Deejay Poblete. PHOTO by Jeff Toledo
My latest installment of “Spotlight on…” will be focused on Deejay Poblete who is the lead vocalist of Kley.
When I purchased her band’s debut CD last year, I found the tracks to be “A-Okay”–meaning that the songs are radio friendly pop-tracks with a dash of sophistication thrown in.
It is the kind of accessible music that helped make Kley one of the more popular local bands to have struck a chord with listeners for some time now. It didn’t hurt either that the lead vocalist has a decent singing voice as also a charming appeal about her.
Beyond those positive traits, Deejay Poblete is a far more interesting artist. In fact, in doing my extensive research about her, she definitely has a story to tell which she shares with the readers.
This is Deejay Poblete’s moment to shine. Let us take a journey with her as we read more about her below.
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What/who first inspired you to get into music?
Actually, I grew up around music. My grandpa would play the piano almost everyday after dinner. Then my grandma would sing along. My Tita Jhing and Tito Jay-R were singing in a band. And later on they started working on their own original material. My mother was a finalist of a singing competition called “Tawag ng Tanghalan”. No one really pushed me or forced me to start singing. From what I can remember it was always there. But my family was definitely influential.
How old were you when you realized that music will be an integral part of your life?
Since I grew up around music, it was so normal to me. When I met my friends in high school, and they found out about my background, they always used to tell me “OMG, your family is so talented.” And then when I started to think na siguro hindi kami normal. I took music seriously when I got accepted into Van Nuys Performing Arts High School. There I was exposed to different genres of music. I was also part of a jazz ensemble called the Vannaires. In High School, only about three of us were known singers in school. Going against the two best singers in school, I was so proud to win the slot to sing the U.S.A.’s national anthem for my High School graduation.
This validated me and ignited my passion for music. So I joined “Pinoy Pop Superstar” Year 3 in Los Angeles, competed against contestants that came from around the nation. I won “Pinoy Pop Superstar” North America and they sent me to the Philippines to compete against Pinoys from around the world. Unfortunately, I lost but it was a great experience and definitely an eye-opener. I went back home. My uncle Jay-R had took off with his career here in the Philippines and I was encouraged. I told myself “If he could do it, I could do it too.” He invited me to come back and try my luck the old-fashioned way. So I took the opportunity with excitement. This was in November 2007.
Do you remember the very first time that you performed in front of a live audience? How was that experience for you?
My very first memory of me singing was my Tita’s debut. I was about 4 or 5 years old. I remember singing “The Greatest Love of All” (of course hehe..).
How many bands/groups have you been a part of?
High school Jazz ensemble-Vannaires. 2007-current- Kley.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you are not writing, recording, or performing?
I love watching movies, going to the mall, shopping for new clothes of course (pag may pera lang haha..). I love travelling, experiencing different cultures, and tasting new food! I love to bake. I currently take orders for cupcakes.
If you could change one thing now in the local scene, what would that be?
I would hope that artists could be free to put out more original music and still be embraced by the masses. I believe that we are headed towards that direction especially because of technological advances. We can now listen to millions of songs from around the world through apps on our smartphones. This exposes all of us to appreciate different music. It also gives us the freedom to choose what we like.
What role does your faith play when it comes to your music?
Faith plays a big role in my life. I think music is another tool to reflect that faith and share it with others. It’s such a fragile thing I think because I feel responsible for putting out music that may change someone’s life.
Was there an unforgettable/funny experience you have encountered while performing?
Yes! I remember getting ready to sing for a corporate event. I was up next. The host made an introduction like this “Everybody, let’s give it up for D.G.!” My eyes got so big and my face turned red. I thought to myself, “Ay, baka hindi ako yun. Baka ibang tao yun”. Then he said “Again we’d like to call on D.G., Jay-R’s niece!” so I was like, “OMG, that is me!” Then, I whispered to the host, “It’s Deejay!” Sabi niya, “Uu, nga D.G. sinabi ko.” Haha, may accent pala siya! Kaya iba! Yun yung most unforgettable ko, I think.
If you could choose to perform with any artist, living or dead in their prime, who would it be?
There are actually so many great artists but I’d be happy to perform with Jason Mraz, Gary V., and Bamboo Manalac. They are just so talented! Hands down.
What is the philosophy you live by as an individual?
Think positive! Keep moving. Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Complete this phrase: “Ten years from now, I will be ______?
Successful! I will have left a mark in the music industry. Married na! Have a beautiful family and own my own business.
Who is Deejay Poblete in a nutshell?
Hardworking and faithful to fulfill my life’s purpose. Hopeful and driven to be successful and to leave a good impact on others.