Whenever I ask people to tell me their favorite singers, bands or musicians, they instantly reply with a list of beloved artists. That’s because our favorite singers captivate us with lyrics that have powerful messages and melodies that touch the heart.
Arthur Nery, one of today’s most popular music artists, is making us swoon in admiration for his songs that help us express emotions that are too tough to verbalize, especially when it comes to the affairs of the heart.
In fact, his signature song Pagsamo has already generated 70 million views on YouTube. It equally garnered millions of streams on other digital music platforms. His other hits include Binhi, Higa, Life Puzzle, Happy w/U, Take All the Love and Isa Lang.
Last year, Arthur landed on Spotify’s list of most-streamed OPM music artists alongside Ben&Ben, Moira dela Torre, Skusta Clee and Zack Tabudlo.
Arthur, 25, comes from Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao. He has been singing since he was a kid. Both of his parents sing. He mentioned that his folks were a big influence on his musicality. His idols are Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Al Jarreau. “They are also my dad’s favorites,” he shared.
I guess you’ll agree with me that his music is also very sexy. He croons in a way that is quite sensuous and comforting.
Get to know more about the singer-songwriter who agreed to do a one-on-one interview for Batalk Channel’s The Interviewer Presents on YouTube. Below are excerpts.
When you compose a song, do you follow the rules?
“Honestly, I do not know anything about the rules. That’s what makes it genuine.”
You have become the soundtrack of our stories. Tell us how you feel about it.
“My main purpose in making music is to just express emotions, help inspire, and touch the soul that needs to be touched. That’s why I don’t have any knowledge about songwriting rules. I don’t have, like, music theory because more on emotion-based lang ‘yung music na ginagawa ko.”
What is your songwriting process?
“There are many processes because not everyone writes the same way. The most convenient for me is, like, from snaps (of fingers), beat box from the mouth and then just freestyling, nah-nah-nah-nah. I repeat “again and again” until I can find the shape of words that fit the music. Then, I’m gonna record it and send it to my friend-producer Axel Fernandez. He will make it more beautiful because we share the same principle. I just create from the heart.”
Do you record yourself while doing that?
“No.”
How do you remember what you’re talking about?
“Just keywords lang talaga.”
Let’s talk about Pagsamo. Ano yung inspirasyon at saan mo nakuha ‘yun?
“Here’s the thing, Tito Boy, I can never write songs when I’m brokenhearted because I couldn’t think clearly. I have to fully grasp the idea that I’m hurt for me to be able to relay it effortlessly to the audience. For them to genuinely appreciate every single word, I have to be honest with myself first.”
So, when you were writing Pagsamo, you were writing about an experience that happened to you in the past.
“Yes.”
First love?
“I could say parang ganun maybe because that’s when I first learned about the concept of love, na ganito pala siya ka-free.”
Do you know how big you are now?
“Every time I’m in a mall tour, nagugulat ako. I feel the energy every time I see the fans who are constantly reminding me that they are happy for me and they are rooting for me, too.”
Are you ready for fame?
“That’s what I’ve been thinking (of) every night. Well, of course, (with) great power comes great responsibility and fame is a huge responsibility. Inaaral ko na lang s’ya araw-araw kung paano i-handle with the help of my mom, my family, friends and fans. I’m always open for character development and so I’m just being myself.”
Do you compose songs alone? Where are you when you compose your music?
“I’m a home person. Mas na-a-appreciate ko ‘yung silence and calm because I believe that silence is louder. It’s always louder, parang mas maingay ‘pag mas tahimik, nakakabingi. Ang daming iniisip na nangyayari, so I take advantage of that.”
Arthur, handa ka ba doon sa posibilidad na sumikat sa buong mundo?
“I hope I get there.”