As an auditions caravan finished scouring the Philippines for the next stars in season 3 of popular TV reality singing competition The Voice Kids Philippines, rock star Bamboo says he is hoping to stumble on another gem.
The 37-year-old musician is a popular talent coach or judge in the show, mentoring young artists to reach their star potential. He shares the stage with fellow coaches pop star Sarah Geronimo and Tony award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga.
“I’m still looking for a complete artist … a singer, a performer and a writer,” The Voice Kids judge told tabloid! Bamboo scored his first win in the show’s second season, which wrapped up in August, when Elha Mae Nympha from his team won the championship.
How does he pick who gets to be in Team Bamboo? “I just listen. With kids it’s different. You have to be a little more forgiving. I try to just hear the potential. For the adults … they better bring it,” he said.
A power performer himself, Bamboo has carved his way to superstardom in the Philippine music scene beginning as the original vocalist of the alternative rock band Rivermaya in 1993. The multi-awarded band was famous for churning out original Filipino songs like Ulan and Awit ng Kabataan. Bamboo left the band in 1998, but five years later formed his own band, Bamboo, where he is the frontman. He has since been touring the world for concerts, including the UAE where he is a frequent guest.
What’s he up to now? He’s just put out his first album in four years — Bless This Mess — which was released under his own label and is a follow-up to No Water, No Moon. The album, which released last month, has a healthy dose of gospel, R & B, soul and rock sounds. He is also due back in the UAE to headline the first night of Volkswagen’s Beat on the Beach.
Ahead of his November 26 gig at Lagoon Beach, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Bamboo spoke to tabloid! about his music, The Voice Kids and acting.
What did you learn from The Voice Kids Season 2?
Every child, every season is different and I just want to react naturally to the given situation. Keep it real.
What does The Voice Kids winner Elha Mae Nympha need to last in the entertainment industry?
She needs to expand her musical tastes. She’s a natural performer gifted with a powerful instrument. She’s fearless and that’s what she has going for her. But right now, good original material.
How far would you go to give someone a chance?
I can only control what I can. It’s overwhelming getting all these artists and you do want to be there for each of them, but I’ve also learnt to do this in the context of the show. So it is my job to make each artist shine. Some get picked up by TV, some by labels. With some artists there are connections past the show, and they’re the artists I feel who are truly committed to music.
Contestants don’t always come in a perfect package. What’s more important to you: talent, determination, stage presence or star factor?
It’s all of the above …
When you’re not busy with The Voice, what do you do?
I have my “day job” and that’s touring and making albums. I got a new album out again … a new chapter.
Tell us about your new album.
It took a while to make the album due to just being so busy with TV work but here it is and I’m happy with it (and hopefully people will connect to it as well).
You’re Jollibee’s endorser. Do you have any more endorsement offers?
Yeah, I have a couple out there.
That’s almost like a step closer to acting, isn’t it? What do you think about adding acting to your resume?
I don’t think I’m built for the acting gig, so I’ll say 95 per cent no … but you never know. Maybe a cameo on film. That’s something I could do.
You went to film school in San Francisco. What was that like and why did you end up in the music industry?
In LA as well. I just like the creative yet collaborative spirit, and filmmaking has that as well … But music was my siren call. I tried to fight it, but it is what I do and it is what I love to do.
If you were to star in a movie, what kind of movie would that be and what role would you be playing?
You got to put me in Star Wars, episode 8. I’ll do anything … Chewbacca’s long-lost cousin.
