More press for Arnel (interview & press conference-video

[*Laura]

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/76453/Arnel-Pineda-Rebirth-with-Journey-at-40



Arnel Pineda: Rebirth with Journey at 40
DAISY C.L. MANDAP, GMANews.TV
01/14/2008 | 06:47 PM



HONG KONG - Hearing Arnel Pineda sing for the first time is always a riveting experience.
Just ask any of those who might have chanced hearing his rousing rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody" at the Cavern in Lan Kwai Fong some two years ago.

His voice was so pure, so electrifying, that he would almost always get a standing ovation at the end of his performance.
It was almost a shame then that he was relegated to doing cover versions of songs by Freddie Mercury,
Sting by The Police, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, and many others.

But as luck would have it, it was this special talent of sounding very much like “the original" that gave Pineda the ticket to attaining a feat he never even dared dream of---that of joining one of his favorite bands, Journey.
And as its lead singer, no less.

It was Journey’s guitarist, Neal Schon, who was responsible for roping in Pineda, after seeing him on YouTube performing “Faithfully" with his Manila band, The Zoo.

“I was frustrated about not having a singer," Schon says in a blog on Journey’s website, “so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours.
I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody.
But then I found The Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted.
After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true.
I thought, ‘he can’t be that good.’
But he is that good, he’s the real deal and so tremendously talented."

Schon was of course, speaking about Pineda, who was himself so shocked when he first heard from Journey that he immediately dismissed it as a hoax.
It was only after some prodding from a friend that he decided to reply to Schon’s email.

“Until now, I still can’t believe it. Hindi pa rin nag- si –sink in," says the diminutive singer during a recent phone interview with The Sun.
“But I am so proud that it happened." It almost never did, however.

After a few talks, Schon invited Pineda to fly to San Francisco for a two-day audition in December last year.
Pineda thought he blew it on the first day. “Maraming palpak, (maybe because) I just had two hours of sleep during the 15-hour flight," he relates.
“It was so nerve-wracking, the pressure was too much."

But during a recording session the next day with Schon and the other band members Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valery (bass) and Deen Castronovo (drums), Pineda managed to relax a bit.
“That was the defining moment, I think."
After singing along with the group, Pineda was able to convince even Cain, their most skeptical member, that he was the man for them.

On Feb. 1, Pineda is set to leave for the U.S. again, this time to join the band in recording a new album that could be out as early as July.
“After that, siguro pwede na kaming mag-tour," he said.

At the age of 40, when most musicians are bound to think fame has already slipped past, Pineda is experiencing a rebirth in his career.

It’s a big jump from his early days as a member of various bands that traveled across the Philippines and later, Hong Kong, for gigs.
It was an even bigger leap from the days he was forced to sleep rough on the streets of Manila after poverty forced his family apart.It was not always the case, though.
Pineda still remembers the time when his parents, both tailors, would suit him up for amateur singing contests starting at age 5. “They knew even then that I could sing, but I was so shy," he reminisces.

At age 12, his mother died after a long illness that left his family heavily in debt.
Eventually, he and his three siblings had to find ways to fend for themselves. “Naghiwa-hiwalay kami."
He became homeless, and spent much of his time sleeping at friends’ houses, and sometimes in Luneta Park.

The first opportunity to mend his shattered life came when a friend invited him to join a band.
That was how, at age 15, Pineda became a professional musician.
He became a lead singer of Ijos (later renamed Hijos) band in 1982 and just five years later,
first won international acclaim when he won the Best Vocalist award at the World Band Explosion in Tokyo.

He then joined a pop/rock band called Amo which played in clubs in Quezon City, Makati and Olangapo.
In late 1990 Amo disbanded, and Pineda teamed up with four former bandmates to form “New Age."
It was with this band that he first came to HK to sing at the now-defunct Igor’s and Grammy’s.

Nine years later, he was lured to return to the Philippines on his days off so he could record a solo album for Warner Bros.
One of the songs in his self-titled album, “Iiyak Ka Rin" became a very popular karaoke tune while another, “Sayang," became a radio favorite.
Still, Pineda remained on the periphery of success, and largely made his mark singing covers of his favorite bands.

This became his trade mark even as he and three members of New Age split and joined forces with a female singer to form “Most W@nted."
The band played for six days each week at The Cavern, and on Sundays, their only rest day in the week,
they obliged requests to sing at Filipino community events.
It was also during this time that Pineda recorded the theme song of the short-lived Filipino radio show, “Dayo."

In 2006, Pineda again decided to move back to Manila along with longtime friend and bandmate Monet Cajipe, and formed The Zoo.
That, as his newfound fame now shows, proved to be the most serendipitous move in his musical career.
Though he is soon to be a citizen of the world, Pineda says he intends to come back to HK every so often so he could retain his permanent residency,
and ensure the same thing for his three sons, aged 18, 12 and 2.

That could also be his way of keeping grounded, even as he embarks on a journey that up until last month, he never thought was possible.
Daisy CL Mandap, GMANews.TV

[*Laura]

The video of the press conference at Hard Rock Cafe in Makati,Philippines.

http://www.clickthecity.com/clipcast/?v=380

[ttango1]

Until now, I still can’t believe it. Hindi pa rin nag- si –sink in,

When translated from tagalog, it mean,"It really hasn't sunk in yet(the feeling)."

“After that, siguro pwede na kaming mag-tour," he said.

"Then probably we'll go on tour."

[The Sushi Hunter]

Until now, I still can’t believe it. Hindi pa rin nag- si –sink in,

When translated from tagalog, it mean,"It really hasn't sunk in yet(the feeling)."

“After that, siguro pwede na kaming mag-tour," he said.

"Then probably we'll go on tour."

Thanks for the translation ttango1. Do you agree with or dissagree with what I said about Arnel making history in the Philippines music world? Reference my last post in the "World Tour" thread.

By the way, I see that your Chargers are smelling the glove today. NE worked'em a new ass.

[ttango1]

I have to look up your view on that, I'll let you know but I think I'd probably agree with you.


The Spread in Las Vegas was 15 points, they lost 9. It's a moral victory at best but at least I won cash:)

Next year... The Chargers are healthy and they look to fricken dominate the NFL.

B'lee dat!!!

[stevew2]

I couldnt understand one fucking word he said, not one

[ttango1]

I couldnt understand one fucking word he said, not one

All you had to do was ask. I could understand perfectly. I'll translate the parts you shouldn't know but the rest of it should be very easy to hear...IF YOU LISTEN. That is if you really wanted to.

All this at the Hard Rock in Manila so of course, it will be a place where Taglish is completly accepted and expected.
When the context is in America, he'll speak barely any taglish and mostly in an American Accent.

When asked what he has to offer Journey, Arnel with open arms says,"I'm offering Arnel Pineda."

He then says to all," I hope I'm not trying to sound braggy but you are all going to get Arnel Pineda with Journey and I'm a Filipino, ayon.( Ayon translates to Agreed in this context.)

When asked about how he feels about the Racial Slurs that have been said on some websites Arnel replies with,"You know Neal Schon told me that there are just a few of them talking bad , actually that America is starting to embrace Arnel Pineda and I hope that you are here too."

When asked what happens if Steve Perry wants to come back? He replies, "It's always been his band, You know it's his legacy so...I think, kahit mag stay with Journey for 1 year I'm very thankful talaga that I became a part musically of history of Rock in Roll in America."

Kahit mag stay loosely translated means If my time...
Talaga means really.

His manager adds that Arnel has been saying all along that if Steve Perry wants to come back, he will step aside. To which Arnel acknoledges and says, "Yeah...no hard feelings."

He ends it with this,"Hello everyone, my kababyans, the album will be out early summer, support po. Pinoy Power."

Kababayan means compatriot or townmate. Po in this context means Please support.

[annie89509]

Thanks for the summation, Tango. I had a hard time trying to understand what he was saying, too.

When he mentioned Steve Perry, my ears did perk up .

[stevew2]

I couldnt understand one fucking word he said, not one

All you had to do was ask. I could understand perfectly. I'll translate the parts you shouldn't know but the rest of it should be very easy to hear...IF YOU LISTEN. That is if you really wanted to.

All this at the Hard Rock in Manila so of course, it will be a place where Taglish is completly accepted and expected.
When the context is in America, he'll speak barely any taglish and mostly in an American Accent.

When asked what he has to offer Journey, Arnel with open arms says,"I'm offering Arnel Pineda."

He then says to all," I hope I'm not trying to sound braggy but you are all going to get Arnel Pineda with Journey and I'm a Filipino, ayon.( Ayon translates to Agreed in this context.)

When asked about how he feels about the Racial Slurs that have been said on some websites Arnel replies with,"You know Neal Schon told me that there are just a few of them talking bad , actually that America is starting to embrace Arnel Pineda and I hope that you are here too."

When asked what happens if Steve Perry wants to come back? He replies, "It's always been his band, You know it's his legacy so...I think, kahit mag stay with Journey for 1 year I'm very thankful talaga that I became a part musically of history of Rock in Roll in America."

Kahit mag stay loosely translated means If my time...
Talaga means really.

His manager adds that Arnel has been saying all along that if Steve Perry wants to come back, he will step aside. To which Arnel acknoledges and says, "Yeah...no hard feelings."

He ends it with this,"Hello everyone, my kababyans, the album will be out early summer, support po. Pinoy Power."

Kababayan means compatriot or townmate. Po in this context means Please support.

Can someone translate what you just said?

[texafana]

Can someone translate what you just said?

bullshit...give it a rest.

[ttango1]

It's easy to see who loves HATERADE!!!



It just means that you've got some pent up emotion. Whatever Steve!!!

Hey does the w2 stand for the form that I fill out for tax purposes?
Make sure you choose 1040EZ, I think the A form might be a bit too taxing for your comprehension skills.
I suggest, "Hooked on Phonics" for a start. I just bought it for my nephew for Christmas. He loves it.

[wildone]

When asked what happens if Steve Perry wants to come back? He replies, "It's always been his band, You know it's his legacy so...I think, kahit mag stay with Journey for 1 year I'm very thankful talaga that I became a part musically of history of Rock in Roll in America."

please you have to actually do something to be considered apart of the legacy ....filling in as a tribute singer isn't what will do it,having a top 20 hit and selling albums will...and not a 100 thousand either something that might fill the "little mans " pocket more,so you might want to get that in the books before a stupid ass comment like that is made!

[mistiejourney]

Thanks for the summation, Tango. I had a hard time trying to understand what he was saying, too.

When he mentioned Steve Perry, my ears did perk up .

Thanks for the translation! Since all the interviews are taking place in the Philippines, it's not surprising that there is some "taglish".

[bluejeangirl76]

Well, the press in the Philippines seems to be all over this because now they have a vested interest.
Fine and good. But I can't help but notice the glaring lack of US press.

(nice way of saying "apparently, the US music doesn't give much of a shit about faux-Journey" )

[wildone]

Well, the press in the Philippines seems to be all over this because now they have a vested interest.
Fine and good. But I can't help but notice the glaring lack of US press.

(nice way of saying "apparently, the US music doesn't give much of a shit about faux-Journey" )

They're better off trying across the seas then here..They're looking to much like there own tribute band now,and honestly who knows if arnels even going to make it ...they pumped up Jeff then tossed him ,who's to say if they don't make a mark over seas that arnel isn't next...Just an easy observation.

[bluejeangirl76]

Well, the press in the Philippines seems to be all over this because now they have a vested interest.
Fine and good. But I can't help but notice the glaring lack of US press.

(nice way of saying "apparently, the US music doesn't give much of a shit about faux-Journey" )

They're better off trying across the seas then here..They're looking to much like there own tribute band now,and honestly who knows if arnels even going to make it ...they pumped up Jeff then tossed him ,who's to say if they don't make a mark over seas that arnel isn't next...Just an easy observation.

Agreed, wildone.

[DrFU]

Xenophobia isn't the way to go here, folks, IMHO.

This is just another guy living his dream, basking in the spotlight with his own national press.

Think about all the "proud to be an American" songs, messages, symbols, etc. we broadcast at every opportunity. Arnel's clearly proud to be a Filapino; frankly, I be appalled if he weren't.

I really wish SA's voice had held up and he was still fronting Journey. I wish JSS hadn't been treated like crap by people who were supposed to be his friends. But the situation is what it is, and none of it is AP's fault.

Linda

[wildone]

Xenophobia isn't the way to go here, folks, IMHO.

This is just another guy living his dream, basking in the spotlight with his own national press.

Think about all the "proud to be an American" songs, messages, symbols, etc. we broadcast at every opportunity. Arnel's clearly proud to be a Filapino; frankly, I be appalled if he weren't.

I really wish SA's voice had held up and he was still fronting Journey. I wish JSS hadn't been treated like crap by people who were supposed to be his friends. But the situation is what it is, and none of it is AP's fault.

Linda

True but lets face it they will take advantage of him just like anyone else.no matter where he's from.

[chf34jmac]

Only thing I get from this is that Journey management is allowing the most articulate of the members to handle the press briefings.

[*Laura]

True but lets face it they will take advantage of him just like anyone else.no matter where he's from.

Ok,so they will take advantage of him and he will take advantage of them and together they will take advantage of the fans. What else is new?
Sure,there are fans who will simply refuse to be fans anymore however,I find it VERY hard to believe that they will refuse listening to the new material with the new singer...
Every Journey "ex-fan" will listen to this incarnation.Out of curiosity,out of envy maybe or solely for gauging the product.

As a side note...There was a time in my life as a Journey fan when I thought I could never ever listen to any of the *new* Journey material because in my *loonishness* I've let the internal affairs of this band come between me and the pleasure of listening to the music. "Arrival","Generations" were all "crap" to me before listening to them.

But I've learned to separate the eras, dissociate shitty band decisions from band creation and appreciate all the eras for what they've brought musically.
What I did was to learn to give myself the chance to enjoy the songs,whoever sings them.
No one will ever sing them like Perry did,but that's another story.
Only because I am a faithful Steve Perry fan,tho,I cannot hate Augeri,or Jeff or Arnel.

Another thing I've learned as a Journey fan is: the more one knows about what's happening behind the scenes,the harder it gets to be objective.
I think Rick said it best at one point...We were all happier fans before joining the Journey message boards.

[wildone]

True but lets face it they will take advantage of him just like anyone else.no matter where he's from.

Ok,so they will take advantage of him and he will take advantage of them and together they will take advantage of the fans. What else is new?
Sure,there are fans who will simply refuse to be fans anymore however,I find it VERY hard to believe that they will refuse listening to the new material with the new singer...
Every Journey "ex-fan" will listen to this incarnation.Out of curiosity,out of envy maybe or solely for gauging the product.

As a side note...There was a time in my life as a Journey fan when I thought I could never ever listen to any of the *new* Journey material because in my *loonishness* I've let the internal affairs of this band come between me and the pleasure of listening to the music. "Arrival","Generations" were all "crap" to me before listening to them.
But I've learned to separate the eras, dissociate shitty band decisions from band creation and appreciate all the eras for what they've brought musically.
What I did was to learn to give myself the chance to enjoy the songs,whoever sings them.No one will ever sing them like Perry did,but that's another story.
Only because I am a faithful Steve Perry fan,tho,I cannot hate Augeri,or Jeff or Arnel.

Another thing I've learned as a Journey fan is: the more one knows about what's happening behind the scenes,the harder it gets to be objective.
I think Rick said it best at one point...We were all happier fans before joining the Journey message boards.

well of course people where happier ...they didn't have a clue of what was going on behind the scenes..and yes there will be the people who's curious about the sound ..but hell they'll wait to hear it on youtube or here before they drop a dime for an album.

[ttango1]

Xenophobia isn't the way to go here, folks, IMHO.

This is just another guy living his dream, basking in the spotlight with his own national press.

Think about all the "proud to be an American" songs, messages, symbols, etc. we broadcast at every opportunity. Arnel's clearly proud to be a Filipino; frankly, I'd be appalled if he weren't.

I really wish SA's voice had held up and he was still fronting Journey. I wish JSS hadn't been treated like crap by people who were supposed to be his friends. But the situation is what it is, and none of it is AP's fault.

Linda

Bingo!!! And the legacy part is simply that he is a part of the incarnation known as Journey. He is the lead singer, for however long a time, for the band..Like Robert F, Like Steve P, Like Steve A, like Jeff SS That is all.

[larryfromnextdoor]

CHARGERS BABY CHARGERS!!!

you gonna leave this in your signature for a while longer?

[The Sushi Hunter]

Well, the press in the Philippines seems to be all over this because now they have a vested interest.
Fine and good. But I can't help but notice the glaring lack of US press.

(nice way of saying "apparently, the US music doesn't give much of a shit about faux-Journey" )

As I've said in the "World Tour" thread, the people of the Philippines takes this merge with an American classic rock band and a Pinoy as history in the making of the Philippines music industry. Arnel's going down in history in the Philippines, though it's not a big deal for other countries. With the way the press in the Philippines has covered this situation, that alone is proof of what I am saying on how big this deal is and the significance and impact that it's going to have on the people of the Philippines and the entertainment (music) industry in the Philippines. A concert there with Arnel/Journey is going to be chaos and completely out of control. Some serious planning will need to be involved as to try and curb the shock that this concert will generate. As I've said, it could probably help by having anywhere from five to seven concerts over a two week period of time. This way everyone will feel that they can eventually get to see one of the shows. If it's limited to one or even three, everyone will rush in there to get in, regardless if they have money or a seat, in which case I think it would be a huge disaster marred with violance, injury and distruction. At least the "whale's" safe since it's been taken out of service and won't be part of the show.

[ttango1]

CHARGERS BABY CHARGERS!!!

you gonna leave this in your signature for a while longer?

Good Point...it's time for a 2nd sport after a 3 day mourning period. 2 days more and then it's onto sport #2.

NBA hoops where my team is trying to do something they've never done.

[Behshad]

[wildone]

Xenophobia isn't the way to go here, folks, IMHO.

This is just another guy living his dream, basking in the spotlight with his own national press.

Think about all the "proud to be an American" songs, messages, symbols, etc. we broadcast at every opportunity. Arnel's clearly proud to be a Filipino; frankly, I'd be appalled if he weren't.

I really wish SA's voice had held up and he was still fronting Journey. I wish JSS hadn't been treated like crap by people who were supposed to be his friends. But the situation is what it is, and none of it is AP's fault.

Linda

Bingo!!! And the legacy part is simply that he is a part of the incarnation known as Journey. He is the lead singer, for however long a time, for the band..Like Robert F, Like Steve P, Like Steve A, like Jeff SS That is all.

He'll be known as a lead singer when an album comes out ...till then he's just a fill in .

[ttango1]

As I've said, it could probably help by having anywhere from five to seven concerts over a two week period of time. This way everyone will feel that they can eventually get to see one of the shows. If it's limited to one or even three, everyone will rush in there to get in, regardless if they have money or a seat, in which case I think it would be a huge disaster marred with violance, injury and distruction.

Security will have to be first class just like the Beyonce' shows, perhaps if Filipino TV pay per views it that would help stem the rush. I agree on more than 1 concert. We can't have any more Wowwowwee incidents where people get stomped. Truth be told though, it's happened in America too.

[wildone]

Well, the press in the Philippines seems to be all over this because now they have a vested interest.
Fine and good. But I can't help but notice the glaring lack of US press.

(nice way of saying "apparently, the US music doesn't give much of a shit about faux-Journey" )

As I've said in the "World Tour" thread, the people of the Philippines takes this merge with an American classic rock band and a Pinoy as history in the making of the Philippines music industry. Arnel's going down in history in the Philippines, though it's not a big deal for other countries. With the way the press in the Philippines has covered this situation, that alone is proof of what I am saying on how big this deal is and the significance and impact that it's going to have on the people of the Philippines and the entertainment (music) industry in the Philippines. A concert there with Arnel/Journey is going to be chaos and completely out of control. Some serious planning will need to be involved as to try and curb the shock that this concert will generate. As I've said, it could probably help by having anywhere from five to seven concerts over a two week period of time. This way everyone will feel that they can eventually get to see one of the shows. If it's limited to one or even three, everyone will rush in there to get in, regardless if they have money or a seat, in which case I think it would be a huge disaster marred with violance, injury and distruction. At least the "whale's" safe since it's been taken out of service and won't be part of the show.

wow I can see it now stampedes to a journey concert lmao yah that's going to happen in the near future

[ttango1]

Xenophobia isn't the way to go here, folks, IMHO.

This is just another guy living his dream, basking in the spotlight with his own national press.

Think about all the "proud to be an American" songs, messages, symbols, etc. we broadcast at every opportunity. Arnel's clearly proud to be a Filipino; frankly, I'd be appalled if he weren't.

I really wish SA's voice had held up and he was still fronting Journey. I wish JSS hadn't been treated like crap by people who were supposed to be his friends. But the situation is what it is, and none of it is AP's fault.

Linda

Bingo!!! And the legacy part is simply that he is a part of the incarnation known as Journey. He is the lead singer, for however long a time, for the band..Like Robert F, Like Steve P, Like Steve A, like Jeff SS That is all.

He'll be known as a lead singer when an album comes out ...till then he's just a fill in .

I love how some tear down in an attempt to build themselves up...its transparent , if ya can't come up with something relevant it's much easier to just go ahead and tear down. If people look up the history of Journey, since there was an OFFICIAL announcement, then well...it is what it is. You can continue on with the cut-downs, it's predictable from a few posters.

I like many others will await to see what the next album sounds like