Kathryn’s feel-good musical surprise

MANILA, Philippines - Everyone is in for a musical surprise as Kathryn Bernardo will release her self-titled debut album online on Nov. 30 and in all record bars on Dec. 5. It’s a collection of original and revival tunes that warm the heart and make one feel young — nakakabata as many put it in the vernacular. The Teen Queen deserves a listen; this turn in her career makes Kathryn the latest singing sweetheart. She and Teen King, Daniel Padilla, could be the local recording scene’s singing couple.   

“There’s no particular theme,” replied Kathryn when asked about a particular idea or mood that connects all the songs in the album. “The themes are varied. When you listen to the songs, what you’ll notice is they are easy listening.”

This is a perfect match to Kathryn’s young, happy and sweet personality, which is also reflective in her renditions. So on a chill-out day, Kathryn can provide one the right tracks and background.    

“It just started lately,” says Kathryn of her newfound interest. “During the recording sessions, I realized that it was fun doing an album. I was excited because I had done things for the first time like shooting an MTV and recording songs. I’m happy because I tried new things. I think (the music is) very young, very sweet, very relaxing. Pwede siyang pang-chill-out. I hope teenagers would like it and they can sing along with the songs (wherever they are).”

The album boasts of five original songs, which artists like Jungee Marcelo and Marion Aunor penned for Kathryn, who had fun interpreting their songs. One of the interesting cuts is Na Sa ’Yo Din Pala, Kathryn’s response to Daniel’s signature song Na Sa ’Yo Na Ang Lahat.

“The lyrics answer the lines of his song (Na Sa ’Yo Na Ang Lahat). The beat is almost the same,” she says. “The song is very catchy. (Daniel is very) happy and I told him to buy many copies. He’s very supportive.” In their spare time, the KathNiel tandem would listen to the music of Michael Bublé and their favorite song is Grow Old With You.

Other songs listeners can enjoy are Ikaw Na Nga Yata; K Tnx Bye; Temporary Déjà Vu; carrier single You Don’t Know Me; Sharon Cuneta’s Mr. DJ; Cris Villongco’s Crush ng Bayan; and Heart Evangelista’s Love Has Come My Way.

How did Kathryn prepare for this recording venture? She said she had singing sessions with Annie Quintos and attended lessons for her stints in ASAP and appearances in mall shows.

So what’s next for Kathryn? Is performing at Smart Araneta or writing songs already in the pipeline?

“I don’t know,” Kathryn says. “But if I will be given the chance, why not (take it) and for as long as it is for the delight of my supporters. (I’m game) if I will be given enough time to prepare and enhance myself for it. I can try when I have familiarized myself with the music industry.” She also expresses her interest in collaborating with artists like Gary Valenciano and Angeline Quinto, from whom she can learn vocal and performing techniques.  

Since singing is a new territory for her, Kathryn feels the pressure of doing good. “Even in other projects that I do, na kakasimula lang, nakaka-pressure. It challenges me though. Feeling ko naman na basta gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, maganda naman ang kalalabasan nito,” she says. “You just need to train. You have to go out of your comfort zone.”

(Kathryn’s album tour begins on Nov. 30 with a showcase on Dec. 7 at SM Clark, Pampanga. For details, log on to Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.)