Brit newcomer no fan of TV tilts

Like many young, rising music artists today, 22-year-old singer-songwriter Lewis Watson began his foray into the biz by putting his work out on social media. His generation, he pointed out, is very lucky to have the Internet as a marketing tool, one that allows them to share their music with the rest of the world with a single click.

“It’s such a luxury,” Lewis, who has built a considerable fan base with his brand of breezy, folk-pop music, told the Inquirer via e-mail. “A part of me wishes that we still had to go through what the others did before—sending demos to labels, etc. However, maybe then I wouldn’t be in this position.”

By “in this position,” Lewis meant being signed with a major record company, Warner Music, releasing his first studio album, “The Morning,” and coming up with such well-loved singles as “Bones” and “Into the Wild.” From uploading to YouTube videos of himself singing covers in his bedroom, the British musician now finds himself going on tours and taking part in various festivals.

One of Lewis’ next stops is Manila, for the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2015 on April 25, at the Globe Events Ground in Makati City. “Performing live is probably my favorite part of being a musician; listening to others is my favorite as a music lover,” he said. “For a moment, everyone can just shut off everything else and just enjoy the moment.”

Wanderland 2015 is mounted by Karpos Multimedia; for tickets, call 4702222.

Would you have tried joining TV talent searches?

They’re not for me, unfortunately. Television talent searches are for entertainment, but they’re not reliable when it comes to forging a career. A long journe y is essential … You learn a lot by failing, and it makes you appreciate the “prize”—whatever it may be, at the end of the journey. Talent shows squash that, I think.

How was the transition from doing covers to coming up with original material ?

Releasing my first album was pretty nuts! It’s something that I couldn’t possibly explain—all the hard work that went into making it, and all the worrying that nobody will like it. And then there’s relief and that overwhelming feeling of love. It’s a roller coaster!

Some people compare you to Ed Sheeran.

I love Ed and that’s an honor… But personally, I think it’s quite a lazy comparison as I don’t hear it at all; we’re completely different, musically.

So would you say that you’ve already found your own sound?

I think that artists’ sound is constantly evolving. It’s so dependent on what they’re listening to, what they’re feeling… I don’t think that anybody really finds their sound, because it’s always changing. And that’s the charm, I think.

How do you find playing in festivals?

Festivals are tough because, unless you’re the headliner, the fans aren’t there to see you. So I find myself having to win people over, sometimes with only a few words… Sometimes people listen just for a few seconds, and then decide that my music isn’t for them, pull a funny face and then leave, which is a shame.

But that’s completely balanced out by those who come and are pleasantly surprised—I love seeing that happen, and the feeling that comes right after. I love festivals.

Are you planning to do anything else in the Philippines?

Unfortunately, I think it’s a fairly short trip for me because I need to keep working on my second album. We’ll be staying for Kid Cudi, [the main act]. For sure, we’ll be checking out the rest of the festival.

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‘Earth Day Jam’

On April 24, the intersection of 9th Ave. and 34th St. in Bonifacio Global City will make way for “Earth Day Jam.” The musical marathon, spearheaded by Lou Bonnevie and the Earth Day Jam Foundation, will feature over 20 bands and 100 musicians. Performers include Rocksteddy, Barbie Almalbis, Rivermaya, Slapshock, Radioactive Sago Project, Franco, Wolfgang, Abra, and Nina, among others. For information, call 8976991 or e-mail earthdayjamfoundation@gmail.com.

John Ford Coley

American singer-songwriter John Ford Coley returns to Manila for a show on

April 29, 8 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World. Guests are Mark Mabasa, JV Decena, Lilibeth Garcia, Lucky Robles and Kyle Vincent. Tickets are available at the ground floor level of Newport Mall and in all TicketWorld outlets.

Pacquiao match in cinemas

The live telecast of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather boxing match can be seen on the big screen at all SM Cinemas and Walter Mart Cinemas on May 3. For tickets, visit www.smcinema.com, smtickets.com, or any SM Tickets and Walter Mart Cinemas branch.

‘All Requests 5’

Jed Madela ‘s “All Requests 5” show will be held on May 8, 8 p.m. at Music Museum. For tickets, call 8919999.