Julia Fordham calls Filipinos’ appreciation for her songs a ‘blessing’

The esteemed British sultry singer-songwriter Julia Fordham is set to grace Manila with a one-night Valentine’s concert at The Theatre at Solaire on Feb. 16. She will be joined by Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista, as a special guest.

Julia embarked on an illustrious music career in the early ‘80s and was initially known as Jules Fordham, who supported artists like Mari Wilson and Kim Wilde. Her journey led to a solo recording contract later that decade. She is renowned for hits like Love Moves in Mysterious Ways, Happy Ever After, Invisible War, and Girlfriend.

In line with her upcoming show, we had the privilege to interview Julia to gain insights on her passion for music.

Below are excerpts from the Q and A:

When did your love for music begin and what was the scenario that made you go full steam ahead on this career path?

“I think my love for music started at school when every kid was given a recorder. I could literally play anything on mine. It was like I knew how to play it. I could play most songs by ear. Then I got a guitar for Christmas when I was 12 and I was off and running after that.

“I was performing at local folk clubs at 14 and then people there started commenting on my range and songs and that gave me confidence to pursue a career in music. I still love all genres of music and I am always checking out new artists and going to gigs.”

Could you share what your thoughts were while writing Happy Ever After as a tribute to Nelson Mandela? What was his reaction to the song?

“I wish I had met Nelson Mandela! I don’t know if he ever heard the song. He was the inspiration though. I started writing the song in my bedroom and stopped for an afternoon tea break, a very typically British thing to do.

“I turned on the TV and there was a segment about Nelson Mandela and I was so inspired by his grace and humility in the face of such challenging circumstances, suddenly my song about love and life and wanting to be Happy Ever After took a turn towards South Africa and apartheid and the atrocities there.” 

If it’s not too personal to ask who was the person in mind while recording Invisible War?

“Invisible War was more a reflection of a feeling. I think the initial idea came from a friend who wanted to move out of the friend zone and into the romantic zone and I wasn’t feeling the same way and that threw him off a bit and altered the atmosphere. That gave me the jump-off point for trying to capture that shift in a song.

“One of my favorite memories from any gig anywhere in the world was how when the intro for Invisible War was played at my very first show in Manila, the response from the audience was so loud, I could not hear the piano! It was such a blessing and still is, to feel the appreciation from the Filipino people for that particular song.”

What is your process in composing a song? Which comes first, the lyrics or melody?

“I am not sure exactly how or why, but for me, the songs just seem to come in when I am doing something else. Often on my daily walk, they just waft into my head and heart. Invisible War and Happy Ever After, both the songs you have asked about, they came in with the lyrics and melody together. I usually get, receive the first verse, chorus and middle eight bridge section that way. The words for the second verse are usually written once I have established the direction, theme, sentiment for the song.”

What was the hardest, most painful song you have ever written? And when do you decide the song is finished and complete?

“I think the honest answer to that is a new song, that I have just recorded. It is called My Old Table. I started it seven years ago. The whole song came in and I have had it in my head all this time. When I recorded it earlier this year with my old live band, I added a brand-new line right at the very end. So that is an example of literally never assuming the song is finished till I am in the studio.

“I do a lot of refining and re-working and will try every song, many different ways, as in different keys and at different tempos. Also, I will try tiny lyric changes to see if that can improve things in anyway. I never settle. Just deciding on a key can take me weeks. I will sing the song over and over into my phone, trying to find the best key for it to sit in.”

Could you share with us your daughter Marleys’ feelings or thoughts on the EP and album Magic?

“I just went into her bedroom and asked her. She said her favorite songs on the Magic album are Angel Without Wings, How I Love You Baby, and I Want To Stay Home With You. I Want To Stay Home With You is actually one of my fave songs and I am planning on singing it at my shows in Manila. Cebu gets a mention, so it seems an appropriate song for the Filipino audience. I asked Marley how the Magic album makes her feel and she said it made her feel really good to know that her Mum really loves her. I also asked her what her favorite songs of mine were and she said Stay and Falling Forward and Missing Man.”

Love Moves in Mysterious Ways is a huge hit here in the Philippines and has been covered multiple times by Filipino artists. Could you share the story how you wrote the song with Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford and how it landed as the theme to The Butcher’s Wife film?

“I did not write Love Moves in Mysterious Ways. The song was written by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford. I was asked to sing it. The producer Peter Asher called me and said that Linda Rondstadt was going to sing it, but something had come up and she couldn’t after all. I was in L.A. at the time and there was an urgent deadline.

“The movie, The Butcher’s Wife, starring Demi Moore, was the follow-up to her smash hit Ghost. So there was a lot of anticipation about the film. I was actually all set to fly back to London but Peter convinced me I should get in my car immediately and drive over to his office to hear the song. It was very exciting as when I was in the meeting with him, Joni Mitchell dropped by and came in to talk to Peter. Joni is my No. 1 favorite artist.”

“Peter also said he could arrange for all the very best players in town to play on Love Moves and before I knew it, I was in the studio with Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Larry Klein on bass and Dean Parks on guitar. So I think there was an energy and magic in the session that gave the track wings. I am very grateful to the Filipino people for their love of that song.”

Your thoughts on Filipino singers like Christian Bautista and Nina who have covered some of your songs?

“Christian has a beautiful and romantic tone and really is a terrific balladeer. I am looking forward to singing Invincible with him. I also love his song The Way You Look At Me. Nina is a lovely girl and her rendition of Love Moves is delightful, she made it her own.”

(Julia Fordham, A Valentine’s Concert is produced by DMC Philippines. For ticket inquiries, log on to premier.ticketworld.com.ph or call the Solaire Box Office 8888-8888 loc. 60134.)