Jed Madela marks 10th year in biz with ‘All Original’ album

JED MADELA: The satisfaction of being supported because of talent and attitude is more fulfilling.

I’ve seen Jed Madela grow as an artist since the days when I used to watch him and his band Prime Council at Aruba bar in Pasig. Back then, he seemed like a younger Martin Nievera.

Whether it was a full house or not, Jed always sang appassionato. Off stage, we have this special Ilonggo bond, which I truly cherish. Jed will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the prestigious World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in July. He’s the very first Filipino to achieve such a feat.

Kudos to The Voice that has launched a thousand shrieks, sighs and heartbeats.

What does it take to make it to the WCOPA Hall of Fame?

Every year, the people behind the World Championships of the Performing Arts in Hollywood choose artists who excel in their chosen field in entertainment. I am very happy that, this year, they picked me to join the roster of inductees. Since 2005 (the year I won), they have been following my career and taken notes about my achievements in performing and recording.

What is it about your voice that other OPM (Original Pilipino Music) singers don’t have?

The OPM singer has a distinct sound. Aside from my range, I believe that I have this distinct sound that people recognize once they hear it. Also, I’d like to think that, above vocal quality, it’s my sincerity that propels my performance.

How do you feel that you seem to be underrated in your country, even if you deserve all the hype for being the first Filipino to join the WCOPA Hall of Fame?

Honestly, I feel sad—  sometimes to the point that it gets disappointing. But at the end of the day, as an artist, the satisfaction of being supported because of talent and attitude is more fulfilling than being supported because of hype.

Do you agree that singing is an inborn talent, or can one learn how to become a good singer?

Everyone can sing to some extent. Passion fuels the urge to sing our hearts out. I also believe anyone can be trained to sing; it’s a matter of how well one absorbs the training.

Do you have rituals before a concert?

When it comes to rituals, I’m not eccentric. Just give me a good sound system, a good audience, three deep breaths, and I’m good to go!

Tell us about your new album.

This is my 10th year in the industry. In the first seven albums that I recorded, all the songs were revivals. Although they became hits, the songs were not mine.

My debut album with Star Records is called, simply, “All Original” because of the

10 new songs that are in it. Also, it has a different sound. People know me as the balladeer who hits the highest notes … but in this album, only a few tracks have that. Track 1 will even make you double-check if you really got a Jed Madela album! That’s how different it sounds. Majority of the songs are very light and easy-listening and inspires a happy mood. Plus, most of them are “singable.”

Is there a song you can’t sing? What is it?

Well, “Lupang Hinirang” always gives me the jitters but seriously, there is no song I cannot sing … Coming from a band, I was trained to sing any song! My weakness, technically, would be singing low-key pieces and rap.

How do you take care of your voice?

Sufficient sleep and rest are the best ways to take care of your voice.

Discipline is important. When I feel my voice is tired, I do not push it to the limit. Also, keeping the throat hydrated is a big help.

If you were not a singer, what would you be?

I’d still be doing something related to music or entertainment—probably, voice coaching or teaching how to perform. Maybe also conceptualizing, writing or directing shows.

What’s the song of your life?

“I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.” Aside from it being my winning WCOPA piece, it just plainly says that I enjoy everything that is happening to me now.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Going on vacation.

What was the worst intrigue about you?

That I was the most overrated singer in the industry.