Echo says he’s happier singing than acting

JERICHO Rosales dreams of writing an “eternal song.”

Jericho Rosales has been trying to make a mark in the local music industry for six years now. And after being advised countless times to quit and stick to acting, the matinee idol now feels that people are starting to acknowledge him as a legitimate singer-songwriter.

“I used to get booed and pelted with water bottles during rock gigs. Some people would flash me the dirty finger. But I feel more accepted now… I made it through, thanks to patience and prayers,” he said at the launch of his latest solo album “Korona” (Star Records).

The 33-year-old’s first foray into the music scene was back in 2006, when his band Jeans released a rock ‘n’ roll record, “Loose Fit.” Soon after, Echo decided to go solo and released two other albums, “Jericho” and “Change.”

Doubtful critics

His initial efforts were generally met with skepticism from critics doubting his capabilities as a musician. Luckily, Echo got a much-needed morale boost after his single “Pusong Ligaw” was declared song of the year at the Philippine Movie Press Club’s Star Awards in 2010.

The song was also used as a theme song for the 2011 film, “In the Name of Love.”

“I almost cried. Because it was the first time I got ‘paid’ as a songwriter. I was like, ‘Thank you, Lord!’ I’m also thankful that people trusted me to write songs for TV shows such as ‘Dahil sa Pag-ibig’ and ‘Green Rose,’” he said.

Despite his recent successes, Echo said there are still people who don’t take him seriously. But he no longer minds, having learned to take harsh criticism in stride. “I take no disrespect. I’m open to everything. What’s important is I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m true to my music,” he said. “I’m happy that some of my biggest naysayers back then have copies of my albums now and listen to my music.”

It came as a surprise when Echo said he was happier as a singer than as an actor.

He said: “I feel the spontaneity when I’m onstage. I love seeing people’s reactions. There’s also the adrenaline rush.”

“I come from a music-loving family,” Echo added. “Singing is number one for me.”

No concert yet

Asked if he’s ready to hold concerts, Echo was realistic, saying that he needed more time to build his reputation further as a musician by creating new songs.

“I’m not confident that I can sell tickets—at the moment,” he said. “I have a lot of things to do. The management wants me to continue with lessons for my voice to become sharper, for singing ballads. I need time to prepare. I’d like to give people what they deserve.”

Given the chance, however, Echo said he could probably start with a small, intimate show. “I don’t want to just sing. I also want to incorporate acting into my stage performances… I want to come up with new concepts,” he said.

Eternal song

Echo said there was a time when he was forced to follow the trend of doing revivals. But now, churning out original material is one of the Kapamilya star’s biggest priorities. His goal is high:  To come up with an “eternal song.”

He explained: “I want something that will last, something that will have big impact on listeners. There are lots of new artists and songs, but people still listen to the songs of Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Gary Valenciano and Francis Magalona over and over again.” He revealed that he is most inspired to write when it’s raining.

“Korona,” a  nine-track album, features seven original songs and two covers. The tracks include “Kasama Ka,” “Halaga,” “Paboritiong Tag-ulan,” “Bumuhos Man ang Ulan,” “Kumusta Ka Aking Mahal” and “Makita Kang Muli.”