GMA PLAYLIST: Shaun Salvador, Akira Kurata and Seb Pajarillo on Love in Different Stages

Looks like GMA Playlist is making their mark again with new artists Shaun Salvador, Akira Kurata and Seb Pajarillo. They're releasing their new singles "Get Through", "Dahil Sa'yo!", and "Guhit" which will be all under the same production. These songs are about the different stages of love, a new one, one that is going through troubles, and then the one recovering from it. 

Shaun says "This is very foreign for me, laughed a bit about it because I didn't think it would happen. I am thankful for GMA Playlist for making this happen. I needed to live the life of the character, it's not easy because like acting you need to put in emotions."

Akira told us "I didn't get to the finals of Campus Cuties but I was surprised when I got to AOS. Singing was something I didn't really know I could do because I was more into sports. They trusted us and this happened all so fast. I am super happy I now have a single out on streaming platforms. I went through singing workshops and had to travel from Dasma to here, they understood how far I was traveling from so thankful for GMA playlist."

Seb shares "I'd really like people to listen to this while it's raining because it feels so different. I listened to it when it was sunny and I went a little bad, but you'll get swayed with emotions with rain in the background. I am very thankful recording this was a breeze even if it took a while rehearsing for it. The process was super good."

Here's more of the press conference on video:

I'd be glad to note that they seem to be in a state where their songs are, experience is a good place to be in order to interpret it comfortably. Make sure you support them by streaming on platforms as these singles are out already!

GMA Playlist Features Songs of Love, Life with JOHN REX, KIM DE LEON, KIM PEREZ and MITZI JOSH

GMA Playlist has always been a really good platform to further dabble artistry of home grown GMA artists as they tackle songs about love, regret, friendship and the trials of life. It will be part of a line of soundtracks under GMA Network's "Ganito Tayo, Kapuso: Masayahin" (This is what we are Kapuso, Fun) which is part of their values campaign made with Sparkle Artists performing the different songs.

I distinctly remember several actors from Sparkle's stable who have done this and recorded songs meant for GMA shows as soundtracks and this time, they're doing the same. We saw Kim Perez, Kim de Leon, Mitzi Josh and John Rex perform their songs (in different genres), all heartfelt and ones that you can connect with. Some talk about love, being sorry, friendship that aligns with their network's current campaign. The lone rose Mitzi Josh performed "Ikaw Na Lang Ang Kulang" while Kim de Leon did "Basta't Magkasama Tayo". Champ John Rex did "Kahit Wala Nang Tayo" and Kim Perez had a more 2000's rock vibe with "Huling Hinto".

Their thrust is all about connections, because at this day and age we've gone accustomed to being in front of computers, tablets, our phones. This takes our inter personal ones on the backseat, so imagine how that puts our relationships with family, friends and everyone else in trouble. That's a really good talking point, and I hope the conversations continue after the GMA Playlist release.

Here's our interview with them at the posh THE GRAND HOUSSE which is both a fashion house and restaurant (really good selection and food btw!): 

When I asked them about their dreams, they all want to have the chance to have their own concerts, but ultimately just want to share their music, have someone appreciate it. Kim Perez believes he doesn't have to achieve the status of the big names in the industry, just the thought of putting out a song, as part of OPM, that's enough for him. Kim De Leon didn't even imagine singing at one point but now have 3 singles out under GMA Playlist. He also wishes to become a singer songwriter soon. Mitzi is thankful because singing is her first love, and wants to do Coachella, a concert, sing and have folks sing along with her (hopefully soon). John on the other hand wants to become a person who inspire others, and hope the song touches hearts, not just the charts, to see people in love with what he does on stage.

All these tracks for the GMA Playlist (these 5 singles) are produced by Rocky Gacho and can be streamed worldwide. Now go and stream them on platforms today because they're planning to do more music in the coming years, it would be awesome you could follow their journey now.

CRYSTAL PARAS and VILMARK VIRAY Release Heartbreaking Music

 

It's a nice afternoon to talk to two very talented singers from GMA Music and GMA Playlist's stable. One is versatile actress and former Starstruck Crystal Paras and The CLASH alumni Vilmark Viray. 

Crystal says "I'm really happy to be part of this (Voltes V Legacy) and I won't doubt the quality of this project because it all goes to Japan for approval. This is something big, something I wished for because I always play the goody two shoes who gets slapped by contra bidas. I also wanted to do something like an action flick so this was really a dream for me. For my music, when they gave it to me, I asked them to change very minimal. The lyrics stayed the same and I knew, it just felt right. I was in Twin Lakes when this was given to me, they told me to think about it but I loved the song. It's very laid back, I worked as an acoustic singer and this was very mellow, something that definitely fit me. I'd love to be able to perform it in front of crowds, maybe have it for a movie or series, perhaps hear it on the radio, or immortalized in karaoke lists. This is very easy to listen to and easy to sing, I hope it blows up soon and don't take years to get there. Hopefully, hopefully! My Mom already heard this, that was hard for me to do. I look up to her as a singer and actress, but I would like to hear her critique and she liked it. I am already happy about that achievement."

 Vilmark on the other hand has been performing regularly on AOS and on other GMA shows. He says "I've been wishing to perform on stage, but now I've been appearing with my idols on TV. I treat them as my inspiration, make it a point to do that to better my craft. I always practice, learn a lot and do my best so I won't be the cause of delay when singing on TV. I've written the song and music, I only learned the guitar this year and tried to get it approved. I was so happy when they did, it's a process though before it got out. I'm happy because it's something that happened to me personally, and I hope this would have a place in the hearts of those who listen to it especially our Kapuso fans. I dedicate this to my family, those who didn't doubt, who have sacrificed a lot to send me to tapings til now. I hope this all gets paid off with the success of my song, to have a chance to entertain them, that would be the best thing for me."

 Here's part of the interview we had with them this morning.

Their single "Hintay" (Crystal Paras) and "Paraya" (Vilmark Viray) is already available in Spotify and different streaming platforms worldwide. Make sure to stream and download them legally where available. They are also planning to sing these songs on tours so hold on tight when they come to your town! Their music is under GMA Playlist and GMA Music.

Arra San Agustin Releases "Hanggang Dito Na Lang"

 Versatile actress, singer and Starstruck alumnus Arra San Agustin just released a new single under GMA Playlist called "Hanggang Dito Na Lang". It's a very emotional song that discusses how to deal with a heartbreak, not just from love and relationships, but also friendships. She wants to delve into this genre a little bit more than usual as she just got off from a long term relationship, it was apt, sort of perfect timing. She's in a different place now, very much in love. She tells us a little bit more about it during a blogcon this morning.

Arra says "The genre and emotions of the song was talked between us and the team, I wanted something that was a little hurtful, emotional, I've sung several songs for The Lost Recipe and Madrasta. I thought about sad songs, I want it melancholic, not just romantic relationships, but friendships. If things doesn't go the way we planned, this song personifies that. I personally don't just look at words or music, I want something that I can feel, something that can make us feel alive. I've been in relationships, this was apt for that. But now, I'm happily in love. I was doing voice lessons when I was a kid, it was really something I wanted to do since then. I think I've been influenced by Avril Lavigne, a lot of early 2000 artists, and indie too." 

 

She adds "I would want to learn more, to enhance and improve myself more in creating music, I have more room for improvement and I'm willing to commit for that. I want to explore this genre I'm doing, I want to also do more emotional ones, but focus on this one so we can master it. The GMA Playlist team was very open to suggestions, I'm grateful because singers get pushed from their boundaries, they really get us involved a lot with that. They want us to do that. I really didn't expect to sing teleserye songs, when I was starting it really wasn't in the bucket list, but anything I do was because I had a lot of people who believe in me. They put us into that milestone, I used to freak out knowing that I'd be doing it here, or if I deserve it, and get it published on streaming platforms, but it is so worth it. The difference now with this single is that I'm more confident, I am also supported by my team, who want to listen, help me achieve more. Singing is something I love, I have to practice more so I plan to have voice lessons still. GMA offers that, and I'm glad they do that in preparation for other things we can do. For now I want to perform live, in an intimate setting. I want to feel how it is to do that in a small gathering."

If you're in love and want something that pulls heartstrings, go stream her song on streaming platforms. You can pre-order now and stream it on Friday, see why she's doing great in teleseryes and now, a whole new singing career in front of her. Congratulations Arra!

Lexi Gonzales Outs "Something in the Rain" Under GMA Playlist

Just got the chance to Lexi Gonzales a few days ago. The Starstruck First Princes has already made a mark in GMA shows and several series, but today's a little different because she's chasing a huge passion of hers, it's singing. She released the single "Something in the Rain" last November 12th under GMA Playlist.

Lexy says "I was really drawn to this masterpiece by Rina Mercado. I was nervous, but motivated because GMA Playlist really supported me. I initially connected it with the feeling of having a first love, the nostalgia of having it, but later on felt it's appropriate to dedicate it to my loved ones, my family, specifically my Grandma. She's someone I really love, and I feel I am with her when I sing about it."

Lexi also hopes she gets to sing more songs with her friends Mikee, and her co stars in Sunday Pinasaya. She also wanted to sing with Garette Bolden if they're permitted to work together. Lexi wants to find good love, something that won't be wasted especially if she's putting an effort to make it last. The ones who heard it first was her family, they actually loved it includer her closest friends. She got lots of good feedback because she didn't realize they would like it that much. My Mom felt it was sweet, whilst my Dad was surprise she could sing, she felt she really had their support right from the start. She also wants to write songs soon, as she's got a new platform. Hopefully she would get to star in her own series, be part of a movie, and make her travel vlogs because that's what she wants to do. These days, she listens to Taylor Swift, some of her favorite bands include Eraserheads and Kitchie Nadal, which she also things are her greatest music influence. You can go listed to it on all music platforms, just search for her name and it should be listed there! Spotify would be a good place to start!