ZIA QUIZON has stepped out of her shell. “I’m making progress.”
Zia Quizon’s second studio album, “A Little Bit of Lovin,’” starts with a drawn-out passage of trumpet and percussion, setting a sensual mood for the lead-off track, “Under and Over.” Zia swoops in with a voice so cool and smooth, crooning—with the slightest hint of indignation—about falling again and again for someone she wants to forget. She doesn’t belt or launch vocal gymnastics as the song reaches its climax; instead, she sings with more urgency and energy.
Distinct tone
The 21-year-old doesn’t possess the vocal range of her mother Zsa Zsa Padilla or sister Karylle, but Zia makes up for it with a distinct tone and singing style that lends itself well to jazz-, folk- and blues-inflected pop music such as “Under and Over” and the rest of this 10-track album under Poly East Records.
After almost two years in the industry, Zia has learned that it’s just a matter of making the most out of what one has and working around limitations. “Just because you want to tackle a rock ballad, doesn’t mean you can. You can force yourself or train to a certain extent, but it’s more important to understand your voice,” she told the Inquirer in an interview.
A modest range didn’t stop her from experimenting with different genres. “I don’t shy away from any kind of music; I just make sure to get involved in the creative process, arranging, etc.,” said Zia, adding that she was happy to see more listeners realizing that not all female singers could, or need to, take on vocally demanding torch ballads.
True personality
“People now see beyond voice, and appreciate true personality shining through the music. It’s not just about branding; it’s actually being your own person,” she said.
Having said that, Zia stressed that her style was not the result of a deliberate effort to differ from Zsa Zsa and Karylle, both straightforward vocalists. “It’s the material I write and what comes out of my mouth,” she pointed out.
As for people pitting her against Karylle, Zia retorted, diplomatically, “My sister is the best version of herself. I can only aspire to be like her. She’s the better singer, in fact, in the sense that she knows where she’s headed. I’m not there yet.”
Talking more
Asked what the difference was between Zia now and the one that debuted in 2011 with the breezy tune “Ako Na Lang,” the usually reserved girl jested: “About 20 pounds!” Turning serious, the singer said she had taken strides toward being more open and confident, not just in performing and dealing with people, but in voicing her opinions during brainstorming sessions with her label.
“I’m more conscious about giving good performances. I believe I’m more personable, and I talk more,” she said. “I still get nervous onstage, but that motivates me to do even better. Hopefully, I can learn to channel my nerves into something more positive.”
She continued, “The creative process was hard at first since it usually involved sharing my thoughts and opinions. I really had to step out of my shell … I think I’m making progress.”
Pressure
Her self-titled debut album was generally well-received. Did that put unnecessary pressure on her shoulders while she worked on “A Little Bit of Lovin’”? Yes, she admitted, “But we used that pressure to push ourselves and make something that people will hopefully appreciate. I’ve started to see music as something that can affect people’s lives.”
Zia described her new album as more eclectic, but also more personal. It has eight original songs and two covers—“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes and “Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran” by Asin. “This album is a snapshot of where I am at the moment, an extension of who I am,” Zia said. “I wanted to put out something worth listening to.”
Asked if acting was part of her career plans, Zia said she was “very open” to the prospect, but that she’d rather not rush things. “I’m just going with the flow,” she said. “I’m more interested in behind-the-scenes work such as writing, directing, and maybe producing—things that help shape the industry.”