Psalms David (right) with Christian Bautista; cover art of his latest single (below, right)
For the young singer Psalms David, losing a talent search doesn’t necessarily spell the end of one’s musical journey—it’s all about taking the good with the bad.
“I didn’t feel bad about losing because I didn’t expect anything. I was an amateur up against so many talented singers,” Psalms, who was a finalist in the first season of GMA 7’s “The Clash,” told the Inquirer in a recent video conference. “So I just tried to make the most out of the opportunity and experience I had. I know it would only help my artistry.”
After his stint in the contest ended, Psalms was pleasantly surprised that job offers still came knocking on his door. He signed a five-year contract with GMA Music, and was able to record his own singles.
“I didn’t really have time to be disappointed, because there was regular work. We even held a concert with my fellow ‘Clashers,’” he said. “I’m just happy with what has been given to me. I wanted to enjoy and not stress myself out.”
But the one thing he’s most thankful for is the guidance of the contest’s mentors, like Christian Bautista who continues to check up on them to this day.
‘Courage to ask questions’
“Sir Christian always talks to us and takes care of us. He’s there to help us with our careers. I have learned a lot from—not just about the singing and performing, but all the different aspects of the industry,” he related. “I also make sure that I have courage to ask questions.”
Aside from valuable advice, Christian also gave Psalms his latest single, “I Need to Know”—which, unlike his previous ballad single “‘Di Na Magtatagal”—has a more contemporary vibe. “My impression of the song was that it’s vocally challenging. And Sir Christian [who wrote the song] was like, ‘I want you to sing it,’” the 20-year-old newbie related.
The song highlights the importance of communication in relationships. “Since I haven’t been in a relationship, I try to relate to the song by thinking about the times when I need to decide between myself and other people. Sometimes we tend to be selfless, so we can please everyone. But impossible. We have to know that self-love is not selfish love,” he explained.
Vocal limits
On the technical side, recording the song allowed Psalms to test his vocal limits. While he described his music and usual singing style as “chill,” he also wants to show that he also has the vocal heft to take on more demanding pieces. “Sir Christian asked me if I wanted to lower the key, but no, I took it as a challenge. The more I practiced, the more my range expanded.”
David
He also underwent lessons with a voice teacher to further polish his technique. “The workshops I had taken, gave me the tools I needed to turn my voice into something I have always wanted to have. Now I can sing Bruno Mars songs in their original key! I can now sing effectively and healthily. I have never been hoarse since,” he said. Psalms was raised by a musically-inclined, Born Again Christian family: His mother is a worship leader; his father is a musical director in their church; her aunts and uncles are instrumentalists. As such, he hopes to use his music and platform to set a good example.
“I want to inspire people with my music. I have children followers, so I want to be a kuya they can look up to,” he said.
“Being a role model and a good influence is a responsibility.” INQ