Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

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Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby *Laura » Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:06 am

Not too sure if this was posted before...
It's an interesting read.Made me even more curious to hear the new material.


http://services.inquirer.net/express/08/01/10/html_output/xmlhtml/20080110-111456-xml.html



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January 10, 2008

Filipino rocker hits global stage

MANILA, Philippines -- Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones once said he’d rather be dead than still be singing “Satisfaction” at age 40. But he’s now 64 and just finished a world tour that made his band richer by $437 million.

Arnel Pineda has just turned 40 and the roller-coaster ride that has marked his profession as a rock singer is about to take a new turn. On Feb. 1 he will fly to the United States to start rehearsing and recording as the new vocalist of Journey -- the American band famous for its power ballads, and whose records have sold 75 million copies since 1973.

Landing the slot wasn’t exactly the biggest deal of his life. “At least [not] in the first few days after Neal Schon (Journey founder and lead guitarist) told me I was their new man,” Pineda said Wednesday in an interview at the Greenhills office of his manager, TV director Bert de Leon.

Pineda recalled telling himself, “This isn’t a very secure job; they can fire me anytime.”

But the thrill of everything that lay ahead -- performing as a Filipino musician who would certainly make his countrymen proud sank in soon enough. “I thought my Friendster account would explode with the volume of e-mail that poured in from Filipinos based in the US and Europe,” Pineda recounted. “But here at home, there was little noise about it. Lately na lang.”



No greenhorn

Standing a bit too short at 5-foot-3 to look like a rock star, Pineda isn’t exactly a greenhorn in the scene. He has logged in 25 years of singing with various local bands that earned their keep by performing all-cover repertoires.

“I felt I had become the Willie Nepomuceno of [Pinoy rock],” he quipped. And this is no laughing matter. Pineda can sing almost exactly like Journey’s Steve Perry, and also deftly tackles Freddie Mercury (Queen), Sting (The Police), David Lee Roth (Van Halen), Bono (U2), and Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) -- among many others.

His mean cover of Led Zep’s “Black Dog” has been uploaded on YouTube along with Steve Perry covers that had helped make up Schon’s mind.



Young blood

The now famous story making the Internet rounds is that Schon -- whose guitar prowess earlier earned him an invitation to join Eric Clapton’s band Derek and the Dominos in the 1970s (Schon joined Santana instead “because he called first.”) -- was desperate to find a new singer for Journey, which was still very active on the concert circuit, touring at least six months a year.

Schon wanted young blood and was trolling from so many videos on YouTube, but couldn’t find anyone that impressed him.

“It was actually his girlfriend who stumbled upon our video,” said Pineda, referring to the clip in which he sang Journey’s “Faithfully” with his band, The Zoo. The video was shot by a friend from Olongapo City who had attended the band’s gig at Hard Rock Café in Makati. It was uploaded on YouTube for posterity.

After Schon saw the video, he lost no time in hooking up with Pineda. The rest is history: Pineda flew to San Francisco for a two-day audition, at one point jamming for three hours with Schon and other Journey members Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valery (bass) and Deen Castronovo (drums).

“I had had two hours of sleep and was very nervous when I played with the band,” Pineda said. “I was sure I blew it; I was even croaking in some parts. But they gave me a study tape of two new songs, and we recorded some demos of their old songs. Then Neal said, ‘You got the gig, man.’”


Target: a Grammy

Pineda has yet to sign contracts and is letting De Leon, who was also manager of The Zoo, handle legal matters. A new Journey album is reportedly in the works, to be produced by Kevin Shirley (known for his work with Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin), and due out in July.

“There will still be power ballads, plus upbeat tracks,” said Pineda. “We’re aiming for a Grammy.”

It’s definitely been a long, uh, journey for the Sampaloc, Manila-born Pineda, who experienced abject poverty at age 12, after his mother’s death from heart disease. His parents were both tailors. “We used up all our money on my mother’s treatment. When she died, my three siblings and myself (he’s the eldest) had to part ways.”

For a year Pineda lived like a vagrant, sleeping in friends’ homes and sometimes on benches at Rizal Park.

Pineda has also gone through the whole sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll lifestyle but is now very conscious of his health.

“I’d like to keep singing for the next 10 years,” Pineda mused. “I would like to serve as a door for others, like Bamboo, to break into the global rock scene. We’ve made it in pop music.”

The Pinoy rocker’s baptism of fire with his new band mates is at the Festival de Viña del Mar in Chile, on Feb. 21.



’70s Jukebox Queen

The latest example of a Pinoy pop artist possibly on the brink of worldwide attention is 1970s Jukebox Queen Claire de la Fuente, who recently recorded an album in the US with a lineup of musicians identified with Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson and Josh Groban.

The album, whose title track, “Something in Your Eyes,” was originally composed by Richard Carpenter (of the brother/sister duo The Carpenters) and sung by Dusty Springfield in 1982, has gained praise from Carpenter himself, who welcomed De la Fuente in his home last December and has committed to come to Manila for the record launch in February.

De la Fuente, also known as the Karen Carpenter of the Philippines, said Richard had likewise agreed to compose a new song for her next album.


Austrian exposure

Still another Filipino, 22-year-old Vincent Bueno, is poised to break into the world pop consciousness with his outstanding performance in “Musical Die Show,” a reality talent program in Austria.

Bueno has landed in the magic five finalists, with the final showdown on Friday.


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Postby Saint John » Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:13 am

Awesome read. Thanks. 8)
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Postby Granny » Sun Feb 17, 2008 1:24 am

Laura, thanks for posting that article...seems Arnel is getting more media exposure...
And he sure can sing...'Looking forwrd to new material from the very talented Journeymen!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)
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Postby Foolish Heart » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:36 am

“We’re aiming for a Grammy.”




So, was that followed by "APRIL FOOLS" ????

If they couldn't win one with SP, no way in hell would they ever win one without him..........
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Postby mistiejourney » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:37 am

Pineda recalled telling himself, “This isn’t a very secure job; they can fire me anytime.”


Well, at least he is going into this with his eyes open. :shock:
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Postby Saint John » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:43 am

mistiejourney wrote:
Pineda recalled telling himself, “This isn’t a very secure job; they can fire me anytime.”


Well, at least he is going into this with his eyes open. :shock:


True. He understands that the job is a privilege and an honor. This guy has the right attitude all the way around. Hard not to like him. He seems humble, grounded and knows this gig is going to be demanding. I wish him the best.
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Postby Barb » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:44 am

Wow. Arnel had a tough life for a while.... I really hope they find success if for no other reason than he seems to deserve it.
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Postby mistiejourney » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:44 am

Saint John wrote:
mistiejourney wrote:
Pineda recalled telling himself, “This isn’t a very secure job; they can fire me anytime.”


Well, at least he is going into this with his eyes open. :shock:


True. He understands that the job is a privilege and an honor. This guy has the right attitude all the way around. Hard not to like him. He seems humble, grounded and knows this gig is going to be demanding. I wish him the best.


I get a kick out of seeing how excited he is! :)
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Postby Journey69 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:47 am

What granny said.. 8)
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Postby perryfaithful » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:12 am


"Pineda has yet to sign contracts "
:shock:



Since a month has gone by since this article, I assume (hope) THAT has changed!?!
"In Journey, all the hit songs we had were based around Steve Perry's vocals."

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Postby Saint John » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:17 am

perryfaithful wrote:
"Pineda has yet to sign contracts "
:shock:



Since a month has gone by since this article, I assume (hope) THAT has changed!?!


That struck me odd as well. They're done with an album, but he isn't a member yet? :? Weird. None of my business, though. Just kick ass at the 2 shows in Vegas, give me some good new material, and tour this summer and I'll be a happy guy. 8)
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Postby wildone » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:24 am

perryfaithful wrote:
"Pineda has yet to sign contracts "
:shock:



Since a month has gone by since this article, I assume (hope) THAT has changed!?!
As The Stomach Turns......No contract......hmmmmmm that's a scary thought..They're going to work this poor guy over...
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Postby mistiejourney » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:46 am

wildone wrote:
perryfaithful wrote:
"Pineda has yet to sign contracts "
:shock:



Since a month has gone by since this article, I assume (hope) THAT has changed!?!
As The Stomach Turns......No contract......hmmmmmm that's a scary thought..They're going to work this poor guy over...


Perhaps the interview was just run on the 10th, but was actually conducted before that.

I damn well hope he has a contract! Formal announcement, all over the official website, press releases.....oh, wait, been there done that.

Sorry, don't mean to be a downer, but there is something odd about it.

Hopefully, for Arnel's sake, things are progressing just fine on the legal front. He sure did have it rough as a kid. Dang!
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Postby *Laura » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:32 am

perryfaithful wrote:
"Pineda has yet to sign contracts "
:shock:



Since a month has gone by since this article, I assume (hope) THAT has changed!?!

Oh,I'm sure that the situation changed since the article was published.

Arnel won't begin touring with them and the album won't be released before a contract being signed.
Considering that Arnel's first gig with the band is next Thursday,the dotted line is already signed,I'm sure.

However,there's no guarantee that he will be a full member of the band as in having the same rights and benefits as the original members...
My guess is that he'll be hired in the "Journey lead singer" position.A full time job for sure.
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby Enigma869 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:41 am

*Laura wrote:Standing a bit too short at 5-foot-3 to look like a rock star




Holy crap! I don't think I've ever seen a fully grown man who was 5'3"! Neal is going to look strange "Towering Over" his lead singer. He might not be tall enough to get on the rides on the amusement park circuit Journey will be playing :shock:

On a serious note, it sounds like Arnel's had a tough go of it, growing up, so I hope this turns out to be what he wants it to be! Because I think the guy has a VERY impressive voice, I will absolutely purchase Journey's next CD, which I swore I would never do, after listening to the abortion that was "Generations". Let's just hope that Cain, Valory, and Schon kept their pie holes shut on the new CD, and leave the singing to a guy who can actually sing!


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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby fightingilliniJRNY » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:42 am

Enigma869 wrote:Let's just hope that Cain, Valory, and Schon kept their pie holes shut on the new CD, and leave the singing to a guy who can actually sing!


John from Boston


Amen to that! :lol:
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby Saint John » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:44 am

Enigma869 wrote:after listening to the abortion that was "Generations".

John from Boston


Red13JoePa is map questing your house as I type this. Careful, dude. :lol: :twisted: :twisted:
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Postby yogi » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:54 am

Journey chose Arnel over Whitney Houston, because Whitney was too tall.
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby fightingilliniJRNY » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:02 am

Saint John wrote:
Enigma869 wrote:after listening to the abortion that was "Generations".

John from Boston


Red13JoePa is map questing your house as I type this. Careful, dude. :lol: :twisted: :twisted:


:lol: :lol: :lol:
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Postby stevew2 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:12 am

Granny wrote:Laura, thanks for posting that article...seems Arnel is getting more media exposure...
And he sure can sing...'Looking forwrd to new material from the very talented Journeymen!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)
You sure he didnt say "We are aiming for a Granny"?
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Postby *Laura » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:17 am

stevew2 wrote:
Granny wrote:Laura, thanks for posting that article...seems Arnel is getting more media exposure...
And he sure can sing...'Looking forwrd to new material from the very talented Journeymen!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

You sure he didnt say "We are aiming for a Granny"?

OMg... :lol: :lol: What is it with you all today....The level of the MR humor is dangerously increasing... :lol: :lol:
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby Enigma869 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:24 am

Saint John wrote:Red13JoePa is map questing your house as I type this. Careful, dude. :lol: :twisted: :twisted:


You're right about that, SJ! I love JoePa, but he will NEVER have any credibility with me, when it comes to Journey music. Anyone who thinks Augeri had a better voice than Perry obviously doesn't have very good hearing :twisted:


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Postby weatherman90 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:26 am

Rush has been nominated for a Grammy 5 or so times. Haven't won yet. Stop the Anti-Rush Grammy Bias!
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Postby Saint John » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:27 am

*Laura wrote:
stevew2 wrote:
Granny wrote:Laura, thanks for posting that article...seems Arnel is getting more media exposure...
And he sure can sing...'Looking forwrd to new material from the very talented Journeymen!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

You sure he didnt say "We are aiming for a Granny"?

OMg... :lol: :lol: What is it with you all today....The level of the MR humor is dangerously increasing... :lol: :lol:


MR is now troll free, that's all. Much more fun, not to mention constructive, this way. 8)
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby STORY_TELLER » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:34 am

Enigma869 wrote:
Saint John wrote:Red13JoePa is map questing your house as I type this. Careful, dude. :lol: :twisted: :twisted:


You're right about that, SJ! I love JoePa, but he will NEVER have any credibility with me, when it comes to Journey music. Anyone who thinks Augeri had a better voice than Perry obviously doesn't have very good hearing :twisted:


John from Boston


Even worse: He thinks Survivor is just as good as Journey. :shock: :D :lol: 8)
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby Enigma869 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:43 am

STORY_TELLER wrote:Even worse: He thinks Survivor is just as good as Journey. :shock: :D :lol: 8)


I actually like Survivor. I was a bit partial to "Vital Signs", as I thought there were a lot of great tracks on there. I thought Jimi Jamison was underrated as a vocalist! Having said all of that, Survivor doesn't belong in the same breath with Journey. The only song they ever produced that anyone could even dare call "classic" might be "Eye of the Tiger", and that came out back before anyone had ever heard of them, and before Jamison was singing for them! I'm sure within the next 30 seconds, we'll see Mr. Cleveland drop in here and tell us why Jamison is so much better than Perry, and why Survivor is so much better than Journey. For me, I'll stick with Journey!


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Postby Saint John » Sun Feb 17, 2008 5:46 am

I'm going to see Jimi Jamison and Jim Peterik tonight...Joe Lynn Turner as well as many others at Jim Peterik's World Stage 2008. 8)
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby STORY_TELLER » Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:12 am

Enigma869 wrote:
STORY_TELLER wrote:Even worse: He thinks Survivor is just as good as Journey. :shock: :D :lol: 8)


I actually like Survivor. I was a bit partial to "Vital Signs", as I thought there were a lot of great tracks on there. I thought Jimi Jamison was underrated as a vocalist! Having said all of that, Survivor doesn't belong in the same breath with Journey. The only song they ever produced that anyone could even dare call "classic" might be "Eye of the Tiger", and that came out back before anyone had ever heard of them, and before Jamison was singing for them! I'm sure within the next 30 seconds, we'll see Mr. Cleveland drop in here and tell us why Jamison is so much better than Perry, and why Survivor is so much better than Journey. For me, I'll stick with Journey!


John from Boston


I didn't say Survivor sucked, they're just not in the same league.

I think I still have that old cassette of Vital Signs myself. It's probably crusted and corroded from sitting in a box of high school memorabilia by now, but I listened to it once upon a time. I remember Jamison's haircut screaming "I want to be Steve Perry" in the video for "I can't hold back".

Always felt Survivor is to Journey what Triumph is to Rush:

A pale forgettable imitation.
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Re: Journey: "We're aiming for a Grammy."

Postby Enigma869 » Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:44 am

STORY_TELLER wrote:I didn't say Survivor sucked, they're just not in the same league.


I agree, and said as much. Just don't let Mr. Survivor/Journey man say that, or he'll have a stroke :twisted:

STORY_TELLER wrote: I remember Jamison's haircut screaming "I want to be Steve Perry" in the video for "I can't hold back".


Now, that's funny! I'll tell you...Now that you mention it, I do remember that video, and you're description is spot on! In Jamison's defense, I think the guy could sing, but saying he's better than Perry was is simply moronic! He simply wasn't in the same league as Perry was.


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Postby MrsPerry » Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:04 am

I about fell off my chair. :shock: Keep dreamin Neal.


Btw, did they ever win a grammy when Steve was in the band?
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