Solenn Heussaff Performer
Solenn Heussaff has always loved singing and could certainly hold a decent tune. But while she wouldn’t go as far as calling herself a singer, the actress-model has never been more comfortable with her own voice.
“When I first entered show biz—I started in a noontime variety show—I would get asked to perform songs that weren’t within my vocal range. I didn’t feel secure…I was always worried about going out of tune, especially when there were parts that were too high or too low,” she said at the recent launch of her eponymous third album.
Now, Solenn fully embraces the limitations of her instrument. The GMA 7 star described her vocals as “chill-sounding”—and that ultimately determined the direction of her latest record, which is heavy on relaxed and easy-listening tunes.
“I love acoustic music. My voice is not the type for belting, so I wanted to have something that would make my voice stand out a little more than the instruments… I had Norah Jones and Sade in mind,” she said, adding that the challenge for her is making sure that her singing is always heartfelt.
“Because I can’t really go for high notes, I really have to be in tune with my feelings, emotions,” said Solenn, who recalled taking singing lessons when she was just 5.
“I was forced by my parents, and you never like anything forced. The more my mom asked me to sing for guests, the more I hated it,” she related. “I stopped taking lessons, but of course, I never stopped singing in the shower. I’m glad I’m given the opportunity to do this now, this time in front of real human beings!”
The album, released by Universal Records, features eight songs—three of which are in Filipino, including “Kilig” and “Pangako.” The songs are about different kinds of love: falling in and out of it, heartbreak, discovering one’s self,” said Solenn, who is of French and Filipino descent.
“I wanted to do Filipino songs because I’ve been here for six years. And I sound more fluent singing in Filipino than speaking it!”
Solenn, who’s also into painting, said she wants to do an intimate musical event somewhere in Mindanao, where she could incorporate her love for indigenous peoples and their culture.
“I would love to organize an exhibit or session that also shows the beauty of their culture. I actually have a friend who’s starting a line featuring weavers from Sulu,” she said. “I like their simplicity and sophistication, they have so much history that we sometimes take for granted.”