‘[T]oday’s rising singers now also have social media, music streaming platforms, and YouTube, plus live gigs here and abroad.’
When singer-songwriter Jayda says “I enjoy being an artist now,” she might as well be speaking on behalf of her contemporaries. Unlike the previous generation whose songs were confined to being heard via television, radio, and occasional shows, today’s rising singers now also have social media, music streaming platforms, and YouTube, plus live gigs here and abroad.
Jayda joins “Tawag ng Tanghalan” grand duets champions JM dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, “Idol Philippines” Season 2 winner Khimo, award-winning actor-singer LA Santos, and SB 19’s Pablo who are representing the new generation of artists at her father Dingdong Avanzado’s “The Original Prince of Pinoy Pop” concert to be staged at The Theatre at Solaire on July 19, 2024.
The show, which is a celebration of Dingdong’s 37 years in the music industry, is also headlined by Dingdong’s wife Jessa Zaragoza and his fellow alumnus from Kundirana, pop icon Randy Santiago.
For the July 19 event, Jayda will be performing with her parents – something that she welcomes and always gives her joy. She cherishes moments like this and appreciates the guidance that Jessa and Dingdong have constantly provided. Through their support, her artistry has further evolved.
Jayda cites her latest song “Right Lover, Wrong Time” as an example. “It’s my most personal music to date,” she says.
Social media is a tool that wasn’t available to artists in previous generations. When it is used to educate and inspire, it can be effective. But when it is used to spread disinformation and hate, social media can be a bane. “It has its pros and cons,” Jayda says about social media. “… (The effect is that) the turnover of artists is so quick. But I welcome these challenges.”
For Marielle and JM, there is that constant quest to assert themselves. JM discloses, “Gagawa ba kami ng catchy na songs o magpi-perform na lang kami ng mga kantang sikat na?”
JM and Marielle have developed a fan base as a singing love team. They’ve gained success as indicated by their well-attended shows at Music Museum. Their repertoire is a combination of crowd pleasers and numbers that reflect their choices and personalities.
The result is a kind of balancing act they need to tread, says Marielle. “Somehow gusto namin maibigay ang ‘best of both worlds’ sa audience. At the same time, we want to create something Kung saan pwede kaming tumatak. There is pressure to stay relevant like our singing icons. Sa generation ngayon, it’s hard to live up to expectations.”
LA, who comes from a family in show business (actress and former network executive Charo Santos is his aunt), has two rules he follows in his journey as a singer-actor: 1) Do your best. 2) Be your be true to yourself. He says, “As artists, dapat maging authentic. Dapat maging totoo sa mga nanonood. Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance na ganito.”
Khimo has a similar view. “Lagi ko na lang nilalagay sa utak ko na we are all artists because of love. If you love the things you are doing, you can’t go wrong.”
When times become tough and confusing, long-time musician Elmer Blancaflor (musical director of “Dingdong Avanzado, The Original Prince of Pinoy Pop” concert) offers this bit of advice to the younger generation: “You know I have worked with the Avanzado family for so many years. What I notice about them is that it’s not a career for them. They’re having fun. So, just have fun…
“That’s all you have to do. Just have fun. We’re very lucky we get to do what we love to do.”
