All set for first solo concert

RICO BLANCO: “I go for a balanced set list that will keep the crowd engaged. It’s not about grouping songs; it’s about telling a story.”

WHEN you’ve been doing something for so long, sometimes you forget the reason you’re doing it in the first place, said singer-songwriter Rico Blanco, who’s been playing professionally for close to 20 years now.

For a while after his 2008 debut solo album “Your Universe” had run its course, Rico felt he had come to a dead end. He knew that, to record a creatively satisfying new album, he had to do away with old habits and rediscover music.

The process was long, tedious, frustrating, Rico told a press con recently. But he’d rather be frustrated than bored. One day, the idea of fusing electronic and Pinoy tribal music struck him like a bolt of lightning. Soon after, Fiesto Bandido of “Galactik Fiestamatik” was born. Recorded in his home studio, “Galactik” is a festive album of electro-pop and tribal punk madness, an explosion of unlikely rock instruments like melodica and lyre, pots and pans.

Asked how he felt when he took the stage as his flashy, musical alter-ego for the first time last year, he replied, “Ang sarap, *!#*%!!”

Excerpts from our interview about his first solo full-length concert “Rico Blanco: Live!,” tomorrow at the Music Museum.

We can’t believe this is your first solo concert.

As a solo artist, I’ve done many out-of-town gigs. But this is my first solo concert.

What are you most excited about?

I get to set up the instruments, lights—everything—the way I want it.

How are you preparing?
Pretty much the same way I prepare for any other show: Six to 10 hours of practice twice a week; nagging 24/7; … a bit of cardio!

How do you decide on a set list?

I go for a balanced list that will keep the crowd engaged. It’s not about grouping—slow, fast, English or Filipino, high- or low-keys—it’s about telling a story.

How would you describe the production values?
Part concert, part club, part theater, part cheering. Very Pinoy, parang halo-halo.

What makes a great show?
Even if there were only three people watching, it could be great if the performers could create magic.

What do you enjoy most about performing?
Seeing my energy rub off on people.

How much longer will you perform as Fiesto Bandido?

I’m going to keep at it for a while.