‘Why do I prefer writing happy songs instead of sad songs? I think that I am naturally a pretty happy guy so that’s part of it and then I also just feel like that’s what works for me. Some artists sing scream rock and that works for them so this is what works for me.’
It’s Grammer, not Grammar, as in Andy Grammer who is described as a “music genius” who inspires and empowers the world by communicating his “truths” through his songs. You will know what those “truths” are when the multi-platinum-selling pop artist performs in a special “intimate concert” on Thursday, June 7, at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan City.
According to a bulletin from WilbrosLive (producer of the concert), Grammer is the first male pop star in a decade since John Mayer to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio with two singles, Keep Your Head Up and Fine By Me, from his debut album, taking the world by storm with a succession of “anthemic” pop hits, six of which are certified gold. His second album, Magazines or Novels, featured the triple platinum infectious smash hit Honey, I’m Good which was one of the best-selling songs of 2015, and the certified gold anthem Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah).
Andy’s third full-length album, The Good Parts, was released in December last year, carrying his global smash hit single Fresh Eyes which has become a phenomenon with over 300 million total streams, the catchy summer jam (featuring LunchMoney Lewis) Give Love, as well as his new hit single Smoke Clears.
Before his Music Museum concert, Grammer will make a personal appearance on Wednesday, 6 p.m. at the Atrium of Robinsons Magnolia. (You are entitled to a free entrance to the show for a minimum P1,000 single receipt purchase from any Robinsons Magnolia establishments from May 30 to June 6 and get a chance to win tickets to Grammer’s concert at the Music Museum.)
Here’s Grammer in an exclusive e-mail interview with Funfare:
Did you imagine that Keep Your Head Up and Fine By Me would be big hits in the Adult Music Chart back in 2011?
“The dream was always to have my songs reach as many people as possible and I’ve always set high goals for myself but to have my first two singles do that well was incredible.”
Why were those songs categorized as “Adult Music”?
“Pass on this question.”
How would you categorize your music?
“Well, I love hip-hop, piano rock and acoustic guitar stuff so all of those genres influence my music.”
Like Ed Sheeran, you started as a street performer. How was the experience?
“It was the best. It was my training grounds. I got to test out and learn what people liked and didn’t like.”
You started writing songs at 15. From whom or where did you get the inspiration?
“My very first inspirations were Billy Joel, Lauryn Hill and John Mayer.”
Why do you prefer writing happy songs instead of sad songs?
“I think that I am naturally a pretty happy guy so that’s part of it and then I also just feel like that’s what works for me. Some artists sing scream rock and that works for them so this is what works for me.”
What’s the story behind the song Give Love?
“Give Love is a song I wrote about my mother who passed away from breast cancer nine years ago. She taught me how to give as much love as possible to everyone.”
Your daughter Louie was born in July last year. How has fatherhood influenced your music?
“It has just given me a different perspective on some things. I’ve already written some songs about her and I’m sure that there will be more to come.”
What was the inspiration behind your big hit Fresh Eyes? Did you expect it to become a huge hit worldwide?
“Fresh Eyes is a story about rediscovering love with someone that you’ve been with for awhile. I always loved this song so I was really excited to watch it climb the charts worldwide.”
What do you expect on your forthcoming first visit to the Philippines? And what can fans expect from your concert at the Music Museum?
“I expect my trip to be amazing. I’ve been wanting to play the Philippines for a while now so this is very exciting. Fans can expect to hear a lot of the old hits as well as a lot of new songs off of my new album The Good Parts.”
(For tickets to Andy Grammer’s Music Museum concert, call 891-9999 or 374-9999.)
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)
Related video: