Robin is a chip off Martin’s block

ROBIN (left) and dad Martin Nievera: Music is in the blood and proud father thinks his son is “gifted.” Instagram Photo

I remember when I would take my kids to the birthday parties of Robin, the son of my good friends, Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera. Their firstborn is now all grown up and is carving his own niche in the music industry wherein his parents are considered royalty. It’s not easy being the son of the Concert King and Queen, but Robin has enough chutzpah to make a name for himself, based on his own merits.

Pipay and Mart gave Robin full support for his gig at “The Crowd” Bar (Madison Square, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong) last July 10  (the repeat is on July 24).  They gamely jammed with him and did a duet. Even if they have parted ways, Robin will keep them eternally linked.

Proud dad Martin shares his thoughts on Robin, who’s not out to dethrone him, but is destined to  gain his own title.  Hello, Concert Prince!

In what way is Robin different from you in terms of musicality?

Aside from having a voice and style of his own, Robin plays an instrument and produces and writes songs faster and  more successfully than I can. He is truly gifted.

What tips did you give him about performing?

I tell him: Be original, be sensitive to your audience. Always believe there is no such thing as a small gig. Treat every gig with  equal excitement and passion and you will become a better artist. His answer:  “You mean play louder?” I guess that works, too.

How do you encourage Robin to step out of your shadow?

I never have to do that … He does that graciously on his own, while following his own journey. But  I tell him to embrace what we have contributed to the business and go with it.

What’s it like for you, watching Robin perform?

It’s a dream come true! To live long enough to watch your children realize their dreams is on every parent’s bucket list.

What’s your song for Robin and Pops these days?

ARMAND TJ bested songwriters from Southeast Asia and Australia and won a trip to Brazil.

For Robin: “This is the Moment.”  I want him to seize every moment that comes his way. No pain, no gain. No sweat, no  fame. It’s a moody business that can sometimes be ungrateful. Through it all, be humble and thankful.

For Pops: “Let It Go” ( from “Frozen”). The song tells us to not look back. To move forward with the gifts  that God has blessed us with.  Whatever held you back yesterday should not stop you from claiming  the victories of today and the endless possibilities of tomorrow.

Pinoy at the World Cup

It may still take years before our country can send a football team to compete in the World Cup.

The next best thing is having Filipino songwriter/singer Armand TJ  attend the global event.

He was sent to  Brazil by Sony, as his prize for winning the “We Are One Sony” contest, a songwriting competition  with the World Cup as its theme. Armand’s music video, “One Island, One World”  beat the Top 15 entries from Southeast Asia and Australia.

Part of his song goes: “Everybody’s talking about living life/In the present moment, love’s my guide/Do you feel like dancing in the middle of the street/Are you holding back or… or living a dream

“Like little children, we’ve come to play/Don’t waste your worries, it’s not too late/The game’s not over, let freedom fly/When will you discover/You’ve got one life”

Armand and the filmmaker behind his music video are documenting their  whole journey in Brazil. He  will be singing  “One Island, One World”   in as many events in clubs and on the beach  with Brazilian musicians.

Pinoy Pride runneth over at the World Cup!