Keith Martin on life on the road and his movie scoring dream

CEBU, Philippines — Although he had not been back in Cebu for quite some time, R&B sensation and singer-songwriter Keith Martin did more than eat and shoot billiards (his Cebu routine) when he came to the Queen City of the South last month.

The American crooner, producer, songwriter and arranger – who made a name for himself with his romantic love songs and now has his own company, New Direction Music, which he co-founded – had Cebuano fans singing along to his beloved songs during a recent visit. It didn’t take long for the crowd to gather around the Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu to catch Keith’s performance.

Before taking fans down memory lane with hit songs like “Because of You,” his version of “My, My, My,” “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” “I’ll Make Love To You” and “Why Can’t We Be Lovers” among others, Keith – who soon took over the Terraces grounds singing, dancing, and pretty much partying with the Cebuano crowd with the help of the band Laraza—had a quick chat with The Freeman where he talked about Filipino talent, his life on the road, and advice to budding artists.

What’s keeping you busy?

Right now, I’m working on an album project. A few singles are out right now. It’s a song called “Return To Me.”

How is the new record going to sound like?

Very different from what people are used to. I have evolved. My music has evolved with the times. Some classic love songs and stuff. But I’ve got to keep pushing different boundaries. My writing, my sensibilities and life experiences have been different. The music has changed with that as well.

Who are the Filipino artists you’ve worked with and how was it working with them?

I worked with Kyla and Nina. Wow… Luke Mejares—I did two songs on his current “Blackbird” CD. Hopefully, me and Kyla can get back to the studio. It’s great because they’re super talented. The talent makes my music sound good so it’s always a plus.

Who are the artists that you want to work with and the ones you’re keeping an eye on?

Artists I haven’t worked with? Regine Velasquez is one. Sharon Cuneta. Definitely Gary V. There are a lot of new artists that I’m looking at. I like Michael Pangilinan, Laraza... I’m keeping an eye on a few artists on “The Voice” and “X Factor.” But so far… anybody that I haven’t worked with.

You’ve been a pioneering songwriter and producer. You have so many beloved hits under your belt. How does one not run out of things to say?

Oh you never run out of stuff. As long as you’re living… Because life itself gives you all of the material you need.

Do you feel like there are things you still need to achieve? Are there things you want to tick off your bucket list, career-wise?

I have a list but I don’t have a bucket list. Well I think, the only thing that I really want to do as far as on my list is movie scoring. I love soundtracks. And I love orchestrations and I want to get into that, writing for movies.

How do you deal with a tough crowd?

Good music is good music. And if it translates to people, and they relate to it, they give it to you back. I’ve never had a problem with the audience.

How does it feel to have generations know your song? Is “Because of You” a bigger hit here in the Philippines than anywhere else?

Yeah. It’s big here. Also big in Indonesia. It’s still going strong. It feels great. You always feel proud about how your children are doing well.

You’ve been to the Philippines for a while, and you lived in Indonesia for three years. What made you decide to go? Don’t you miss home?

Fans. I do [miss home]. But my path is different. I mean I went back home in the US last year. I go where the music takes me.

What’s the craziest thing that music has led you to?

Hmm. I would have to say some jungle villages in Indonesia.

Is it not a lonely path? The one you’re trying to follow?

Very. Very. Very. It hasn’t been an easy thing for me. I’ve suffered losses on all kinds of levels doing this but you have to follow your path.

How did you know that music was your path?

When I was young. I was 16. I was a session bass player in a recording studio and I just got the bug. That was it.

Was the life of an artist and musician on the road everything you thought it was going to be? What’s the best part about being where you are now?

Yes and no. There’s a duality with all that. You take the good with the bad, but you keep going. The best thing… Making a living doing what I love. Having a career instead of a job.

From the standpoint of a producer, what does it take for any artist to make a mark?

Confidence. You got to believe in your craft. You’ve got to study and practice your craft. I believe that if everybody follows their passion, they will get to the end of the rainbow. Don’t jump ship before you discover your passion, before you follow your passion.

Do you think you’ve reached the end of the rainbow?

Me? No. Not yet. But I’m enjoying the journey and that’s the thing.