Alden’s songs are ‘haplos’ for his fans

MANILA, Philippines - Alden Richards is now a crossover artist with the release of his self-titled debut album from Universal Records. The Kapuso young actor shows promise in crooning six covers and one original composition. His recording outing seems to be an extension of his leading-man and boy-next-door image on TV.

“That’s why I’m thankful for Universal Records and (producer) Ito Rapadas, who chose all the songs in my album,” says Alden. “What’s good about it is that my image (as actor) is being showcased. There’s the image of young drama actor and leading man. I’m proud to work for Universal Records.”

Proof is the song Haplos with its music video seeing Alden shed tears for the love of his life. He shares that the music video “has similarities with One True Love.” His object of affection (played by perennial onscreen partner Louise de los Reyes) will meet a mishap and lose her memories. The two will be reintroduced to each other again, which is reminiscent of 50 First Dates. “My character is just reminding her about the things we’ve done together and that we have something special.”

His acting skills have helped Alden make the smooth transition to recording songs. 

“Making the video and the music seems easy for me,” shares Alden. “Singing is like acting. While reading the lyrics, I can understand the feelings being expressed by the lines. (Singing in a way is) easy because I started acting first before venturing into it.” Alden can easily access and pull the right emotions to interpret each song. 

Before finally hitting the recording studio, the GMA artist attended voice workshops under the tutelage of Kitchie Molina. “People around me would say that I can sing,” Alden recalls. “But I wasn’t fully convinced then because I know I’m not a singer. With their support and encouragement, I told myself to claim it.” Then, the world conspires and the album was soon launched. Listeners will be treated to tunes like Haplos, Naaalala Ka, Can Find No Reason, ’Di Na Mababawi, Sa Aking Tabi, Akin Ka Na Lang and Everytime I See You. Haplos, the album’s first single, is now played on TV as theme song of Mundo Mo’y Akin. There’s a small-sized magazine teeming with tidbits about and photos of Alden and lyrics of the songs.     

Asked what’s the challenging part in recording the album, Alden replies, “When the song is unfamiliar; I have to study it on the spot. But once you put your heart into it, work becomes easy.” The album attests that Alden has some surprises up his sleeve.

“Everything I do — be it acting or singing — they are on the same level,” says Alden. “I don’t consider one a sideline (or a side project). I will never consider this new opportunity as least priority.”

Even if the album has already been released in the market, Alden couldn’t believe the manna from heaven. His mother must be smiling Up There who could only wish Alden the best.

“She just wanted me to become an actor just like those in the teleseryes she had watched,” he says. “To her, this is a bonus. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would record an album. Universal Records is a big company and it is taking a risk on me.”

In his spare time, Alden listens to laidback music like Josh Groban songs and ballads “which I can sing.” He likes to spice up a bit his playlists with house and dance music. “If I wish to relax, I prefer Gregorian chants.”

Now that he has jumpstarted his recording career, Alden can say that his singing stints in Party Pilipinas have paid off.