It’s Valentine’s Day, the most romantic date of the year. And it gets even more special as one of the most gifted and prolific composers of romantic songs performs in Dubai on the day of hearts.
American singer-songwriter David Pomeranz, the man behind hits such as King and Queen of Hearts, Got To Believe in Magic and Born For You, will perform for the first time in Dubai in a concert dubbed A Magical Valentine Night.
Pomeranz will be joined by Philippine singer and songwriter Juris, the former lead singer of acoustic group MYMP.
Award-winning Pomeranz has penned songs that have been performed by artists as diverse as Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Freddie Mercury, Missy Elliott, The Carpenters and Cliff Richard, with 22 platinum and 18 gold albums.
Pomeranz is particularly popular in the Philippines, where his 1999 album “Born For You - His Best And More” became the best-selling album of all time in the country.
Prior to his performance in Dubai, tabloid! chatted with the versatile musical artist.
Q: What can the Dubai crowd expect from you during your show?
A: Lots of romantic songs – many of which they know and love (King and Queen of Hearts, Born For You, Got To Believe in Magic, If You Walked Away, On This Day and more), plus lots of fun.
Q: After Dubai, what’s next?
A: Next is a series of concerts all over the Philippines in March to promote my new “You’re The Inspiration” album. This album has just been released and contains some of my favourite songs like, “The Search Is Over” and “What Matters Most”! Very exciting. After that, I will go to the States for some business and an Australian tour set for June.
Q: What are your musical preferences/genre these days, aside from your songs?
A: I love a lot of the new music being written and recorded these days, although I don’t always know the name of the artist or the band, I surely know the records when I hear them. I love Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, among others.
Q: What advice do you have to offer any aspiring or new singers?
A: The best advice is to do what you love to do – and do it a lot. If you sing – sing in front of many audiences. If you write – write every day. Like with any endeavour – arts, crafts, business, it is basic to get good at it. You must do it intensively and then the competence will arrive.
Q: You’re one of the great artists. How do you maintain you voice quality?
A: Thank you. I make sure, when I’m on the road, to drink lots of water, get as much sleep as I possibly can, little to no sugar and not eat too many carbs. Also, I don’t drink alcohol or smoke. I sing a lot and, strangely enough, like any muscle, that helps to keep my vocal instrument in good shape.
Q: What sort of emotions run through you when you’re on stage? How do you connect with the crowd?
A: I try to stay, “in the present” when I’m on stage and keep the “thinking” at a minimum. I try to let the music I’m performing move me and make me feel deeply. It is my hope that, in that way, the audience will also feel what I am feeling. Yes, I do often look at people in the crowd and communicate with them from the stage as much as I can.
Five minutes with Juris:
Q: First time to do a concert with David Pomeranz?
A: Yes.
Q: How does it feel to be performing with David Pomeranz?
A: I’m looking forward to it. I’m honoured to be part of his show.
Q: What is your favourite Pomeranz song? If given a chance to record one of his songs what will it be?
A: Got To Believe In Magic.
Q: What can the Dubai crowd expect from you during your show?
A: I hope to bring out great memories our kababayans [compatriots] have with their loved ones who are with them or those in the Philippines through the songs that I’ll be singing. (To) comfort the lonely as well on Valentine’s Day.
Q: What keeps you busy — any upcoming gig, album?
A: After Dubai, it’s just my regular and some special gigs. Then it’s the Himig Handog song writing competition on February 24. I’m one of the interpreters - singing the composition of Soc Villanueva “Hanggang Wakas”. I think in April my album Dreaming of you, which is currently available on iTunes, will be released in Singapore and in the Philippines. I will also be a part of shows in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and I think I will be back here in Dubai as well. Will have to confirm with my manager. Fan can also visit my sites: @jurisfernandez (Twitter), Juris (Facebook), and juris.com.ph (website).
Q: In ASAP, you perform with other great singers like Aiza Seguerra, Kean Cirpriano, etc. How do you complement each other? Is there any kind of competition among the artists?
A: No competition. We have our own style. It helps that on and off stage we all relate to each other well. I’m happy to be a part of Sessionistas.
Q: Aside from David Pomeranz, who else among the international singers do you want to perform with?
A: Bono/U2
Q: Would it be possible to see you in a MYMP reunion concert?
A: No, not possible.
Q: What does it take to be a solo performer compared to being part of a band?
A: From my experience, at first I thought now that I’m bringing my own name, representing myself, it takes more effort in introducing myself and what makes me unique in the industry. Eventually, I felt no pressure because of relationships I formed with great artists and working with the same group of people during live performances. People who are generous in giving support to fellow OPM artists. We’re just all music lovers.
Q: What challenges have you encountered as a solo artist?
A: The decision to go solo was a challenge. It wasn’t easy for me to accept. Fortunately, I was already with Sessionistas, so I’d still be in a group when I appeared on TV. Plus I still performed with some of my former band mates. I rarely use minus1 so I rarely perform on my own. I’m usually with my keyboardist or guitarist, if not a full band. I guess the thought of going solo was the only challenge. Glad that it was all in my head. Grateful for people who encouraged and supported me.
