Sitti: There’s more to me than doing cover songs

DUMAGUETE CITY – Sitti Navarro is one of the many professional singers who joined the 4th Elements National Singing Songwriting Camp.

Some may find this unusual, as the music camp usually attracts amateur and aspiring musicians. Participants of the camp are mentored by veteran and professional musicians—including Ebe Dancel, Jungee Marcelo, Aia De Leon, Armi Millare, Gloc-9, and Jim Paredes, among others.

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The 28-year-old singer is no stranger to the music industry and songwriting. But Sitti, dubbed as the Queen of Philippines’ Bossa Nova, said learning from veterans and studying with aspiring artists is just what she needs at this point of her career.

“At this point in my career, talagang na-realize ko na this is something that I need. I need to learn from people who have been in the industry for a long time, from the masters,” she told Philstar.com in the sidelines of the national music camp. “Sa totoo lang, I feel mas beginner pa ako sa kanila.”

Mentor Aia De Leon with Sitti Navarro during the 4th Elements Singing Songwriting Camp.

Her attendance in the songwriting camp prompts the question: is Sitti now looking into writing and releasing original music? “I’m hopeful na by the next albums, may maisulat ako at ma-include doon,” the “Para Sa Akin” singer said.

Sitti said she actually has a new all-covers album, “Bossa Love,” coming out in the market. But she said the album is more for the fans and her recording label, MCA Universal.

“I am trusting the process of what I’m going through right now,” she said. “I’m trusting the process and just to keep at it and jump, and a net will come out.”

Sitti said she sometimes feel a “disconnect” because “the fans just want me to do covers.”

“I want to do originals and they just want me to do covers. So I’m this next one for the fans. But, I’m hopeful I’m able to produce more original output,” she said.

The bossa nova singer does not want to alienate her core audience and loyal fans. But she’s out to prove there’s more to her than just doing cover songs.

“In a way I kind of understand what they feel kasi that’s how they met me, na I’m the girl who does pop bossa nova covers,” Sitti explained. “When I started doing originals, sila yung na-disconnect sa akin. Siguro, hindi nila maintindihan why I sang originals.”

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She further said: “But, every album that I do and every album that I realize, I’m asking the fans to stay with me and journey with me.”

“Kasi ang dami ko pang pwedeng gawin. Ang dami ko pang gustong gawin. I’m still finding paths for that.”

“And while I’m finding my way, I’m content with doing covers for them.”