This could be the best job in the world

GARY Granada, one of the music camp’s mentors

The first time was a thrill; the second was an eye-opener.

For the past two years, composer Ryan Cayabyab, former record label executive Twinky Lagdameo, and businessman/music enthusiast Jun Sy have been running 7101 Music Nation—a group that sends young aspiring musicians to workshops in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, with some of the country’s best and brightest professional songwriters acting as mentors.

New feature

Part 1 of Elements National Songwriting Camp, held at the idyllic Bahura Resort and Balanan Lake in November 2010, had 60 participants.

Part 2, which took place at the same venues in November 2011, introduced some changes. The new set of 60 “scholars” was divided into two: 30 for the songwriting sessions and the rest for the singing workshops.

The Inquirer covered both editions and witnessed how the mentors’ energy and the students’ enthusiasm fueled the dynamics of creativity. The lectures were never boring, since mostof the mentors—themselves performers—discussed subjects close to their hearts.

In Elements Part 2, Dulce recounted how persistence paid off during her struggling days as a singer. She was in grade school when her attempt to appear in Justo Justo’s TV program in Cebu was thwarted because “pangit daw ako.” She told them, “I’m not here to join a beauty contest!”

No to karaoke

Some of her pointers for the aspirants included: “Huwag mag-aral kumanta sa karaoke, maraming maling tono at letra.”

Jed Madela, looking back on a similar experience during his early years—when he was told that he was good but fat—quoted British soul singer Adele: “I sing for the ears, not for the eyes.”

A new feature of the camp, the singing workshop, had University of the Philippines music professor Kitchy Molina introducing the McClosky Voice Technique, developed

GARY Valenciano talks about the craft of performance at the 2nd Elements National Singing and Songwriting Camp in Dumaguete.

by the late opera singer and voice teacher David Blair McClosky, who mentored American presidents, actors and musicians.

Explaining that the technique sought to marry science and art, Molina insisted that singers should relax their facial muscles, tongue, jaw, head and neck—and demonstrated how. She said tension in those areas actually caused problems in tonal quality.

Never bore ‘em

Classical tenor Lemuel de la Cruz said even throat-clearing and harsh coughing could damage the voice.

Another voice professional, Emmy Punsalan-Cayabyab, stressed that improvisation should not be the end-all and be-all of a performance. “Less is more,” she added, but cautioned that a singer’s primary job was “never to bore the audience.”

In one of several pep talks, Sy—whose company, Tao Corporation, funds Elements—said he wanted to be a musician but was convinced by his parents to go into business. His journey as an entrepreneur, he soon learned, was similar to making music: “Great results and achievements always involve a team.” He cited some outstanding collaborative partnerships in pop music history: Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

Six of the hottest contemporary musicians discussed team work in a band. Their most important points:

NOEL Cabangon obliges with a song during the 5-day event.

Jay Durias: “There has to be the right chemistry among the members.” Ebe Dancel, on his passion for music, which his dad encouraged: “It’s all about having the heart to pursue one’s dream.”

Gabby Alipe: “[Develop] skills before image.” Jett Pangan: “Follow your heart [and not] outside influences.”

Raimund Marasigan: “Treat your band as family. Research. At si Dulce pala ang pinaka-punk rock sa lahat, dahil sa dinaanan niyang struggles.”

Social media

The importance of social media in promoting and marketing music was tackled by Christine Luna, Fil-Am manager of LA-based singer-songwriter AJ Rafael. In just three years, she noted, Rafael had 300,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel; 80,000 followers on Twitter; and 30,000 Filipino fans on Facebook.

Rafael’s debut album, “Red Roses,” shot up to No. 7 on iTunes on the first day of its release and climbed to the Top 20 of Billboard’s Uncharted list. His recent concerts at the Music Museum were sold out.

Luna on handling an independent musician: “If you can do it yourself, why do you need a record label?” But now, she added, major labels are calling her.

Gary V’s reminder: “Your performance is your signature, your hand print.” He then gave practical tips on preparing for a show, including putting together the perfect repertoire.

AIZA Seguerra jams with Joey Ayala on “Walang Hanggang Paalam.”

Taking these efforts a step further, 7101 Music Nation is opening Radio Republic—a new 24/7 all-Pinoy music live streaming online site. It is being launched with a four-day event (that started yesterday), featuring the country’s rock, pop and hip hop stars as guest DJs and performers.

At the end of the the second camp, the clearest thing of all, especially after the mentors jammed onstage, was: A life devoted to music may be hard, but it could be the best job in the world.