Avril Lavigne is one of the most prominent young artists who found success in “pop-punk” – a hybrid musical genre that combines the accessible sound and sentiments of Top 40 tunes and the sneering attitude of punk rock without the political stance.
The 27-year-old singer-songwriter has performed in Manila twice since 2004, and she delivered quite well on both occasions.
A lot has happened since then – Lavigne has become a bigger star by acting in films, designing clothes and launching her own perfume line. She also has a new album, “Goodbye Lullaby,” released last year and which she’s promoting by way of her current tour.
She had an e-mail chat with the Inquirer in time for her third concert on February 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
What’s new and exciting that you’ve been doing lately?
I’m writing a new record, designing my fall fashions for Abbey Dawn and finishing the last leg of my Black Star tour in Japan.
What other fields would you like to lay your hands on, and why?
One of my favorite hobbies is cooking. I would love to write a cookbook one day.
If you can pick a few songs from your albums, which ones do you think represent your best work, and why?
1) “Goodbye”—I produced and wrote the song on my own. It shows my most vulnerable side.
2) “I’m With You”—Showcases my more musical side.
3) “Sk8er Boi” and “Girlfriend”—This is my younger self in my pop-punk rock phase.
4) “Complicated”—I think a lot of girls can identify with this song about the frustration of dealing with guys who are lame.
Were there any regretful decisions that you made while recording your albums?
I don’t regret any decisions I have made with my music. Every song is personal and marks a special time in my life.
Tell us about your hometown in Canada and why you got seriously into music.
Napanee in Ontario is a small town where morals and values are really important. My parents took me to church and that’s where I started singing. I realized from an early age that music was what I wanted to do. I was extremely motivated and driven. I worked really hard to get to where I am today.
Which countries in your past tours would you like to spend more time in, just in case you have an extra day or two?
If I have an extra day or two in Italy, I would eat pasta and drink red wine and go sightseeing. And if I had more time in Japan, I would shop!
What can we expect from your coming concert in Manila?
I always give my all in every performance and I will definitely bring all the hits to my fans in Manila!
A1, Blue, Jeff Timmons
Boy bands A1 and Blue plus Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees perform on Feb. 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
British-Norwegian group A1 has had two No. 1’s and eight Top 10 hits including “Like A Rose,” “Take On Me,” “Ready or Not/Everytime,” “Same Old Brand New You,” “Caught in the Middle” and “Make It Good.”
The all-British group Blue’s second studio album, 2002’s “One Love,” debuted at No. 1 on the UK albums chart. It contained a cover of “Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word,” featuring co-writer and original singer Elton John.
Timmons—who will be backed by Filipino singer-songwriter Jay Durias at the concert—was the founding member of the Grammy-nominated American pop group 98 Degrees, whose hits include “True to Your Heart” (a duet with Stevie Wonder), “The Hardest Thing,” “I Do (Cherish You)” and “Because of You.”
Call 911-5555 or 374-2222.
Dayne, McCain show reset
The back-to-back concerts of singers-songwriters Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain on February 15 and 17 have been rescheduled to May 31 (Waterfront Cebu City Hotel) and June 1 (Mall of Asia Arena).
Dayne’s hits include “Tell It to My Heart” and the Billboard chart-topper “Love Will Lead You Back”; McCain is best known for “I’ll Be” from his 1997 album “Misguided Roses.”
Call 217-2950 or 0915-251 2878.
February 14
Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford, 6 p.m. Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati