasi may nagsabi na ako raw iyong nawawala niyang anak. Sobrang nakakatawa talaga.

Biggest misconception about you?
Suplada raw ako. Hindi naman totoo, tahimik lang kasi talaga ako.

What's the fun side of being a celebrity?
In terms of work mas enjoyable kasi ginagawa mo 'yung gusto mo. Sometimes you have shows out of the country you get to enjoy, travel different places and meet a lot of people.

What are the disadvantages of being a celebrity?
Yung rumors and intrigues. 'Pag minsan kahit pagod na pagod ka na kailangang smile ka pa rin lagi. Bawal ang nakasimangot.

How long would you like to stay in this industry?
Forever as long as I could sing pa ng maganda, perform and deliver.

Have you ever downloaded anything illegally?
Siguro lahat naman siguro oo wala ditong inosente. Mga songs lang naman pero foreign lang 'di ako nagda-download ng local.

What's your take on piracy?
Stop piracy. Stop producing our CDs illegally kasi your putting the industry down. Buy original copies pero ngayon p'wede ka ng bumili ng album sa internet e.

If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Piracy and 'yung pagkakaroon natin ng colonial mentality.

♫♫♫