INTERNATIONAL stage star Lea Salonga says singers should find their own voice. INQUIRER PHOTO
Winners of local singing contests usually come in the mold of Regine Velasquez or Martin Nievera—singers who possess powerful pipes that allow them to take their voices to stratospheric heights.
But not everyone can do the birit, Tony award-winning singer-actress Lea Salonga told the Inquirer after shooting the music video for TV5’s coming reality talent search “Kanta Pilipinas.”
In this competition, Salonga said she expects singers who can give the audience “a taste of something different.”
“Kanta Pilipinas” is open to solo acts, duos, bands and vocal groups. Line-produced by Futuretainment, it features a music camp where contestants can hone their singing skills and other aspects of the craft like song interpretation and song writing.
Futuretainment advertising and promotions head Jason Alvarez said they envision the show as a tool for “musical tourism.” “We’re encouraging people to do original compositions. We can do more Filipino stuff that can really promote the talent we have here,” he said.
While schedule doesn’t permit her to do hosting or judging duties, Salonga expressed interest in becoming a mentor in the show. She also shared her insights on what qualities the new generation of singers needs in order to make it big in the industry.
What kind of singers do you think we need more of?
I think we need more singers like Zia Quizon … I’m a big fan of her because she’s so different. Ultimately, I think the person who should win “Kanta Pilipinas” is somebody different from what’s currently being offered in spades.
ZIA Quizon: Her tribe should increase, says Lea.
Whoever wins has to realize what their unique talent is and try not to copy or be a carbon copy of somebody else.
Aside from Zia, who else fits your description?
It’s a tough one. I listen to a lot of western music. People who are unique to me are Lady Gaga, Maroon 5 and Adam Levine, whose voices I will recognize right away.
It’s that kind of signature, I think. I don’t always know what it is. Before Zia came out, I didn’t know that’s what I wanted to hear. It’s like Steve Jobs. A lot of people don’t know what they want until you give it to them.
So more stylized singers?
Yes, a unique talent. Ryan Cayabyab, when he was mentoring my brother Gerard in arranging, said, “You can go ahead and copy, but at the end of the day you will have to develop your own style …” So it’s okay to copy at the start, I guess, to find yourself. But once you find yourself, you just keep on going forward.
What else do you look for in the next generation of singers?
A real commitment to the craft of singing. Something that the new generation of artists have to realize is that there is going to be a lot of perspiration, and a lot of frustration, and a lot of rejection; that there is a lot of making kayod first before you get that moment in the sun. And even after you get that moment in the sun, there’s still a lot of hard work. It never stops.
What advice would you give the contestants?
You’re building a reputation with other artists and people behind the scenes. And you want to build a good reputation. If you want to keep working in the business, you have to grow on your brand.