Rayver Cruz
Primarily known as a dancer, Rayver Cruz is now trying his hand at singing, which may surprise some people. There could be criticisms, but those, he said, are inevitable; he would rather embrace this new facet to his show biz career.
“I’m excited to go around and show people what else I can do,” the 26-year-old celebrity told reporters at the recent launch of his album, “What You Want,” which he coproduced with his friends, Sam Milby and Gerald Anderson. “I want to prove that I can be a versatile artist.”
He added: “I love performing for a crowd. Seeing people having fun makes me more confident,” added Rayver, who comes from the Cruz clan that includes singers Donna and Geneva.
He has always been fascinated by singing, he related, but he did it mostly with friends in laid-back jamming sessions. With his loved ones’ encouragement, Rayver pushed through.
“It’s about the right timing. Now I have an album and I hope to have some success with it, so I could continue doing it,” related Rayver, who also expressed interest in having a concert in the future, perhaps with Maja Salvador—another dancer-actress who has ventured into singing.
During the launch, Rayver did a handful of cuts from the album, including its self-titled track and “Bitaw,” as well as some covers of foreign hits.
While he wouldn’t be exactly blowing anybody away with his vocals, he could hold a decent tune, even while pulling off some intense choreography.
“I underwent voice lessons with Thor, who coached me through the recording process,” he said. “I was quite nervous onstage, because he was watching me.”
“What You Want” is composed mostly of danceable R&B tunes which, Rayver believes, nicely highlight his performing abilities. “Of course I’d like to present my strengths,” he said. “And I’m partial to this genre of music, since Usher is one of my favorites.”
Another artist he looks up to is Gary Valenciano, whose old song, “Hataw Na,” is covered by Rayver in the album. He personally asked for Mr. Pure Energy’s permission to use the composition, and Gary agreed without hesitation. “I’m thankful to him because he’s one of the people who inspired me growing up—his moves, his voice,” he said.
“I would love to be in a production number with him,” Rayver added. “That would be a dream come true.”
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph