‘I am thrilled to be working with some of the people that I worked with at the start of my songwriting career – Cecile Azarcon’
We had the privilege of interviewing the prolific ‘80s songwriter Cecile Azarcon for our Radyo Katipunan “Level Up” program, even before she arrived in the country. She graciously answered our questions.
Now, while everything is set for her 45th anniversary concert at The Theater at Solaire this weekend, allow us to share this special conversation, edited for length and clarity, with Miss Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes (CAI).
Congratulations on your homecoming and anniversary concert. Can you describe the feeling of coming back to Manila for this major concert?
CAI: Honestly, I am so excited about this concert. To be given a musical tribute by VIVA for my 45th anniversary as a songwriter, featuring some of OPM’s best artists, is such a great honor, privilege, and blessing. It’s like going full circle for me. In this concert, I am thrilled to be working with some of the people that I worked with at the start of my songwriting career.
What I truly have in my heart is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude as I have so much to be thankful for. For me, the concert is an opportunity to thank God for His wonderful gift of music, for the blessing of 45 years in the music industry, and for His faithfulness in my life.
I am also very grateful to Mr. Vic del Rosario of VIVA and to the wonderful VIVA family who are behind the production of this concert and are all doing a great job in taking care of even the smallest details to ensure the concert’s success.
There are also other people I would like to thank who were a part of my musical journey as I celebrate this milestone. My cousin, Charo Unite, was instrumental in getting my foot in the door of Vicor Music Corp., which led to my being discovered and signed as a songwriter by Mr. Vic del Rosario. Thank you, Mr. Vic del Rosario, for believing in me and my music. I am also eternally grateful to the very first DJ who played my very first hit song, “Lift Up Your Hands,” over the radio, Mr. George Boone. Despite my song not being on the radio station’s playlist, he broke the rules and played it on the air, which got him in trouble.
Thankfully, the song became a big hit. Special thanks as well to Mr. Homer Flores, who arranged almost all of my songs that are now considered OPM classic hits, and for being the music director for my upcoming anniversary concert. My heartfelt thanks also go to all the recording artists, music arrangers, back-up singers, and radio DJs who were part of my musical journey.
Do you recall feeling this way at your past concerts in the US? How different will this concert be?
CAI: I have always been excited and grateful for all of my past concerts in the US. But the excitement for this concert is different because since I migrated to the US in 1984, this is really my first major concert in the Philippines. I am also thrilled that some of the songs will be performed by the original recording artists like Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Martin Nievera, Iwi Laurel, and Jam Morales. I also look forward to the beautiful renditions and interpretations of my songs by some of the Philippines’ top OPM artists.
Can you refresh young Filipinos on when and why you had to leave the Philippines at the height of your songwriting career?
CAI: I had to leave to join my family, who were already living in the US (Cecile left the country before the EDSA People Power Revolution.).
How did you keep your music flowing amid domesticity?
CAI: Amid domesticity, I made playing the piano, singing, or songwriting (if inspired) an outlet, a way of relaxation, and a way to express myself. Music has always been, is, and will always be a part of me.
Let’s go back further. Tell us about your musical influences and who inspired you to play the piano and write songs.
CAI: I come from a family of musicians. My great grandfather was a composer and a church music director in Lipa City, Batangas. My grandmother, Luisa Eugenio, was an opera singer and a voice and piano teacher. My mother, Minda Azarcon, was a classical pianist, an opera singer, a voice and piano teacher, a music director, and a gifted composer who has the distinction of being the first to be conferred a Master’s degree in Music by the University of the Philippines. My mother wrote the musical compositions for the movies “Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa,” “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” and “Insiang,” which earned nominations for “Best Musical Direction” at the First Manila Film Festival in 1976 and the “Best Original Song and Musical Direction” at the 1977 FAMAS Awards. Her haunting musical score of the film “Insiang” was exposed to French critics at the Cannes Film Festival in 1978.
I grew up surrounded by music as my mom gave private music lessons at home. When I was in high school, I studied voice and piano with my mom. Later on, I learned from other teachers as well. My passion for music continued to grow, and I decided to pursue it in college. I followed in my mother’s footsteps by enrolling at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music to study voice, piano, and composition.
What makes a Cecile Azarcon song different from others? What is your distinguishing mark?
CAI: Someone told me I make my lyrics sing and my melodies speak. Another person said my songs are special because they grow on you. The more you sing them, the more you get the drift.
How do you write your songs? Do you have a ritual, including the time of day, a certain setting, state of mind, etc.?
CAI: For me, the inspiration to write a song can come at any moment. I have been inspired to write while doing dishes, laundry, eating in a restaurant, and even while brushing my teeth. Usually, there is an overwhelming feeling of love, happiness, emptiness, sadness, or pain. When inspiration comes, I need to capture that moment right away and try to be free from disruptions or distractions. One time, I was inspired to write a song, but the phone rang. After that, my mind went blank, and I never got to finish the song.
Who are your favorite interpreters? Can you talk about the bond you’ve established with your artists?
CAI: Kuh Ledesma is one of the few singers who would ask me for the background of the songs and for advice so she could better interpret my song emotionally and musically.
There were times when she would request for me to be in the studio with her to make sure I was happy with her rendition. Plus, her vocal dynamics and range are just perfect for my songs. She understands there is always a story behind a song. It’s not just about having a great voice, but about effectively conveying the song’s message. Through the years, Kuh and I have become very good friends.
