QUEST - BACK TO LOVE

TODAY’S MOST TALKED ABOUT ARTIST WHO GAVE R&B, HIP-HOP AND SOUL A NEW THRILL, VIBE AND FLAVOR…

Quest (Jose Villanueva III) as the name suggest is perhaps a search for new beginning, search for love, peace and harmony. His Debut album Revolution with its single Back To Love is a dire quest for a “final solution” to all corruption, crime, obscenity and obscurity of the life of humanity – and the solution boils down to one and the same thing – love.

Jose Villanueva III or Quest is a Christian charismatic music ministry director at the Victory Christian Church. He has never been into formal singing career but since then been encouraged by peers (no pressure) to take his feat into music singing, more in particular rapping. So in 2008, he resigned from the church and entered the door into more secular music.

His firs leap is to spend his money, perhaps his (only) savings to hone his first album with Jumbo De Belen of Flip Music. No so far oriented of what to do next, Sam Milby, a fellow attendee of the Victory Christian Fellowship, lend him a hand in reproducing and even producing his album.

He has a pop-jazz, R&B whip into his singing style in Back To Love, besides it's message of going back to the basic and most instruction of peace – no other than – love.

His carrier single was starred by several protagonist in music such as Sam Milby, Yeng Constantino, Markki Stroem (Pilipinas Got Talent Finalist), Abby Cruz (Binibining Pilipinas Second Runner-up) and John Prats.

Party Live will be his sophomore single launched at Magic 89.9 and will mark it's spot on the airwaves sooner or later.

Meanwhile, we've got few thoughts from him this early. Here's more of him.

How long were you in the studio for this record?
Ang tagal, it's like 2 years ko siya binuo. Kasi nun ginawa ko yung album there's no record label to back up and support me so I used my own money. I spent my own savings. I recorded 18 songs pero pinili ko lang and maybe I can give it to someone else or in my next album. I recorded the album in 2008. Then nung natapos ko yung album there's some really fortunate event occurred, KC Montero, a good friend of mine called and said 'I need a singer for a Show Time' and I asks, 'ano ang kakantahin natin,' then he said 'Bruno Mars' Billionaire'. So the next day, I went there and sang “Billionaire.” Erickson Raymundo is watching and I've known him in church and asks G Canlas (host of Music Uplate and Pilipinas Win na Win) 'may nagma-manage na ba kay Jose? (my real name)' then G told him 'wala pa.Bakit hindi mo i-manage?.' Then G told about it and set up a meeting with Erickson. I present the finished album to him. I told him 'here's the album. Listen to it and tell me what do you think about it.' And I'm really fortunate that I liked his vision to me, we met in the middle. Then the next person who heard the album is Sam Milby, his all praises and called me up and told me, 'dude, I like your album and I wanna support you.' That's the co-production came in from replication of the CD to the music video.

Where did you get your inspiration when writing a song?
It's all original, it has 13 cuts. I got my inspirations from my experiences and friends experiences, from people, from situations. There's a song here in the album that I used in the campaign jingle for Dick Gordon, it's called “Bagong Bayan.” And I like it so much and Dick Gordon told me ' you know what, win or lose why don't you release it?' And so I did, make it a radio friendly version. Iba't-iba mga experiences ko at mga tao sa paligid ko, that's where I get my inspiration.

How did you came up with your monicker “Quest'?
My real name is Jose Villanueva III and I want a name that will represent who I am. But in my case, I want a nickname who will not just represent me but what I believe in me, not just the person but my vision also. So Quest is a journey. Quest means journey and adventure. And I want my music to take you to the adventure. When you've heard my music I want you to have an adventure and revelation, something you've never heard before.

How did you come across with the album title, “Revolution”?
Every song speak about change and revolution. I think it's very timely that it's time for us to change. And revolution sounds more powerful. You know, we have a new president now, we got Ondoy and we've got so many things happened in the past. And I think it's really time to each and everyone of us, every individual to take part in making this country a better place to live in. And I think and hope I did well in at least inspiring people to make a difference through my music. Let my music help and inspire you to be a better person.

Do you have conflict influences do you ever say like, 'I'm going to write song for say like, sounds like for particular artists or bands?'
I have moments like that because I do other projects like I write jingles so mga gan'un.I listen to other artists and say 'uy ang ganda ng chords progression nito.' So I copied some of it, maybe the chords or the melody but not mimicked it. Like I did Magic 89.9's station ID, I just finished it and they gonna release it soon. Kinopya ko yung tempo ng “Club Can't Handle Me” ni Flo-rida para masaya.

How would you categorize your music?
I don't want to put in any genre. My basis is hiphop, that's my major influence but I'm really flexible. I can go rock, pop, techno and you know if the music calls for it , I'm okay with it. Hindi naman ako stuck sa isang genre lang.

Tell us something about the songs in the album.
The album basically has one theme which is changing and be able to empower you to have that internal revolution. I have songs there about celebrating life in every circumstances. I have “Back To Love” which talks about that love is the answer to all pains. I have songs like “Do You See” which is empowers women to understand that you're beautiful you kept what you are. I have a song there called “You And Me” which celebrates friendship. Basically when you sum up all the songs, it speaks about making that change in your life and causing change in other people's life as well.

Do you have a certain image that you want to portray with your music and lyrics?
Wala. Ayoko ng yabang ng hip-hop 'cause you know hip-hop is always cocky. I always love hip-hop. But at certain point I want to redeem the industry of hip-hop kasi malaking foundation ng album ko is hip-hop.

Why should people check out your music?
Basically my music is different. It's not you're typical hip-hop and it's not you're typical OPM. It's all original, it's very intense yet it's very passionate. It's really a celebration, you celebrate learning, you celebrate failure because through failure you learned. It's something that it's not just you will feel good but it will empower you to live in and that's my goal.

Is there a particular song that you wished you've written?
Naku ang dami. Puro foreign. Sa tagalog siguro sana ako ang nagsulat ng “Liwanag” ni Julianne. Most of the songs probably of Stevie Wonder like “My Cherrie Amor”. Ang dami, believe me that everytime I go to the record bars, makikinig ako tapos sasabihin ko 'bakit hindi ko naisip itong kantang eto.' I think I really like Rey Valera, ang lalim ng tagalog n'ya. Meron pa akong isa, Ogie Alcasid. I wished I wrote “Mahal Kita Walang Iba.”

Can you share a particular track in your album that's so challenging for you to record?
Track #6 is “Rise and Shine.” That is the song that speaks about the summary of my life for the past 28 years of my existence. I tried my best to put it all in one song. When you listen to that song, that's my life.

What's the coolest think making this record?
A lot. Recognition. Si Sam Milby kasi sobrang bentang-benta sa kanya y'ung album tapos nag-libot sa A.S.A.P. Pinamigay y'ung CD. And a few nights ago I was with Gary V. and his like 'you're songs are so good talaga.' Kinikilig talaga ako dahil of course that's Gary V. So ang sarap ng feeling that these people, pillars of the industry talaga and they gonna praise my album. Sobrang blessings talaga.

Given a chance, is there a particular say artist that you want to write a song for?
Of course, sobrang dami. I wanna write songs or collaborate with Yeng Constantino. Actually we have a secret project together. Tapos, I wanna write for Charice s'yempre. International marami din sina Mary J Blige, India Arie, U2. But I wanna help the OPM industry if I can give a free songs for Billy Crawford and other awesome artists. I am just sick and tired of the labels relentlessly singing them covers. Jay R is awesome performer naaawa lang ako sa kanya kasi puro covers na siya eh marunong mag-compose si Jay R.

What are your plans for the rest of the year? What can we expect for Quest?
This year? For sure I’m not gonna do any bar gigs ‘coz I’m very spontaneous so feeling ko on the second day, sawa na ako (laughs). You know, doing same time over and over again. But we’re planning to do campus tours. I wanna tour the Philippines and shares my music, bring other artists with me. By the way, I’m giving away songs for free, free downloads. Every month there will be one song I’m gonna out so I’ll keep writing ‘coz I write everyday. I love writing. Minsan I write one song a day minsan naman verse lang. I just wanted to make it a point that before a day ends I was able to write something para mahasa. I just talked with Gary V, we might do a song together then we will give it away for free.

What do you want to accomplish as a singer?
Wow! I don’t want my legacy based on number of sales. I want my legacy to number of people touched by my music. Of course I want my album to sell also but that’s secondary. I don’t want that to disregard. I appreciate if I can get an award pero mas gugustuhin ko pang lumapit sa akin na isang tao then sasabihin na sobra siyang nabago dahil sa music ko rather than maraming tao na tatalon-talon tapos uuwi na wala namang nabago sa kanya. Mas gugustuhin ko pa na isang tao na nabago dahil sa kanta ko kesa sa maraming tao na walang nangyari.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

JED MADELA – Best foot on THE CLASSICS ALBUM

Meet once again one of the finest singing bees this world has ever conceived – Jed Madela on his another brand new album called “The Classics Album.” As the word suggest, no second guess, it means the golden diamond classics of all times first popularized under the vocal batons of Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Tom Jones, Perry Como, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Paul Anka, Jack Jones, The Four Tops, Simon & Garfunkel.

The new album is under the recording asylum of the Universal Records and produced by a platinum album producer Ito Rapadas.

Few of those most coveted track listing were as follows:

1. What I Did For Love (Popularized by Jack Jones), 2. Let Me Try Again (Popularized by Frank Sinatra), 3. I Believe (Popularized by Tom Jones), 4. Love Story (Where Do I Begin) (Popularized by Andy Williams), 5. It's Impossible (Popularized by Perry Como), 6. Portrait Of My Love (Popularized by Matt Monro), 7. Softly As I Leave You (Popularized by Matt Monro), 8. An Affair To Remember (Popularized by Nat King Cole),9. Times Of Your Life (Popularized by Paul Anka), 10. A Time For Us (Popularized by Andy Williams), 11. You Will Be My Music (Popularized by Frank Sinatra) 12. Walk Away (Popularized by Matt Monro), 13. Somewhere (Popularized by Matt Monro)...

And a lot more in store for you once you've got the hefty package of the album. These were just abridge listing of the tracks in the album. But the promise of the most sang tracks of our good old fathers on a tape cue cassette are on the album – but no “My Way” please!

By the way, Jed Madela is a native young blood of Iloilo City, Philippines. Through sheer determination made a big splash through his singing acumen. His big bacon taken home is when he was acclaimed as the grand champion of the World Championships Of Performing Arts (WCOP) in Hollywood, California. There are over 3, 000 competitors in 52 countries. He Bested among them all – what a feat, fame and fortune!

Jed Madela has four studio albums. Most of them has considerable amount of sales with Gold and Platinum appraisals. I'll Be Around with the radio smash hit “Let Me Love You,” Songs Rediscovered – Double Platinum, Only Human – Platinum, Voice of Christmas – Gold and Songs Rediscovered 2 – Platinum. And perhaps, as expected for this new album that he has. Furthermore, let's know more from him how he did it again on his other vocal grandeur.


How does the recording process works for you this time?
For this 6th album I was very hands-on from planning to then choosing the songs and for the arrangements. I’ve worked closely to my producer, Mr. Ito Rapadas. Pagdating sa recording gan'un pa rin, iniiwan nila ako sa studio. They gave me freedom to do whatever I want. But it was more of how I would like to record it, ano ba y'ung feel dapat d'un sa song. When it comes to the album packaging, it was Universal Records who came up with the idea. Of course, piracy is still there, we tried to device away na parang paano natin pabibilihin pa rin y'ung tao ng original album instead of downloading na lang. So we made the album packaging really unique and very attractive.

How long were you in the studio for this new record?
Mabilis kasi ako mag-record, probably around 30 minutes for one song. Minsan nakaka-tatlong kanta ako sa isang session. But collectively all the 16 songs was recorded in just one week time.

Do you have any criteria on how you decide which song should be included in the album?
Kasi dito sa Universal Records when we come up with the album s’yempre inuupuan talaga naming lahat iyan. Like what concept are we making this time? Hindi naman kasi p’wedeng chopsuey- chopsuey lang (smiles). We think of how we can attract the buyers na para maiba naman and so we ended up recording the songs that are classics. Y'ung pinaka-criteria siguro namin sa pagpili would be songs that have made their mark in the past (50s, 60s up to 70s).

What set of rules did you put in place for the making of “The Classics Album”?
There was actually no rules at all. It was more of I want to sing the way I want to sing it. Y'un lang talaga, ayaw kong maki-uso. Y'ung tipong porke't uso gagawin na namin. Ayaw naming sirain y'ung original, we made it as close to the original but not sounding old, but not too new. It has to maintain its essence, y'ung pagkaluma pero it has to sound new.

How did you motivate yourself for each song when you recording them?
I'm actually an old soul. I enjoy listening to old songs and movies. Ako kasi personally mas gusto ko y'ung mga songs before. Not just like foreign but local movies, local songs. I know some of the songs not that nicely produced. Kasi mismo y'ung mga tunog weird pero y'ung puso ng composer at singer naririnig mo. Hindi mo naririnig y'ung computer, most of the albums kasi now puro effects na. Minsan sintunado pero alam mo na minagic lang ng computer. So ang pinaka motivation ko na kapag narinig ng listener makukuha talaga nila y'ung meaning n'ung song. Kasi simple lang naman y'ung song eh, the lyrics are very simple. Inisip ko lang talaga na dapat wala masyadong kulot, walang arte sa pagkanta. It has to be plain and simple.

Of all the songs included in the album which track is the most extra special for you?
Probably yung “Let Me Try Again” because it’s a very personal song. It’s my mom’s song for my dad. Parang naging theme song nila for a time. Since I know the meaning of the song for my mom n'ung kinanta ko iyan mas nabigyan ko ng extra emotion.

How did you challenge yourself for this new record?
Honestly, I was super pressured. This is now my 6th album with Universal Records. The albums from 1 to 5, their all went Platinum and some double Platinums. So the expectations of the people na parang ayaw kong maging flop. Y'un talaga ang inisip ko, na after five albums kailangan lamangan ko y'un, if not kahit ka-level lang nila or lamangan pa lalo. D'un ako medyo na stressed out na kailangan ko tutukan ito, na lahat pinapakialaman ko na. Because this album is going to be a reflection of who I really am.

How does this new record, “The Classics Album” reflect your personality now?
Probably if you listen to all the songs masasabi n'yo na ito talaga y'ung image ni Jed Madela, very heartfelt songs na talagang ballads. Not all the songs ay birit but you know there are a couple pa rin kasi s’yempre hahanapin talaga ng tao y'un. But I didn’t pay much attention on that, it was more of emotions.

Can you tell us something about your first single “I Believe”?
N'ung pumili kami sa mga kanta on which is best to be the first single of the album sabi ko, ‘pwede bang ibahin natin, usually kasi either love songs or tungkol sa heart break, pagmamahal na hindi natuloy or bawal na pag-ibig. It’s the usual stuff eh, oo papatok pero parang nakaka depressed naman. So for a change let’s do something inspirational, do something that will inspire and encourage people that there’s still hope, that there’s something positive in life. “I Believe” is a very simple song, hindi mahirap intindihin. 'Yan ang pinaka-drive namin sa pagpili.

What elements did you inject to make the sound different from your previous albums?
I think y'ung sa previous albums ko pagbirit ko and masyadong malinis, medyo na lessen y'un. Na lessen in the sense na sinasabi nila na kapag kumakanta ako parang nasa contest palagi (smiles). This time for this album medyo relax but then of course may iba pa rin songs na kailangan lagyan pa rin ng birit kasi people would look for it. That’s the difference probably, it’s more raw, more heartfelt and kung paano ko s'ya nirecord, wala y'ung part na nilinis s'ya or in-edit.

Why coming out another remake album? When can we hear you again coming out an original one?
For me kasi I think it was all about timing. I came into the industry na pasimula na ng remakes. So for my 1st album hindi siya masyadong napansin kasi nag-start na y'ung mga remakes, although it became Gold. Pero hindi siya masyadong nag-take off kasi nga it’s all original y'ung mga singles na nilabas ko. Pero dun sa “Let Me Love You” sumikat din siya kasi on the verge ng original and remakes. N'ung sa next album ko na nandu'n y'ung “The Past” d'un talaga sumikat. Syempre kailangan din natin mag-sell ng album so we have to follow kung ano y'ung demand ng tao.

Given the chance to come out an all original album again will you be writing a song for that upcoming record?
Hopefully. I'm actually writing songs already but I can't assure if makakapasok s'ya for the album (smiles). But I'm still hoping na sana kahit isa or dalawa na composition ko makuha. That’s one of my goals din kasi, passion ko rin kasi ang pagsusulat.

Who would you like to work with for the next (all original) album?
For me given the chance I would like to work with Yeng Constantino, she writes very well, Richard Poon I want to work with him on songs. Of course sila Vehnee Saturno, Ryan Cayabyab, Homer Flores, Ito Rapadas, mga originals songs sana. So sana talaga mabigyan ng chance.

What are you working on next after releasing this new album?
Well as of now we are really pushing for the album. We will be promoting the album kasi we believe with the product so much. And we’re coming up with mall tours na talagang show, hindi lang y'ung kakanta tapos autograph na. It’s going to be a full show talaga. Then in line with the album promotions, they will be concerts here and abroad.

Other things you care to mention about the album?
Y'un aside d'un sa regular CD we also came out with an audiophile album. We encourage the people to get a copy of the audiophile kasi it’s something new. Alam ko tayong mga Pinoy kung anong bago, kahit hindi nila alam kung ano y'ung audiophile talagang bibilhin pa rin nila. Audiophile is something that will make you appreciate the sound more. Kasi mas detailed, if you have surround sa bahay mo para kang nanunuod ng live concert.

What’s the difference of audiophile to the usual audio disc?
I think it’s more of those who really want to appreciate the sound. Since it’s an audiophile, they are very critical to the sound. Naka-balance lahat and remastered siya. Kapag sa ordinary album lang kasi sabay-sabay na lahat tumutugtog. So para kang nanunuod ng concert ng live but of course you must have an audiophile player for you to appreciate it.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

DAGTANG LASON - NAGMAHAL AKO NG BAKLA

Their songs have been well known to street slabs, gangs, gays and gals spawning up to catching attention to few others. The song Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla makes all the 'hob-bob' in the internet and in the streets. The song is a painful abomination of a friend to a girl who broke his hearth, thereby getting a gay for a love instead. The song has a bit of lewdness if you were not used to hearing one. Nonetheless, dealing with the boys' creativity and fun rapping dudes – they're into the line!

Dagtang Lason is composed of the Buhawi (not Buhawi Menesis of Parokya Ni Edgar), Kadedna and Marbaggs from Olongapo City. The three of them have the rapping acumen on the spot or on board. They have the pinky to write songs in an entertaining manner and as light as feather (if you allow yourself to it).

Perhaps, they're happier than kings when they were nominated by Awit Awards for Best Rap. They didn't take home the splash but doesn't make sense for them who's consolation enough to hear their songs on radios. But fate did not get enough of them. Last October 10, 2010 another blow of nominations took them on board the Ateneo De Manila Theater for Rap Album of the Year, Rap Artist of the Year and Novelty Song of the Year. And guess what, they ended up thanking their fans, supporters, producers and God for the victory sweeter the second time around. They won as Best Novelty Song of the Year for the single Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla.

Dagtang Lason is now vying the hallway of fame and fortune with millions of hits in YouTube, consecutive interview and appearances in different and TV guesting – would they be 'poisonous' enough to topple few miles of their journey on the OPM highways? Their words and action will tell.

Can you tell us something about your first single “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla”?
KADENA: Yung “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla” actually nagawa naming yung song na ‘yun base sa experience ng isa naming kaibigan. Talagang nasaktan siya sa babae. Yung music kami pong tatlo ang gumawa pero ‘yung chorus was actually adapted from “Alaala” of White Lies.

Whose the main composers of the group?
MARBAGGZ: Kami ring pong tatlo, hati-hati kami.

What’s your take on your song “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla” implied a negative message to the listeners?
MARBAGGZ: Hindi naming actually expected na magiging ganun magiging hit yung song namin.
ALBERT SUNGA (Marketing Manager of Ivory Music & Video butts in: Actually there was a controversy last year na yung song na “Banana” by Blank Tape pinapa-banned siya sa radio tapos nadamay yung song nila because it became so popular that even 2 year old kid is singing their song. But fortunately nun dumating yung controversy mas lalong nag-draw ng attention sa mga tao.

What is probably your next single after “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla?”
KADENA: Sugar Mommee will be our follow up single.

Were there any particular artists who influenced you while doing the album?
KADENA: Kami-kami lang po talaga. Yung rap po kasi parang matututunan mo sa sarili mo. Pero may mga influences din syempre kami like si Gloc9.
MARBAGGZ: Magkakaiba actually kami ng influences ang ginawa lang namin, pinag-combine lang lahat naming.

How did Dagtang Lason form?
KADENA: Yung grupo po naming actually nabuo dahil sa sayaw. We are all dancers from different groups.
MARBAGGZ: One time we just hanging out then we found out that we’re all like to rap. Then we decided why not try writing a song together.

How did you landed with Ivory Music?
ALBERT SUNGA: Hinanap talaga namin sila because Ogie Alcasid called up parang told us through Noel Ferrer, a former Ivory Music employee (now Executive Producer of PO5) na ‘uy hanapin n’yo eto’ kasi gusto nilang gamitin yung song for Bubble Gang. So we search them and finally our Artist & Repertoire Manager found them via friendster. So pinapunta naming sila dito sa Manila. Lahat kami in awed because they have like more than 50 songs na dala-dala. Hindi lang lahat rap, like sa album may Christmas song sila d’yan, may ballad
din talaga.

We’ve heard that the music video of “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla” was not approved for airing?
ALBERT SUNGA: Yes, it was ex-rated by MTRB because of the lyrics of the song though if you gonna listen to the song I don’t think there’s a foul on it. Ano ba ang nakaka-influence sa tao, what you see or what you hear? May mga music video na halos hubad na, yung song wala namin mura.

Was there any memorable experiences so far?
KADENA: Nakakatuwa kasi yung venue at times is beside the church or catholic school. Pero there was this instances that we were in Samar na may mga pari ang pupunta dun and even requested na huwag kantahin yung “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla” so nagbago kami ng repertoire. Sobrang dami ng tao and expected ng crowd na kakantahin namin. At feeling naming ‘pag di namin kinanta baka magalit yung mga tao na nandun so natakot sila na baka magwala yung mga tao kaya wala silang nagawa kundi pakanta sa amin na lang. Grabe yung response ng mga tao dun that time.

Was it a conscious that the album is all tagalong?
MARBAGGZ: Opo. We’re from Olongapo and tagalog is actually our means of communication.
KADENA: And we’re actually representing na ang tagalong ay lengwahe ng makata.

How long were you in the studio to record the album?
KADENA: Iba-iba po. Minsan one day per song pero there are times na nakakatapos kami ng tatlong kanta sa isang araw. But we recorded the entire album in one week.
MARBAGGZ: Naging mabilis naman namin siya i-record since kanta naman naming yung mga iyon so more or less alam na namin kung papaano yung atake na gagawin sa bawat kanta.

Why Dagtang Lason?
KADENA: Kasi ‘di ba ang dagta, makapit at makapit? Parang bawat letrang nilalabas namin makapit siya sa masa tapos nakakalason siya sa utak ng mga tao, iyan ang dahilan kung bakit sila bibili ng album namin.
MARBAGGZ: T’saka po, kakaiba at walang kapareho.

What’s your age bracket?
MARBAGGZ: Buhawi is 22, Kadena is 19 and me is 23.

What did you do for a living aside from doing music?
KADENA: Eto lang talaga, we’re focus on our music.
MARBAGGZ: Except for Buhawi, his actually a graphic artist.

How does it feel winning in the recently concluded 2nd Star Awards for Music as Novelty Song of the Year for your song “Nagmahal Ako Ng Bakla”?
KADENA: First time namin kinabahan. We go to the awards night not to win but somehow we’re expecting to bag an award.
MARBAGGZ: Malaking bonus ‘yung pagkaka-panalo talaga namin.

Why should people buy your album?
KADENA: Napaka-controversial at all-original ‘yung entire album. Kumbaga makikita mo talaga yung tunay na talento ng Filipino kung paano sila gumawa ng letra. T’saka po ang main mission namin ay i-angat muli ang rap dito sa atin.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

SINOSIKAT - THE SECOND ALBUM

From the OPM band that considers themselves as having “Pinoy Soul” feel on their musical prowess is a brand new brew of songs in the what they call “2nd Album.” Respectively, not a general term itself but a particular term for their new album.

It has been a couple of years since Sinosikat? Released their debut album with flying colors and laudable recognitions on the airwaves. Now, they're going back on top of the shelves for another strings of songs worth listing for.

This time you'd feel and hear the vocalist's cunning thoughts on music. It's more experimental this time. Expect more twist, crisps, comely and vocal wise musical expose on the genius they've made. Inspiration after inspiration makes them burning to the edge of the platform. Every inspiration that raptures their senses is like a jewel drop unto their album – for couple of years till the second one came into being.

They won't rest on their laurels even when they have open the floodgates of stardom and awards for the band.

To add more dazzles for the bands stage and auditory presence they accommodated additional member, David Starck for the keyboard.

The carrier single has been broiled hard for the new album, “Nung Iniwan Mo Ako,” penned by Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree. That song is now rendered with visual aid to give fans a feel of the melancholy of the obvious nature of the song. The music video for it was made under the baton of Paolo Abella.

In fact, the emotional tentacles of “Nung Iniwan Mo Ako” dangles up to some reality TV shows and teleseryes such as Pinoy Big Brother and Katorse.

The sense of connectivity is always at the bottom line of every song. Kat Agarrado, the bands vocal head, is strict in her relations with the song. It must be true! Kat hates faking and mediocrity in music – whereas faking it will hamper, perhaps, her performances and interpretation of the songs she gave her audiences.


ALBUM TALKS

How did you come up with the name of your album?
Kat: We're always like practicing for the second album. We wrote the songs for the Second Album. It’s almost like a trade mark for the Second Album. It's Kat's idea to be called Second Album and everybody agreed.

What are you hoping to accomplish in this new album?
Nick: We just want to write good songs. We hope to be recognized for that. As well as play music from the heart.
Kat: Ang jologs talaga namin ngayon. We want sana next year to go to a festival and also to represent Philippine music and to be original. We want to play good music to reach wider market.

What have you learned from your first album that you applied for your second album?
Reli: Siguro 'yung process ng recording. Before kasi mas free kami eh. Sa musicality wala naman kaming binago. Mas nagmature lang kami. May kasama na kaming keyboardist at bassist sabay-sabay na kaming nagrecord sa studio.

Nick: In this album, we planned it 'coz we're also under schedule. In the first album, when we're about to release the album, some songs were already written before we got signed with Warner. The process was free flowing and there was no schedule in mind whereas in the second album, they gave us a deadline so we had ahead of time. What to do. Who to play with and what songs to record.

What are the preparations you do for this record?
Before we came into the studio we did a lot of pre-productions.
Kat: Our first album was released 2007 so this album is two years in the making. 'Yung first album very raw and organic. We just jammed it and recorded it. The Second Album is more orchestrated. Masasabi namin na nag-mature talaga 'yung tunog namin.

Who wrote most of the songs in the album?
Kat: Kaming lahat.

Did you road test any of the new material before you put it on the album?
Reli: We had pre-production.
Kat: N'ung ginagawa namin 'yung demo we have like three or four tracks. I actually uploaded it in the internet sa mga contacts ko pinarinig ko d'un.

Is there a particular song on the album that best describe as a band right now?
David: Most of the time when we play a song we discern it first if it's slow jam we try to make it slow as possible. If its more funkier so it really depends. We try to serve music most of the time.
Kat: Siguro I guess, Mr. Musikero. We really want to share the lyrics of the song to everyone especiall to all the musikeros out there.

Did you have any collaborations in the album?
Kat: Nung Iniwan Mo Ako. I actually wrote that. It's a ballad. We have a back up vocals on that song.

What do you think is the criteria to be called 'musikero'?
Reli: If a song inspires people. You can be called a musikero.

How did you choose on what song to be included on the album?
Kat: We make songs as it there we don't really like have a lot of songs. Hindi 'yun ang bracket namin we make songs like now. Whatever happens to me this year or who influenced me to write.
We are very grateful with Warner. They gave us the creative freedom unlike the other artists. In our first and second album we just gave them our materials.

What else do you have planned for 2010?
Kat: Right now, we've been practicing alot and we're planning to start writing for our third album. We're practicing alot of cover songs and good tunes and really nice shows and production. Sana we could compete internationally. We're doing Motown, mga funk songs and para kaming bagong banda ulit. We all have our influences. Somehow we have to find kung saan kami pinakamagaling.

So far, what are the feedbacks you get from your second album?
Reli: Our co-artist say they like it.
Kat: Alot of musician friends are inspired in our albums. Hindi naman talaga kami malalim eh kapag pinakinggan.
Nick: We learn a lot of stuff from their comments.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

THE PRINCES OF OPM

(JAY R, CHRISTIAN and MARK BAUTISTA)

Biblically, number seven (7) is a perfect number. Musically – in the entertainment print media, number 7 is a perfect number for this issue studded with perfect vocal bigwigs.

It’s a perfect number for your OPM Music Authority’s 7th Anniversary Issue.

Pinoy Song Magazine is blowing her seventh birthday cake together with the invited guests to serenade her birthday bash under party poppers and blithesome celebration – only and only here at the hefty pages of our magazine.

The burning torch of enthusiasm and ardor for our service has never faded since Pinoy dared paddled her canoe during her maiden voyage on the entertainment panorama. We never promised, though, to please everybody, considering our human contingencies – but rest assured – you’ll see fire in our eyes!

In our own little ways we are amenable to have given leeway for our local artists to be heralded to their fans and followers. We’ve made their voices heard as far as our words about them can nimbly be scribbled on our pages and our actions affect every fiber of the entertainment industry. It is made possible because of you receiving us at the rare end of the balance. We, therefore thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you!

In this issue we fished out from the ocean of the OPM dept few of the crowned pearl voices who have stirred the waters of Filipino music to a different level. May we have the pleasure to serve on the golden platter the Prince of Soul – Jay R (Sillona III), the Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista and the Pop Heartthrob Mark Bautista.

We thought of them as the Princes Of The OPM that charmed and helped in the metamorphosis of the OPM industry. They’re not to kiss a frog prince to make a magical transformation of anything else but to begin in themselves to give what they have and will have instead.

Gaudencio Aquino Sillona III, more commonly known as Jay R as his music metonym, is one of the sing and dance sensations of the local music industry. He is the man coupled with the coveted voice in his high-rated and best-selling cover album “Soul In Love.” He was the man who plights music in two different shores; since he was born in California and made his first spark of enthusiasm in that foreign land. He momentarily entertained being a Computer Engineering student before he carries the passion statement to where he is now.

Jay R has been into a lot of collaboration and performances to different places in the US. Nonetheless, he found himself sipping his cup of tea most of the time here in the Philippines. He speaks fluent Tagalog as an additional bit of him.

With no much further ado, next in the line of the triumvirate is Christian Joseph Morata Bautista, commonly known by his screen name as Christian Bautista. He is a Landscape Architect by academic profession and a singer, actor and product model by preoccupation. If you have been vigilant of how Christian Bautista trod the OPM highway, he was one of the finalists of the Star In A Million, a reality TV show conducted by one of the media giants in the Philippines, ABS-CBN. He took the fourth place after the big winner Erik Santos.

Being in the fourth place did not halted Christian from putting his best foot forward such as making his contract with Warner Music Philippines opening the floodgates of opportunity of hitting a multi-platinum album, fame and fortune. Embarking on his ship he made sails to distant shores. Christian’s hit song “The Way You Look At Me” harbored on Indonesia’s shorelines. It enjoyed numerous airplays on the radio stations in Indonesia where fans are thrilled of seeing him in person. Nonetheless, Christian never prolonged their agony – he showed up in that place and conquered their hearts to fonder.

Christian is off shore and is flagging down his songs to other Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Next to nexus Pinoy’s anniversary chain is Mark Bautista, known by the same birth name at the industry. His surname has nothing to do with that of Christian Bautista although they both have vocal prowess given them. Mark passed similar forging as Christian Bautista does. He won second to a grand winner in the reality TV search Star For A Night Sarah Geronimo.

Mark is rather shy during his cocoon years in Cagayan De Oro where he was born. He was awakened in a family where financial earning is a hard won reality. His father stopped working because of a bad physical condition. He has four siblings to deal with on his shoulder. With such lingering financial burden came his voice as a treasure chest to him and his family.

Mark started to shake-off inhibitions and start flapping his wings following the glory of his fate till he found himself bringing home the bacon for his loved ones. Mark won several oratorical competitions and bagged cash prices which then enabled him to respond to the demands of the daily bread of his family.

Mark also ventured to acting and hosting which added more spice to his brewing career. His acting stint as Lastik Man brought him a little louder to the senses of the masses together with his hosting career in Search for A Star In A Million (season 1 and 2). Mark is now with GMA-7 for a three year contract.


TAKE IT FROM THEM

Several times we see performers burst with power and energy during their performances. How I wish you’d see them at their unguarded moments shrugging their shoulders getting even with the little flare of energy left behind – as human beings they did exhaust their sinew both physical and emotional. When and where in the point of their life do they get the energy to once again get through the demands upon waking up out of bed?

“Definitely work 'coz that's my passion when I'm down. It's all about music. It's about expressing yourself through your creativity, through writing a song and through just singing out loud,” declares Jay R.

Christian Bautista credits his source of inspiration and will to power to his Divine Master, “It's always been God, whenever my situation is, sa kanya ako umaasa. He is my inspiration to do my best all the time.”

Mark on the other hand pulls his inspiration from his family, “naku ang dami. Unang-una 'yung family ko 'coz I support my family. Iniisip ko 'yung future ko kung ano 'yung mangyayari. Ayoko kasing mawala 'yung passion sa akin for music. So far 'yun”

Besides being the agent of seeking their own force to go ahead, they are at the forefront of directing their musical welfares. Most of them ride on the thought of creating their own quality music like the one that would hit shores to shores, talents after talents and souls to souls.

“My musical direction will be definitely original R&B music that is quality and will hit here in the Philippines and also in different territories that I can getting into,” attest Jay R

Christian explains his own thrust, “writing my own songs. Maybe experimenting on different kinds of music, collaborating with more international artists. And probably I can try on producing concerts or finding other talents of some sort.”

Mark ponders on the joy of penning his own songs and song for others too. “Sa bago kong album ngayon may mga compositions ako na ginawa. Nararamdaman ko na ang sarap magsulat ng songs. Gusto ko pang magsulat ng magsulat and hopefully makapagsulat rin ako para sa ibang artists.”

Just like anybody in the mantle of the earth they have fears in them in the industry like pouring your everything and it goes to limbo – much more if yourself gets against you and dramatically munch up your passions. I guess anybody would break down flat on the floor.

“My biggest fears is not accomplishing my goals. There are a lot of goals actually,” says Jay R.

Christian explains his fears of having his effort shut to nothingness, “I think when you've done everything but no one recognizes and appreciates it all. I'm not up for recognition but syempre kapag may ginagawa ka, gusto mo ma-appreciate ng ibang tao like your fans. Hopefully huwag mawala 'yung season na ganun pero kapag dumating na 'yung season na kahit ano na ang ginagawa mo tapos unti nalang 'yung nakaka-appreciate sa'yo, it's time to move on pero ayokong dumating nga d'un sa point na ganun.”

Mark fears of losing interest to his craft as it is being the bearer of his light to the humanity, “siguro 'yung fear ko na mawala ang passion sa craft ko. Sa akin kasi feeling ko 'yun iyong importante as an artist.”

Do you find covering songs easier or harder to do compared to creating your own music?
JAY R: I think it's easier to cover songs kasi meron ka nang basehan, ginawa na 'yung kanta, music at chords, kumbaga naka-set na lahat, it's all up to you to put your own style into it. Unlike when you're making your own song you have to think the music, melody, lyrics and the vibes. So it's a lot easier for me to do revival songs.
CHRISTIAN: Covering a song definitely because you don't need to think anymore. Maganda na siya, you just need ways para mas mapaganda at ma-improve pa siya. I'm not saying much better because nothing beats the original. But hopefully different in a way that you can add a flavor to show your versatility that the fans will really enjoy.
MARK: Alam mo sa panahon ngayon mas mahirap pa rin talagang mag create ng bagong music, ng bagong tunog at mag-introduce ng bagong tunog especially sa OPM kasi maraming kalaban. It is easier for me to sing covers. Mas may recall at mas familiar 'yung song. Like ngayon, may ginagawa akong album puro originals. Kailangan ko na rin kasi ng original songs na talagang tatak Mark Bautista.

What’s the worst headline you’ve read about yourself?
JAY R: The worst headline I've read about myself was a fan whom I get pregnant, ang tagal na nun.
CHRISTIAN: There's a lot actually; that I'm gay or may pamilya akong tinatago, may anak ako sa ibang babae tapos nagkamali ako sa national anthem (laughs).
MARK: Naku medyo marami na rin akong masamang headlines. Siguro 'yung about sexuality so far 'yun pa lang.

Nowadays it is almost an absolute necessity for singers to appear on variety of programs. Do you have any plans to appear on sitcoms, teleseryes, movies or shows?
JAY R: Right now kung bumalik 'yung Take Me Out, definitely I'll plan on that but right now, I am focusing more on my music instead of teleseryes and shows alike. Of course if something comes along but I like kasi a reality and game shows type. Kapag walang project, I'll focus on my music na lang muna.
CHRISTIAN: I had a couple already, now I had Your Song with Carmen Soo. I'm doing a movie now with Miss Regine Velasquez entitled “Mrs. Recto.” And I wanna do more acting projects in the future. I wanna cast in a 'smart thinking' movie that solve a crime size ala CSI.
MARK: Actually kage-guest ko lang sa isang sitcom. Meron akong movie with Regine and Aga, I'll be part of that and hopefully mailabas na. Siguro more on guestings muna.

Which style of music do you want to do in the future?
JAY R: Definitely I would like to invest in other genres if not, work with other artists as well. 'Yung R&B kasi there's a lot of styles; there's pop R&B, soul R&B. So in a way for me maybe I'll stick within the R&B rhum and as far as with different artists, I'm totally open working with alternatives, hip-hop and whatever comes along.
CHRISTIAN: I wanna experiment on a little R&B, a little rock para lang magkaroon ng ibang flavor 'yung mga ballads ng unti.
MARK: Siguro kung ano ang sinumulan ko, Ballad. Siguro I'll try also on different genres 'yung mas fast, and upbeat songs. I want to introduce a new Mark Bautista song that's fast and with a little bit of dance routine.

In the music field, which image do you want people to remember about Christian, Mark and JayR?
JAY R: I want to be remembered on my originality na kahit cover songs ang ginagawa ko parang I make it my own and I make my original music. I want them to remember me as the guy who produced and wrote hit songs.
CHRISTIAN: I want to remember me sa magagandang love songs na tagos sa puso.
MARK: Ako naman, I would still wanna be remembered as a balladeer kasi 'yun naman talaga ako. And at the same time an artist who can sing and dance.

Have you ever used your fame to your advantage, like getting a good table in a restaurant?
JAY R: It's inevitable that it's gonna be useless but not that I am using it to benefit from it. Parang dito sa Pilipinas automatic na 'yun, hindi ko ginagamit pero it comes to me. But given a situation that I have to use it I think I would, kasi medyo na- spoil na ako that I'm expected in a certain way that I'll be able to get a good sit in a restaurant or in a club for me.
CHRISTIAN: Kapag kailangan lang (smiles). Kapag emergency, gagamitin ko siya pero kung hindi naman gusto ko pa rin talagang maging normal.
MARK: Naku marami. 'Yung mga perks kapag celebrity ka VIP ka sa airport, sa gas station.

Do you feel like you’re living in a bit of a bubble? Can you enjoy any normal existence?
JAY R: Yeah, I'm not like the famous, famous stars like Gary V or Sharon Cuneta that they cannot go anywhere without mobbing. For me, sakto lang sa akin that I can go to a mall anytime and have a good time. There are instances that some people they wanna take pictures with me pero hindi naman dumog or something. I think I can enjoy pa naman.
CHRISTIAN: Kapag nasa showbiz ka na, it's not normal anymore. You just have to do your best to try to make it normal by connecting to your old roots; family, friends and mga taong totoo sa'yo. Anything that involves a lot of people or public places medyo mahirap na, you're not gonna do it normally. I appreciate when they recognize me but you cannot do some things as easy as before. I'm not saying it's hard pero ganun, iba na talaga.
MARK: Hindi naman. Ako naman p'wede akong maging normal na tao. Nagagawa ko pa rin naman 'yung mga gusto kong gawin it's just that limited lang din. Nakakapag-mall pa naman ako, nakakanuod pa naman ako ng sine.

Did you ever imagine, a few years ago, that your life was going to turn out this way? Was that your dream, or were you thinking of doing something else?
JAY R: Eversince I was a kid, I wanted to be a singer. And I always wanted to be in the showbiz-ness. Of course, there's a time when I'm growing up parang I felt like na hindi mangyayari 'yun but it always stick with me that this is what I wanted to do. So I think yes, I've seen myself in this position.
MARK: Ang dami ng beses na natanong 'yan sa akin. Kasi unang-una n'ung sumali ako sa contest hindi ko in-imagine na magiging recording artist ako or mapapasok ako sa showbiz. Talagang naniniwala pa rin ako na everything happens for a reason and in God's perfect time nangyayari lahat ng bagay.

If you could take away your fame for just one day, how would you spend that day?
JAY R: I would spend it with my family, my mom and dad, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.
CHRISTIAN: I'm going abroad or Paris maybe and then I'll just have a good time there.
MARK: Sa buhay ko naman everyday hindi naman hindrance sa akin kung anuman fame meron ako kasi unang- una kaya kong gawin ang ibang bagay na normal kahit sa normal na araw ko so hindi applicable sa akin iyan.

Introduce us to your latest single and anything new that we should be a lookout.
JAY R: My latest single is “Ikaw Lamang,” my second single still from Jay R Sings OPM Love Classics album and I have just finished recording a song in Bahasa, it's Indonesian and we also shot a music video of it. And we're gonna release it in Indonesia. Aside from that, I'm also working on original album but before that the Christmas album, I'm working on it since the holiday season is just around the corner, it's called the Holiday of Love, it's gonna came out again and also I wanna try to distribute it in Indonesia as well. So I hope it all happens.
CHRISTIAN: It's still “I Remember the Girl” out from my Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan album and we shot our music video with Christine Reyes. So sana nagustuhan nila 'yun. It used to be Joey Albert's “I Remember The Boy” written by Jose Mari Chan. That's my 5th and last single from that album.
MARK: Mayroon akong album na tinatapos. Palabas pa lang 'yung album ko hindi ko pa alam kung ano 'yung first single pero sana abangan nila. May be this month or this year.


K-POP NEWS AND VIEWS

How do you feel about the K-pop invasion in the Philippines?
JAY R: It's very inspiring because there's a lot of different foreign music penetrating our music scene and it makes me think about Filipino music. It's very inspiring to see Christian Bautista making moves into other countries. I also want to try what they're doing.
CHRISTIAN: Okay naman, we should appreciate all types of music. Hindi naman dapat natin 'yun pigilan. Kung sa OPM, dapat mag-stepped up tayo so we can produce good and quality music that will appreciate by the listeners. I welcome it 'coz it gives new blood to the music industry at the same way it challenges the OPM na i-angat sa world standards 'yung music nila.
MARK: Nakaka-inspire kasi dati hindi naman tayo involved sa Korean Pop or hindi naman natin sila na-appreciate or never naman silang naging sikat dito. Tayo ang nagdo-dominate dito. Ngayon parang mas grabe 'yung perseverance and grabe 'yung pag-aaral nila para sa craft nila para ma-achieve nila 'yung ganyang kasikatan. Naging kilala sila dito. Nakaka-inspire bilang artists. Gusto ko ma-explore 'yung Korea or iba't-ibang bansa sa Asia at makilala rin 'yung mga Pinoy kasi kung kaya ng mga Koreans I'm sure kaya rin nating mga Pinoy. Hindi naman tayo nagpapatalo. Sana hindi ma-over power 'yung Philippine music - OPM.

Do you listen to korean music? Why and why not?
JAY R: No, actually I haven't come across any music as of now yet about korean music. I guess because I'm so busy with work and when I'm not working I'm still working, so there's no time to explore the listening pleasure of Korean pop.
CHRISTIAN: Hindi ko maintindihan eh (laughs). Aminin natin na ang Kpop ang fan base n'yan mostly babae talaga. I'll be watching Wondergirls or Girls' Generation kasi ang ganda-ganda nila plus their music is very catchy. I'm also happy with my collaboration with One Way. They're great guys and maybe we might work on some songs together in the future. So I appreciate it also.
MARK: Hindi kasi unang-una hindi ko naintindihan pero ang naalala ko 'yung Nobody ng Wondergirls. I also look up to Rain. Si Rain kasi nakarating sa Hollywood tapos siya 'yung parang Usher ng Korea at ang galing n'yang sumayaw. Napapanuod ko siya pero never talaga na lagi kong pinapakinggan 'yung music n'ya.

What do you think about their music?
JAY R: So far, all I heard is dance music and it's great. And people like it, it keeps them moving and start dancing. They have a nice beats.
CHRISTIAN: It's very fun, very catchy. It's perks you up, when you watch their music videos it's a multi-million videos. Bilib ako sa kanila.
MARK: Magagaling sila in terms of technical. Magaling silang gumawa ng music videos and I believe sobrang trained sila. Sobrang training ang ginawa nila para sa mga projects nila.

Any favorite Korean song?
JAY R: None at the moment.
CHRISTIAN: Right now, it's One Way 'coz I was able to work with them. May flavor sila ng R&B. I appreciate all kinds but nothing specific.
MARK: Wala.

What do you think about the Korean artists like Rain, 2ne1, Super Junior who's really big here?
JAY R: I'm very thankful to them because they serves as an inspiration to us musicians; to be more creative and be more original.
CHRISTIAN: Magaling sila sumayaw, kumanta at maganda 'yung mga music videos nila. Their music are very well produced and they're people to look up to.
MARK: Sabi ko nga si Rain ang galing n'ya kasi na-penetrate niya ang hollywood, nagkaroon siya ng movie at pangalan. 2NE1 na-appreciate ko sila kasi sa kabuuan kasi masipag sila at iba 'yung passion nila sa music na talagang naka-concentrate sila sa trabaho nila. I'm sure malaki ang influence sa kanila ng Western Music so sobrang pumapantay sila sa hollywood when it comes to music.

If you had to join a Kpop music group, what group would you like to join?
JAY R: Not probably with a group but given a chance I would like to collaborate with Rain. He has a very deep, and rich voice and amazing dancing skills. He is a good performer.
CHRISTIAN: I appreciate Kpop as a whole, nothing specific. I welcome them all.
MARK: I want to collaborate with Rain.

What kind of Korean “things” have you seen/heard of?
JAY R: I heard of Jin-Young Park, he produced some of Rain's first couple albums and he made “Nobody” by Wondergirls. I recorded my second album at his home in Hollywood. He became the first Asian producer to successfully cross over to the U.S. , producing music also for Will Smith, Mase and Cassie. So he's like a legend in Korea, he's nickname is JY. But yeah, just being in his house is inspiring 'coz it's like really big house on the Hollywood Hills that has a recording studio at the basement. I want to get into that level also that this korean guy doing music in Korea and you get so expense so much that he's able to buy a house in the Hollywood Hills which is millions of dollars.
MARK: Favorite ko talaga ang Korean food like kimchi. Gusto ko talaga 'yung food nila.

Did you have or bought any korean album?
JAY R: No, but I would love to listen to Rain's album.
CHRISTIAN: It's One Way 'coz we had a collaboration together.

What do you think about the Korean artists coming over? Do you think you have an edge over them?
JAY R: I don't think I have an edge over them, we actually have different styles. You can't really compared their edge over mine. They got their own genre and own market. It's like, if you gonna thrown my music into their genre, it's not gonna make sense 'coz it's pretty much different. So I don't think I have an edge over them.
CHRISTIAN: I appreciate the 'wave' na pumapasok ngayon. Let's welcome all kinds of music, let's do our best in every genre where in. So I'm encouraging the OPM to grow and level up to produce good and quality music kasi kayang-kaya rin naman natin. Hindi natin mapipilit ang fans na 'uy kami naman ang pakinggan n'yo.' Kailangan gumawa tayo talaga ng mga magagandang kanta para ma-appreciate nila. I think it's time for everyone to starts doing originals. I think we Filipinos has a lot of potentials, a lot of different flavors to offer so I encourage them including myself for the next projects, mag-original na tayong lahat.
MARK: Well may edge ako sa kanila kasi Pinoy ako. Iba pa rin ang Pinoy music and it will stay forever. May tiwala ako sa OPM.

For Christian, what was is like being an opening act for Rain during his recently successful concert here?
I was very nervous to be a front act in any concerts, nakakakaba palagi. N'ung nag-perform ako and na-appreciate naman nila 'yung songs ko, natuwa ako. 'Yung nakuha kong girl sa stage, korean pala and na-appreciate n'ya 'yung “Beautiful Girl” and he kissed me. So talagang natuwa ako. Then when I left, their clapping and applauding. And I'm really thankful sa mga kpop fans for accepting me that night, very thankful and hopefully I could collaborate more with other Korean artists also.

If you're given a chance to have a collaboration with any kpop artists who will it be? Why?
CHRISTIAN: I would like to collaborate with Rain, One Way, Super Junior or Ukiss. Kung babagay lang din mahirap din naman ipilit. Kasi collaborations pave way for both.


HOLIDAY FEVER

Favorite Christmas carol?
JAY R: My favorite Christmas carol would be “White Christmas.”
CHRISTIAN: Of course, “Christmas in our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan. It is the best-selling, best-loved Christmas duet of all time.
MARK: “White Christmas.” Gusto ko 'yung melody. Malungkot na song pero hopeful.

Favorite Christmas memory?
JAY R: My favorite Christmas memory will be last year when I took my whole family to Big Mountain when it was snowing and we shot a music video for my Christmas album. My whole concept is about family; I gathered my whole family, they had all makeup, clothes, we setup the lights and my entire family dances, we're having dinner and I'm taking pictures. Basta, it was a good family bonding experience to shoot three music videos with them.
CHRISTIAN: Every Christmas I have a new Christmas memory. We're always with my whole family clan, laging masaya , kwentuhan, we're like 30 people celebrating the Christmas; different cousins, unties, titas, ninangs and lolas. They're all there.
MARK: Actually n'ung bata pa ako 'yung nagka-caroling kami sa mga bahay-bahay, hinahabol ka ng aso, binibigyan ka ng limang piso. Sobrang saya sana maulit 'yung time na iyon. 'Yung experience na 'yun hindi ko makakalimutan.

What does your family do?
JAY R: The same as any normal family do; we open gifts, we had dinner and we pray. We just spent time together, love and appreciate each other.
CHRISTIAN: We're celebrating it at Cavite. Lahat kami kumakain, nagga-games, kumakanta, sumasayaw..masaya lagi. Ako, mas nagbibigay na ako ng regalo ngayon, kahit embrace na lang okay na sa akin. Pero kung gusto nilang magbigay ng regalo wala rin problema pero mas nasa mode ako na kailangan ako naman ang magbigay sa dami ng blessings na natanggap ko.
MARK: Hindi nawawala sa amin 'yung handaan. Lahat ng kamag-anak nagsasama-sama sa isang bahay. May bunutan at exchange gift.

What do you think of Christmas in general?
JAY R: I love the Christmas holiday, it gives you a warmth feeling especially when you're a kid that's what you look forward to in a year yung pagbubukas ng mga regalo, 'yung kainan, basta yung vibes ng Christmas lang ang hinihintay mo when you're a kid. Eversince you're a kid you just had a good feeling when Christmas comes around.
CHRISTIAN: Christmas is a time to really remember that it's the birth of Christ. Then it's a time to love people around you because God's love us first, that's my core of Christmas.
MARK: Alam naman natin na 'yung spirit of Christmas about love and birth Christ. Ito 'yung time na happy lahat at excited parang nakakalimutan mo lahat. Happiness, love, sharing, being generous. Kahit wala kang pera kailangang magbigay ka. Happy ka kasi nakapagbigay ka ang sarap na ng feeling.

What are you looking forward to in 2011?
JAY R: Definitely my new album is coming out, my original album and doing music videos. As always I wanna focus on my music in 2011. Any major concerts? P'wede din but before any major concerts I just got to have a hit song again. There's a couple of out of the country shows but there's no fix schedules because usually they usually come and go like this year, every month from January I'm going back in forth to the States so it's been a good year.
CHRISTIAN: Hopefully more acting projects, a hit mostly original songs album and more collaboration with different artists.
MARK: Probably, magka-teleserye ako and movie. A major concert next year. Hopefully magtuluy-tuloy 'yung shows abroad and sana magkaroon ako ng solo show abroad.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

NYOY VOLANTE - GUITAR MAN

He is almost a stereotype in the acoustic OPM scene when it comes to playing acoustic guitar and jiving with it through.

If he would be crowned, he would be a king of the local acoustic industry. Rather, he would prefer grounded, enabling him to see great small things that crucially builds up his success in the long run.

His new album “In You” is another hot pan of success that would be sizzling hot on record bars. This time again he would be sizing up his success, again and again...

Aside from guitars, do you know how to play any musical instruments?
Drums and percussions, bass, piano

What's your first instrument? Do you remember your very first one?
A guitar. Yes, it was a lumanog owned by my mom!

What was your first “real” musical instrument like?
It was a gibson EM-2 ... my first ever big-ticket (for me, at least) guitar! My dad bought it for me!

How did other instruments make it into your life growing up?
Got exposed to drums and piano in high school... learned by mimicking others who play them.

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 believe I’ve improved a lot by being exposed to the masters of the industry. It’s great havin’ the privilege to see how great musicians work and be able to ask and learn from them first hand.

What's your first memory of someone else's music changing your life?
Kenny Rankin made my guitar playing the way it is today. I may not know much, but most of what I do know definitely came from him!

How did those records shape who you are as a musician?
My whole theory (if there are any) and musical perception uses them as a foundation not only in my playing but in my writing as well..

Who were your music heroes as a kid?
Vai and Satch, Billy Joel, Kenny Rankin, Tuck Andress, Ceasar Aguas, Noel Mendez

When you dealt with tough situations growing up, how much of a role did music play in helping you get through them?
It was Home! Music and Religion were the places I can always seek comfort and refuge from! still are!

What kept you pursuing a career in music?
Just the right blessings at the right time!

How important was music in your upbringing?
Very! It defined me...

What advice do you have for people searching for an artist to inspire them?
If it makes you happy, that’s probably it!

What's your ultimate objective as a vocalist and as a songwriter?
To share and inspire

For the 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?
Probably the same thing...

Was writing something that'd you'd always wanted to do?
It’s something I think I always knew how to do

Are there new bands/artists you think are worth bringing to attention?
Yes

Any tips for making live performances sound good?
Be sincere. Actually care that you have an audience in front of you.

What kind of practice regimen do you keep?
Just always have the hunger to express and you’ll find yourself practicing nonchalantly in the oddest of time and places

What particular song you'd like to be associated with and why?
“Everything I own” by Bread. Its just beautiful!

Any advice for beginning musicians?
Begin, then don’t stop!

What can we expect from you for this year?
Just started to re-create our sound (Grab our new album “In You”)! Much more to come real soon!


TOP 5 Albums to play along to:

1. Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

2. Oasis “Be here now”

3. Agot Isidro “Hush”

4. Jason Mraz “ We sing, We Dance, we steal things”

5. Joe Satriani “ The Extremist”

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine

ARIES SALES - DAVAO'S ACOUSTIC HEARTTHROB

THE ARTIST

Davao isn't just the melting pot of different varieties of fruity goodness in this fertile archipelago of ours, rather her blessedness extends up to her talented individuals. Few I would remember having them interviewed are Moonstar88, 1017 and the likes.

And now on board our recording strips in no other than the Acoustic Heartthrob of Davao, Aries Sales. An audio-video editor by professional choice and an acoustic singer by further expressive choice.

The way camera shutters capture his blithesome presence in the studio, might as well be the same fashion that we capture his inner thoughts on his “new found land” towards stardom.

It's obvious then that his yet starting to draw his best foot forward towards the promising OPM scenery, if our warrior would make to the top whatever he aspires. Nevertheless, his idealism is solid on the rocks. That one he wrought on our record as we started the ball rolling for him.

“I wanted to be remembered as a singer / songwriter who write about life experiences. Like for example, I have written a song about my mom entitled “Sa Iyo Lang”, it’s a commendable song, which any moms can relate to it. The rest of the songs I wrote are all about street, it’s like a testimony of how Filipinos live,” he commenced.

So how did it all come about?

He remembered humming his tunes at the fourth grade, “it all started when I was on my 4th grade I attended a church service in Davao, I was invited to add children church parang ganun, a kid church so I attended there and then may banda, it’s like ‘okay we’re inviting you to have a music seminar or workshop!”

He did attended the seminar and started as a base player, “so I attended and started as a bass player so when I was playing bass I was kinda bored so I tried guitar naman naman kasi mas mahirap hanggang dun nag-start ako sa church. Then in high school dun na ako parang seryoso around 2nd year in high school I secretly discovered that I can sing. So I thought I should share it why hide ‘di ba? I am also a poet, I written and put my writings and translate them to music and the rest is history (laughs).”

Aries has his own relation and differentiation towards his music, the way he completes the puzzle in his artistry. “Because I write my own songs, not because I put a different taste to other songs but of course I pour my heart to the songs that would sound differently. I’m not bragging or pulling my own chair you know, but I think here in the Philippines there are few of us (musicians) are lap-tapping, putting piano into the guitar, the first person who taught me that is LJ Tejos who’s now in London. But what I’m focusing in is the songs that I am reviving, interpreting and writing.”

Considering the musical ambiances of the two shores he had been, he's quite frank and free saying, “the music scene here in Manila is very diametrically opposite compared to Davao. Davaoneos are very hard to please, they’re very different including Cebuanos as well. Pag dating ko dito sa Manila I have to go with a trend, you have to hit the ‘masa’ first before going to the target market that you wanted. That’s what I realized here and surprisingly my first gig is the “Then and Now Music Festivals” concert held in MOA Open Grounds with international acts like Jojo, Diana King, SWV, TQ, PM Dawn to name a few with Myrus Ramirez as the opening act so nakakaba talaga since it’s in a big venue. And my second gig is “PMPC Star for A Cause” in SM North Edsa.”


HIS MUSIC

Like any typical tenners he would usually learn to tie his shoes scamper on the playing ground, learn to laugh and cry. “Syempre as a child puro laro lang ang iniisip natin. Medyo nung una tinatamad ka by the time you’ve learned how to play the first chord on the guitar, ma-eexcite ka then you gonna get addictive yung music.”

Then that sole excitement planted on the fertile plane of Davao mushroomed into some sort of jazzy oriented music hunk everybody's starting to wow at. “The least genre I played is R&B but mostly I love Jazz, I am a Jazz oriented person. Before I started, when I was around 14 years old I started singing pop as I getting matured in music I started to love jazz, blues so I incorporate all of my compositions to that genre.”

What kind of music are you into?
I’m into jazz and acoustic. I always incorporate jazz to my music, may touch talaga pero hindi standard jazz ha na parang napaka-sosyal na jazz parang may mga songs that are with seventh chords, mga ganun.

How easy or difficult it is to play and sing Jazz to jive into other music?
Though I’m not exclusively singing Jazz, I’m actually giving a fusion to different kinds of music. My musical influences include Jason Mraz, Jamie Collum which is a jazzer from Europe, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band.

Who are some of your musical heroes growing up?
International? It’s Jamie Cullom, the way he writes songs, saludo ako parang parehas kami he writes on how to brush your teeth, normal living…narrative. That’s the songwriter, narrative and very conversational, yung kwento nilapatan ng music. Ganun si Jamie Cullom, that’s what I admired him. Also, Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson. Sa local naman, I like the songs of Rico Blanco. Sa poetry and music I like Gary Granada especially his songs “Saranggola sa Ulan” and “Bahay”. Also my bestfriends, LJ Te and Dennis Ceballos when it comes to guitar playing.

In 5 words or less, why we should dig to your music?
It’s fun, you can learn from it, you’ll reminisce or feel nostalgic and you will feel what I feel when you hear my songs.

How would you want to describe your sound?
At first, I wasn’t a fan of myself (laughs). I really dunno if I sounded good. Probably the people who heard me said ‘you sound great and different.’ So okay, I believed in them and continuing doing it so when I said on how would I interpret and describe my own music, I know it’s a song from my inner self. Music runs through my blood, it’s like when I’m sad that’s how I pluck my guitar out and when I’m happy that’s how I strums my guitar out.

What’s the biggest crowd you’ve played so far?
Yung sa ‘Then and Now” concert at Mall of Asia Open Grounds. I cannot call it front act kasi parang mas marami pa yung kinanta namin compare to the foreign artists. Nakakatuwa lang, it’s really an honor to us being the only Filipinos on that stage.

As an artist, did you consider the message of the song or not at all?
Of course it should be positive, that’s very important for me. Mainly because I am a Christian, I have to live with it, you were called a Christian because you should be like Christ or you should posses good things and positive music. Yung mga kanta kasi those are stories and testimonies of life like how to appreciate your mom, stuff like that.


HIS ALBUM

So far what are you working on while preparing for your upcoming album?
I dunno yet if we’re going to put my compositions on my debut album yet. I’m focused on the arrangement of cover songs actually we have a long list of songs to choose from and we will pick the best out of it. I wanted the album to come out as an acoustic album which is differentiated, it’s like an ‘avant-garde’ project na parang ‘oh, iba ito ah!’ it would sound as very Filipino but with a different taste.

Who are some of the OPM artists you’ve worked and performed with so far?
Myrus Ramirez of course because we have the same manager. Also Davey Langit from Viva Records. We recently guested on Yeng Constantino’s Music Uplate Live!

Since you will be coming out an album anytime this year, what can we look forward to about it?
A lot of fun, anyone can relate to it. Pero depende pa sa concept na gagawin namin kasi it’s on going palang of course I’m there to surprise people on what’s it’s gonna be on my debut album.

What are you hoping to accomplish with your upcoming album?
Syempre with humility, I am praying na sana magustuhan ng maraming tao.


OTHERS

Aside from your music what other music have you gotten in lately?
Old school music (laughs). Ang sarap to reminisce and to feel nostalgic sometimes. I just turned 22, sometimes it’s awkward to sing those ‘oldies songs’ pero minsan ang saya especially when you sing and make it sounds new.

If you’ve given the chance to collaborate with other OPM artists that we have right now, which would it be?
Ely Buendia and Rico Blanco, they are really legendary in the OPM music scene.

How would you describe your first gig here in Manila?
The “Then and Now Music Festival” concert? Ang saya, I really enjoyed it kasi once you enjoyed performing anything can happen. Awkward at first considering that I just got here and really knew in the music business but when you heard an applause parang nawawala yung kaba mo. I considered that night as my memorable gig for me.

Aside from music, what other things are you into?
I also do magic tricks (laughs). I’m into net surfing. I’m into computer graphics.

What’s in store for you this year? Any shows or concerts?
Hopefully we release my debut album within this year, that’s the target time frame.

♫♫♫

Especial thanks to: Pinoy Song Magazine