Thursday September 20, 2007

New member of Journey is Pinoy

12/13/2007

It’s official. Filipino cover band singer of the Zoo Band, Arnel Pineda, is now Journey’s newest member as announced over a San Francisco radio station recently.

The American band Journey became famous in the ’80s for power ballads such as “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” “Open Arms” and “Separate Ways.” The band was originally composed of vocalist Steve Perry (of “Foolish Heart” fame), guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith (who went to become a famed jazz drummer in his own right), according to philmusic.com, which adds, “the band recently re-entered pop-culture onsciousness when its old hit “Don’t Stop Believing” was selected to end the Sopranos’ final episode.”

Perry left twice (in 1987 and after a brief reunion, in 1996) and the band had two other vocalists since then, the last being Jeff Scott Soto, who left the band in June 2007.

Arnel Pineda was reportedly personally invited by Journey to audition for the band in San Francisco after they saw “his numerous video performances on the popular video-sharing site YouTube, where he was seen performing Journey covers, and nailing the notes that made Steve Perry famous.”

Arnel was accompanied by the Zoo’s manager, TV director Bert de Leon, when he went to audition in San Francisco.

http://tribune.net.ph/20071213/life/20071213lif3.html

 

 

 

JOURNEY welcomes Arnel Pineda with "Open Arms" to their family as the band's new lead singer
Band announcement from the official website of Journey, December 2007

After much speculation…the wait is finally over.

JOURNEY--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums)--is proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda (“pin-eh-da”). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.

Arnel hails from Quezon City in the Philippines and has been singing Journey songs--in addition to original material--with his band, The Zoo, for the past couple of years in clubs all over his homeland. Joining the legendary band is a dream come true for him.

“It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world. It’ll be a lot of hard work on my part and I’m actually looking forward to the scrutiny I’ll get from the hardcore JOURNEY fans. I know they’ll expect me to sound exactly like ‘the voice’ (Steve Perry), but that will never happen. I know there's only one Steve Perry in this world.”

When it was time for JOURNEY to look for a new lead singer, the internet came to their rescue. Guitarist Neal Schon wanted someone new to the music business, so he turned to YouTube. After finding Arnel singing “Faithfully,” he knew he had found the perfect frontman.

“I was frustrated about not having a singer,” explains guitarist Neal Schon, “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. Arnel doesn’t sound synthetic and he’s not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an imposter.”

Arnel Pineda picks up the story: “My friend Noel picked up the message on YouTube and told me it was from Neal. I thought it was a hoax so I ignored it. Noel said, ‘what if it really was Neal and he wanted to offer you the chance of a lifetime?’ So I e-mailed Neal back and the rest is history.”

“Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to JOURNEY,” continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. “His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound.”

Schon agrees, “We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. At first we were going to go into the studio and just write 4 songs, but now it’s escalated to a lot of great new and diverse material. The stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel.”

JOURNEY is currently working on a new album with legendary producer Kevin Shirley, which they hope to release by spring/summer 2008. Details will be announced early next year.

Watch the videos of Arnel Pineda and his band The Zoo

Arnel Pineda
from Wikipedia

Arnel Pineda (singer / songwriter) is the lead singer of the popular American rock band Journey. Pineda has enjoyed a successful musical career in Asia for the last 25 years. His singing style has been influenced by Steve Perry (Journey), John Farmham (Little River Band), Freddie Mercury (Queen), Sting (The Police), Survivor, Heart, The Beatles, Van Halen, Aerosmith, U2, Warrant, Deep Purple, and other bands from that genre.

History

According to one report, as a child, Pineda wanted to become an engineer. He collected scrap metal at the pier to earn money for college.

In 1982, when Pineda was just 15 years old, he became the lead singer of a band in the Philippines called Ijos Band. In 1987 and 1988, he won the Best Vocalist award at the World Band Explosion, with the finals held in Budokan Hall, Tokyo.

Arnel then joined a pop/rock Filipino band called Amo as their lead singer. Amo played in clubs in Quezon, Olongapo and Makati, which are located on the biggest island of the Philippines. Amo was very popular in the renowned Chinese owned Caljams club which was frequented by United States Military personnel. During his tenure in Amo, Pineda made regular TV appearances in the Philippines.

In late 1990, five of Amo's original members split from the band leader, Ulysis Ablang (Uly) and formed another band behind Pineda, "New Age". This occurred prior to the release of Amo's only album released in 1990 titled "Ang Tunay na Amo" ("The Real Master") on BMG records which spawned one popular radio hit called "Running Away". (The song was popularized again in 2006 by another Filipino artist Erik Santos, who won an American Idol type Filipino TV show, Star In A Million.) The remaining members of Amo went on to become "The Boss Band", while Pineda's band, New Age played regularly at Fire and Rain in Makati, a city on the outskirts of Manila.

During those performances, a talent agent spotted Pineda and asked him to move to Hong Kong to perform at a very popular entertainment restaurant called Igor’s. With New Age, Pineda performed six nights a week, Tuesday through Sunday, at Igor’s for nine years thereafter. New Age also performed at Grammy’s in Hong Kong.

In 1999, Pineda caught the attention of Warner Bros. record label and flew back to the Philippines on his days off to record a solo album, the self-titled “Arnel Pineda” which he wrote and arranged. Most of the album’s ten original songs are slow ballads, with only two upbeat numbers, one of which carries a Latin style. One of the songs, “Iiyak Ka Rin” became very popular and is now a karaoke favorite in Asia, while another song "Sayang" became a radio favorite. Pineda continued to perform with New Age while making his album and for several years thereafter.

In 2004, three members of the New Age band reformed with a female singer sharing lead vocals with Pineda and called themselves “Most W@nted”. This band played 3-4 hour sets Monday through Saturday at The Cavern Club in Hong Kong. They won a Battle of the Bands competition in Hong Kong in February 2005.

In 2006, Pineda moved back to the Philippines along with Monet Cajipe, the guitarist who has been in all Pineda’s bands during the last 24 years. They formed the Zoo Band. The Zoo Band has performed several nights a week at clubs in Manila and Olongapo during 2006 and 2007. Shows regularly spanned 3-5 hours. The Zoo’s first album “Zoology” was released by MCA Universal in September 2007 featuring 13 original tracks, several of which were penned by Pineda.

Present

Videos of The Zoo performing cover songs by Journey, Survivor, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Air Supply, The Eagles, Kenny Loggins and other popular acts from the 70s, 80s and 90s, began appearing on YouTube.com in February 2007 and now number more than 200 in total. In August 2007, Neal Schon of Journey contacted the YouTube member who uploaded many videos asking for contact information for Pineda. Pineda, along with his manager, Bert de Leon, flew to San Francisco to audition for Journey later in August, 2007.

On December 5, 2007, Pineda was announced as the lead singer of Journey. El Mercurio Online in Chile notes that Pineda will appear with Journey at the Festival de Viña del Mar at Quinta Vergara Arena in Chile on February 21, 2008. Pineda will also perform with Journey on February 23 at Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo in Santiago, at Grand Hotel and Casino of Viña del Mar on February 24, both in Chile, and in the US at a private Remax Convention event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on March 6, 2008.

Journey and renowned producer Kevin Shirley are currently in the studio creating a new album which he is producing, for release in spring/summer 2008. In his online diary, Shirley described the recording sessions as "wonderful, successful, stupidly creative" and said that "Sometimes you just know when there's history in the making." In a statement on December 5, 2007, Shirley said "I was stunned at Arnel, who is a monster vocalist. He is the real deal. Just phenomenal."

In his blog, Kevin Shirley wrote "Just got back from Vegas last night, after mixing seven new Journey songs. They are outstanding... For the record, I think Arnel is 'the business!' - the guy can really sing! He handles the ballads with SO much heart, and belts the rockers as hard, and melodically, as anyone I have heard. The songs are sensational - wonderfully crafted and deep, and so focused, you may wonder where they all came from. And I'm being serious...."

Discography

Albums

• Arnel Pineda (1999)
http://megastore.uol.com.br/acervo/pop/a/arnel_pineda/arnel_pineda
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=214320956&id=214320898&s=143441
• Zoology (2007) (The Zoo)
http://www.titikpilipino.com/album/?albumid=1388
http://www.fliptunes.net/store/product_info.php?products_id=7068

Will Arnel make it to Journey?
FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
Saturday, December 26, 2007

A few issues ago, Funfare reported that a Filipino, Arnel Pineda (of the local band Zoo), has been chosen as lead vocalist of the '80s US band Journey which is said to have not recovered from the resignation of its vocalists, first Steve Perry who left the band but returned for a brief reunion in 1996, and then Jeff Scott Soto only last June. Two other vocalists came between them.

Like Charice Pempengco who recently guested on Ellen deGeneres' show, Arnel caught the Journey's attention via the YouTube singing Journey hits.

A good reason for us to beat our chests, right?

But wait, could it be true that some Journey diehards are not so happy with Arnel's joining the band?

A reader, who identifies himself as "A fan from Marikina," sent Funfare the following story culled from philmusic.com as a rejoinder:

I read your article on Charice, and it was so touching. Makes us feel very proud of our artist who amazes and surprises viewers abroad.

We have another kababayan, Arnel Pineda, who is the new frontman for the '80s band Journey to replace Steve Perry. We, who are fans of one of the best bands in the '80s, as well as of Arnel Pineda, are happy that the choice was a Pinoy. No other singer deserves the job more than him. Like Charice, Arnel makes us proud of being a Pinoy.

Incidentally, here's a relevant article from philmusic.com:

If you survived the '80s, you probably remember that power-ballad driven band Journey. With musicians like vocalist Steve Perry (of Foolish Heart fame), guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith (who went to become a famed jazz drummer in his own right), the band unleashed one power ballad and anthem after another and drummed these into our consciousness.

Songs like Don't Stop Believing, Any Way You Want It, Faithfully, Open Arms and Separate Ways  pepper many a golden oldies mix CD, or a beer garden's jukebox repertoire.

The band recently re-entered pop-culture consciousness when its old hit Don't Stop Believing was selected to end the Sopranos' final episode.

The band never fully recovered from the departure of popular vocalist Steve Perry (who left twice, in 1987 and, after a brief reunion, in 1996). The band has gone through two other vocalists since then, the last being Jeff Scott Soto who left the band in June 2007.

And now word has come our way that a Filipino cover band singer by the name of Arnel Pineda of the Zoo Band was personally invited by Journey to audition for the band in San Francisco.

And here's the rub. Pineda got the attention of the band because of his numerous video performances on the popular video-sharing site YouTube where he was seen performing Journey covers, and nailing the notes that made Steve Perry famous.

Is it an example of life imitating art imitating life? Undoubtedly so, if you remember the B-movie Rockstar (starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston) which in turn was based on the story of Judas Priest vocalist Ripper Owens. In the film, the fictional hair metal band Steel Dragon plucks a cover band singer out of obscurity and asks him to front their band. And so it goes for our boy Arnel.

Reports have it that Arnel is already in the US auditioning for the band, accompanied by the Zoo's manager, TV director Bert de Leon.

But the fly in the ointment is that some hardcore Journey fans are not all happy campers when it comes to that decision. Message threads on Arnel on the MelodicRock.com and Journeyforums.com have the guy being flogged with racist taunts and putdowns of the Filipino accent he allegedly uses while performing Journey covers.

"Journey is supposed to be an all-American band," writes one fan. Others liken the band's move to outsourcing the job to cheaper Asian labor.

Geez, can't a guy just sing Open Arms in peace anymore?

Will Arnel get the gig, or will the racist Journey fans have their say? We're staying tuned for more developments in this story.

But don't fret yet, Arnel Pineda fans.

Here's another article, also sent to Funfare by "A fan from Marikina" who likewise got it from the Internet, written by Kevin Shirley, the Journey producer:

Just got back from Vegas last night. For the record, I think Arnel is "the business!" - the guy can really sing! He handles the ballads with so much heart, and belts the rockers as hard, and melodically, as anyone I have heard. The songs are sensational, wonderfully -crafted and deep, and so focused, you may wonder where they all came from. And I'm being serious...

Well, let's all wish Arnel Pineda (no relation, I guess, to Alan Pineda a.k.a. apl de ap of Black Eyed Peas) good luck and all the best.

http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2007122548&type=2

Front Page (as of 1/8/2008 9:38 PM)

Martes, Enero 08, 2008       Pinoy lead singer ng bandang Journey dahil sa YouTube     Tulad ni Charice Pempengco, tumingkad ang bituin ng 40-anyos na rocker na si Arnel Pineda sa YouTube. Kinuha ng beteranong rock band na "Journey" si Arnel bilang vocalist kapalit ang dati nilang miyembro. Ito'y matapos i-post nina Arnel sa YouTube ang interpretasyon niya ng Journey hit song na "Faithfully." Tinuring ng top US music magazine na "Rolling Stone" na isa pang happy ending ang istorya ni Arnel na matagal nang hinangaan ng mga fans sa madamdaming niyang interpretasyon ng iba pang Journey song tulad ng "Foolish Heart." Noong Setyembre 2007 umapela pa si Arnel na bigyan sila ng dagdag na break ng banda niyang Zoo na nilunsad ng MCA Music. Naging pinal na ang US break ni Arnel matapos niyang makuha ang kanyang working visa. Ayon sa MCA, mananatili namang buo ang banda niyang Zoo tampok ang bagong kapalit ni Arnel. Isang malaking despedida ang nakatakda sa bagong YouTube sensation sa Biyernes. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=104842

Filipino rocker hits global stage


By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:34am (Mla time) 01/10/2008

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 ***, 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.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=111456

Arnel Pineda’s incredible Journey
FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
Friday, January 11, 2008

It's official: Arnel Pineda, formerly with the band Zoo, is the new lead singer of the '80s group Journey, replacing Jeff Scott Soto who parted ways with the band early last year  after stepping in for Steve Augeri who had to quit the band in 2007 for health reasons. Arnel has been warmly welcomed by Journey members Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass) and Deen Castronovo (drums) during his extended stay in L.A. late last year.

"I still can't believe it," Arnel, 40, told Funfare in an exclusive interview at the office of Sundance Entertainment (with which he's under contract) office last Tuesday, several days after he and his manager (and Sundance head) Bert de Leon, came home from the US - yes, with the bacon! "It feels like a beautiful dream. I don't want to wake up! I know I'm it but the reality hasn't sunk yet."

Arnel's incredible "journey" is not new to Funfare readers who have been following his story chronicled in details in this corner in exclusive feeds by correspondents abroad and Journey fans. Arnel's official appointment as Journey's new lead singer will be announced tonight at Hard Rock Café where Arnel will do the same Journey songs that helped him bag the plum.

"He's got the legacy sound and then some," Jonathan Cain was quoted as saying. "He's blessed with tons of emotion and soul, stuff you can't teach. He's a find."

"I was frustrated about not having a singer," said Neal Schon in an interview for Marin Independent Journal by Paul Liberatore, a clipping of which was furnished Funfare by Bert de Leon. "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. And then I stumbled on a video of Pineda singing the Journey hit Faithfully  with a Filipino cover band called Zoo. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I'd heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, ‘He can't be that good'."

Yes, like Charice Pempengco who was discovered by a staffer of Ellen DeGeneres' self-titled US TV show, Arnel confirmed Funfare's earlier reports that he got to Journey's attention via the YouTube in which  Arnel's friend Noel Gomez uploaded clips of Arnel taken during the Zoo's Hard Rock Café gigs.

"Sixty-four songs all in all," counted Arnel, "three of them by Journey - Don't Stop Believing, Open Arms and Faithfully."

Quote-unquote from the  Liberatore interview:

Those authentic Journey power ballads, sung by Perry in his operatic tenor, have been known to shred vocal cords, and it takes an extraordinary talent to be able to sing them. Finding a lead singer for this band is not something you look for on craigslist.

All of this would hardly matter if Journey were a mere '80s nostalgia act. But the once-mighty stadium rockers have suddenly become au courant, thanks to some mobsters from New Jersey.

When The Sopranos' final episode made pop culture history in June, ending with Journey's Don't Stop Believing, the band found itself back in the national consciousness, positioned for a comeback.

Needless to say, this was not a good time to be without a lead singer.

And then came Arnel Pineda, a.k.a. The Steve Perry of the Philippines, who is also being dubbed "The New Thrilla From Manila" (in reference to the bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in Manila in 1975), but friends jokingly call him "The Gorilla From Manila."

"Neal Schon first contacted me in July last year and I couldn't believe it; I thought it was a hoax," said Arnel, the small (standing only a few centimeters over five feet) man with a powerful voice. "Why would Neal Schon contact me? It turned out that he saw me on the YouTube and then  he got in touch with Noel Gomez via e-mail. Then I got an invitation letter from Neal Schon, asking me to fly to the US for some kind of an audition. I promptly applied for a US tourist visa. I left on Aug. 12 and stayed in L.A. for one week."

During that week-long stay, Arnel said that he jammed with the Journey guys for three days and tested his recording voice - "That was the defining moment," said Arnel. "The recording-voice test."

Even then, Arnel was told that he was "it" but he and Bert de Leon decided to keep it a secret, until December last year when he and Arnel completed the "recording-voice" test that capped their more than two months second trip to L.A.

"Noon din," smiled Bert, "alam na namin that Arnel was 99 percent in na. They were just trying to find out how fast Arnel could learn to sing the songs. You know, Arnel learns how to sing songs fast. Mabilis siyang matuto."

"The Journey guys were so warm and friendly," recalled Arnel. "I'm learning a lot from them."

"Arnel was asked to sing new songs by Journey, to be included in the new album to be released this year," said Bert.

Journey's decision to get Arnel as member is not unusual.

Wrote Liberatore:

Journey has a history of rags-to-riches frontmen. Perry was plucked from a construction job in a Central Valley farm town, for example, and Augeri was working in a Gap store when he got the call. Now we have Pineda's Internet-age Cinderella story.

"I've always been a Journey fan," said Arnel, married with three children, "since I was 12. I was in first year high school then at the Quiapo Parochial School. I was very much in love with the group's Escape album. The first Journey song that I started singing was Open Arms. I was blown away by Steve Perry's voice - you know, his amazing ability to change from a lambing voice to rock."

But he started singing at age five.

"My father would make me stand on the table and make me sing. He would give me a P1 reward after every song. I would sing songs by Michael Jackson (Ben, Happy, etc.). I also liked songs by Led Zeppelin."

Ahead of Arnel is a long, long "journey" that includes (besides the album recording) a global tour (South America, Europe and possibly Asia).

Still and all, Arnel can't believe that all this is really happening

"It hasn't sunk in yet, really," insisted Arnel. "You have to fall asleep to dream, di ba? Now, I'm awake and I'm dreaming!"

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Entertainment&p=49&type=2&sec=31

Special Features (as of 1/11/2008 4:37 PM)

YouTube gives Filipino singers the big 'cyber break'

 

Arnel Pineda, the new lead singer of rock band Journey, gestures during a Reuters interview at his local manager's office in Manila on January 8, 2008. Pineda was spotted by Journey founder and guitarist Neil Schon on YouTube singing their hit "Faithfully," with his local band, Zoo. Picture taken January 8, 2008.REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES)

Like a dreamPineda, on the other hand, is no overnight success.

A 40-year professional singer with quite a reputation in Manila's clubs, he looked set to join the legion of talented, but relatively unrewarded, singers who never break into the big-time.

One video posted online of Pineda performing with his Zoo band in a Makati nightclub changed all that.

More than 11,700 kilometers away in California, Neal Schon, founder and guitarist of the rock band Journey, downloaded a clip of Pineda singing their hit "Faithfully" on YouTube, and knew his search for a new frontman had ended.

"After watching the video 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," Schon said in a statement posted on Journey's Web site.

The band flew Pineda to Marin County in San Francisco in August for an audition.

"Unbelievably, they embraced my voice," said Pineda.

"They said this guy is genuine and I really got the gig.

Now he will join the band for a series of concerts in Europe, U.S. and South America, kicking off in Chile.

"It's like I am dreaming," Pineda said.

"Except that I am awake".

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=105204

Front Page (as of 1/13/2008 1:44 AM)

Sabado, Enero 12, 2008       Dalawang Pinoy, namamayagpag sa international music scene

 

*snipped* 

Ikinarangal din ng Pinoy na si Arnel Pineda ang pagkakahirang sa kanya bilang pinakabagong lead singer ng sikat na American band na "Journey."

Sumikat ang bandang journey nung dekada '80 sa kanilang top Billboard hits na "Open arms," "Faithfully," at "Don't Stop Believing".

Sa YouTube video rin ng kanyang local performance nadiskubre ng sikat na banda ang galing ni Arnel.

"I'm very lucky and I think I will make myself as one of the biggest crusader of Filipino talents. Sana po, finally ma-recognize, hindi lang ng mga Filipino communities around the world ang talent ng mga Filipino... I will carry the torch for them, for us. I will. I will represent the Philippines always," ani Pineda.

Muli, pinatunayan din ni Arnel na kayang umangat ng isang Pinoy taglay ang galing na angat sa ibang lahi.

Sa ngayon, naghahanda na si Arnel na umalis patungong Amerika, para sa international concert tour ng Journey.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=105331

 

Journey’s new lead vocalist is Arnel Pineda, a Filipino "Don’t stop believing" — that’s always been the mantra for Zoo lead vocalist Arnel Pineda.

He never did; and look at what he will be doing in 2008 - touring the world as the new lead vocalist of rock ballad legends Journey.

Skeptics dismiss him as just another one-hit YouTube anomaly, but fact of the matter is Arnel Pineda more than paid his dues before turning into the new international pride of the Philippines. The 40-year-old singer started his career in his teens, when the death of his beloved mother forced him to stop school. Growing up in Sampaloc, Manila, he entered a showband called Hijos as an apprentice. Although Pineda already had a promising voice then, he still had to sharpen his edges and learn how to sing 70’s and 80’s rock songs quite different from his favorite Beatles and kundiman songs.

After a few years of honing his craft, Hijos eventually evolved into the AMO Band which joined various band competitions alongside bands such as Fahrenheit, the precursor of the ever popular band Side A. From there, he shuttled from Hong Kong to the Philippines to chase his dream of being a rockstar until health and lifestyle problems brought about by his separation from his former live-in partner destroyed his voice. He went back to the Philippines to have his throat examined. He was devastated to learn that the doctors concluded that he will never be able to sing again.

"Pakiramdam ko noon, kalaban ko ang mundo," says Pineda. "Hindi ako naniwala because singing is my life."

says Pineda. "Hindi ako naniwala because singing is my life."

Arnel persevered until he finally regained his singing form after six months of rehabilitation. He continued singing and touring until he was signed up as a solo recording artist by a major record label.

But his rockstar dream continued to elude him as he was being packaged differently from his rock persona. Being packaged as a straight-up pop balladeer proved to be detrimental, as he was already accustomed to power ballads and rock hits. He continued until fate brought him to be discovered by well-respected TV director Bert de Leon in Hong Kong, who was prompted to bring Pineda and his mentor Moneth Cajipe back to the Philippines, form the band and help them get signed to MCA Music. This was the birth of the band Zoo.

Zoo released their debut album Zoology late 2007. The band established itself as a dependable act in major bars such as Bagaberde and Hard Rock Café to name a few. A friend of his posted a video of Zoo performing on YouTube which in turn was discovered by Neal Schon of Journey. He was so impressed that he arranged to have Pineda go to the United States and audition until he was picked as Journey’s lead vocalist.

Pineda’s story is now an inspiration for people to never stop believing.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/01/13/ENTR20080113114197.html

A life straight out of a movie


By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:19am (Mla time) 01/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Arnel Pineda’s life as a rock singer has enough color and drama for a bio-pic.

It wouldn’t be lacking in a soundtrack that would capture all the hardship, tears and laughter.

“I’m broke but I’m happy/ I’m poor but I’m kind … ”—Alanis Morissette, “Hand in My Pocket”

In 1982, Arnel—brand-new front man of the famous American band Journey and current toast of the town—was 15 years old, out of school and living a hand-to-mouth existence when he auditioned for a rock band upon a friend’s prodding.

The band was Ijos, which regularly performed at Shakey’s Ali Mall and New Frontier. For his audition piece, Arnel sang two songs—The Beatles’ “Help” and Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.” Ijos’ members were impressed with his voice but thought he lacked proper timing and would take long to learn.

“Yung band leader, hindi naniwala na hindi ako pwedeng turuan. Pinagtiyagaan ako. Pero sabi ng ibang miyembro, hindi ako pwedeng bigyan ng budget,” Arnel recalled.

The big moment

He eventually got paid P35 per gig. He didn’t know that the money was coming from a fan of Ijos, a stall owner in Farmers Market who had seen Arnel audition. When he learned that Arnel wasn’t going to get paid, the fan offered to pitch in.

Becoming a singer in a band was the big moment that Arnel had waited for.

In an interview with Inquirer Entertainment, he recounted life when he was 12, dreaming of being an engineer. “Sa neighborhood kasi namin, lahat ng nagiging successful puro engineer. Parang ’yun ang pinakamaganda para sa tulad kong lalaki, para maka- raise ng family. Pero ayoko ng mathematics. Tapos namatay pa ang mother ko. I was the eldest; I had to stop studying because of poverty.”

When his father took Arnel’s three siblings to live with relatives, he hung out with friends who were into music. “Pero nahihiya akong makitira,” Arnel said.

No self-pity

“Bibigyan nila ko ng mahabang bangko sa labas, du’n ako natutulog, paggising ko sa umaga puro kagat ako ng lamok. Pero wala akong na- feel na self-pity. I was just … waiting. Sabi ko, ‘Gaganda rin ‘to.’”

“Life in the fast lane/Surely makes you lose your mind … ”—The Eagles,

“Life in the Fast Lane”

The stint with Ijos reached a high point in 1987, when the group joined the World Band Explosion in Budokan, Japan. Arnel won the Best Vocalist award.

The next band he joined, Amo, became a fixture in various Quezon City, Makati and Olongapo clubs.

In 1990, Arnel and four other Amo members split from the band after a dispute over money. He formed New Age, which played regularly at Fire & Rain in Makati.

“Ka- alternate namin sina Karl Roy when he was with Advent Call,” Arnel recalled, beaming. “Laging nanonood si Edu Manzano.”

He described his life then as an adventure that produced three sons from three different women. “My third son lives with me. I’m trying to make the relationship work now with my girlfriend of the last five years,” he said.

Wanting to earn more, Arnel went abroad and spent some 13 years singing in Hong Kong clubs. He sank to his lowest point there. “I broke up with a girlfriend in 1994 and was heavily into drugs and alcohol. I didn’t save any money. Pinauwi ako ng owner ng bar na kinakantahan ko out of disgust. I would be singing while high. I came home to Manila with $200 in my pocket. And I lost my voice.”

“Get back to where you once belonged … ”—The Beatles, “Get Back”

Arnel was determined to get back in shape. Singing was the only profession he excelled in. “But first I had regain my confidence,” he said. “I withdrew from drugs. ’Yan ang number one kalaban ko e, pag naging unhealthy ako. I’ll be thrown out [of Journey]. I’ve been clean for five years. I haven’t touched alcohol for 14 months. I’ve never smoked cigarettes in my life.”

“Everybody’s talkin’ ‘bout the new sound/ Funny, but it’s still rock and roll to me … ”—Billy Joel, “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me”

Arnel was no stranger to Journey. He had been covering its songs for years.

“I was blown away by their ‘Escape’ album. Ganda talaga ng boses ni Steve Perry, hanep gumitara si Neal Schon at magaling mag- keyboards si Jonathan Cain. In the ’90s I started noticing the great style of drummer Steve Smith. I’ve always had so much respect for the band—though I haven’t heard new music from them in a long time.”

Now Arnel will personally take part in the creation of the group’s new music. The happy news was announced late last year, the conclusion of a fortuitous chain of events that began when Schon turned to YouTube to look for Journey’s fifth singer.

Like a fairy tale

“Nerve-wracking, tense, tapos star-struck pa” was how Arnel described his first day of auditions in Journey’s warehouse-studio in San Francisco. “Kasi, wow, kaharap ko ’yung ina- idolize ko, tapos niyayakap nila ‘ko. Parang pumasok ako sa Disneyland for the first time, parang fairy tale. The band members said they needed new blood.”

But he thought he blew it. “Si Jonathan (Cain) hindi masyadong solved sa pagkanta ko. So we all went to his home studio where they tested my voice again and we recorded the band’s old hits.”

It was Schon who was adamant in getting him. Arnel recounted, “He kept saying, ‘This is the guy. If we’re not getting him, I’d rather form another band.’”

“Go ahead, go ahead and light up the town/ And baby, do everything your heart desires … ”—The Rolling Stones, “Time is on My Side”

Arnel said he felt sad for his local band, The Zoo. They had just recorded their debut album when Journey broke the news that he got the gig. “Parang ayoko nang tanggapin ang offer ng Journey. But my manager Bert de Leon advised me to take it. Also, I’m thinking I can always go back to The Zoo because I don’t know how long Journey will keep me. I’m just being realistic. I feel young at 40; I think I can keep singing for the next 10 years. Kung uulitin ang buong buhay ko, gusto ko pa ring maging singer.”

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view_article.php?article_id=112126

Zoo’s Arnel Pineda is now the lead vocalist of Journey

 

Another Filipino has made our country and people proud - Arnel Pineda from Quezon City who’s the new lead vocalist of the legendary US rock ballad group Journey with whom he will be touring the world this 2008.

Indeed, our 40-year old kababayan will be going places to showcase his musical talent to the whole world, and for this new adventure he has parted ways with his group Zoo. But fans of Zoo need not feel saddened because Arnel left them a farewell gift: the single "Pain in My Heart" whose music video directed by Gino Nacianceno premiered last Sunday (Jan. 13) on MYX, 9 p.m.

The single, an original composition by Zoo guitarist Monet Cajipe, was culled from Zoo’s debut album aptly entitled "Zoology," which is still available at all major record bars under MCA Music. Aside from "Pain in My Heart," the album also features the novelty song "Gimik," which they say has turned into an "inuman" anthem.

"Zoology" is a 10-track album that also includes three bonus tracks: the Minus One and acoustic versions of "Gimik," plus and acoustic rendition of the endearing "I Gave It All." The album was jointly produced by well-respected TV director Bert de Leon who manages Zoo, and MCA Music head honcho Ricky Ilacad.

is a 10-track album that also includes three bonus tracks: the Minus One and acoustic versions of "Gimik," plus and acoustic rendition of the endearing "I Gave It All." The album was jointly produced by well-respected TV director Bert de Leon who manages Zoo, and MCA Music head honcho Ricky Ilacad.

Despite the exodus of Arnel Pineda, Zoo promises to carry on with the other band members: Monet Cajipe, Emil Bondoc (bass), Edgar Mendoza (keyboards), Nathaniel Baruelo (drums), and new lead vocalist Reujenson Lista.

Going back to Arnel, he was presented in a press conference last Friday night at the Hard Rock Café, where Zoo is currently performing. Arnel recalled that he started his journey to the local music world when he was still in his teens, when the early demise of his beloved mother forced him to stop his schooling.

Arnel, who grew up in Sampaloc, first joined a showband called Hijos where he was an apprentice. He already had a promising voice then but it needed honing. It took a few years for Arnel to hone his craft, and by then Hijos became the AMO Band which joined various competitions alongside bands such as Fahrenheit, the precursor of the ever popular band Side A.

In the pursuit of his dream to become a rock star, Arnel shuttled from Hong Kong to the Philippines, until health and lifestyle problems (brought about by his separation from his former live-in partner) caught up with him and destroyed his voice.

When he had his throat examined, the doctors told Arnell he could never sing again. This devastated him, but Arnel did not lost hope although "pakiramdam ko noon, kalaban ko ang mundo," he said. "Hindi ako naniwala because singing is my life."

And because "Don’t Stop Believing" was his motto, Arnel, determined to regain his voice, persevered until after six months of rehabilitation, he got back to his singing form. He was signed up as a solo recording artist by a major record label.

He wanted to be a rockstar but he was packaged as a straight-up pop ballader which was a farcry from his rock persona. Still he tried to pursue his dream to become a rockstar and this he achieved when he was discovered, in Hong Kong, by TV director Bert de Leon who persuaded Arnel and Monet Cajipe (who Arnel consider his mentor) to go back to the Philippines. Bert then formed the band Zoo with Arnel as lead vocalist and helped them get signed up with MCA Music.

As to how Arnell got the chance of a lifetime to become lead vocalist of Journey, this is how it happened: A friend of his posted a video of Zoo perfoming on Youtube which in turn was discovered by Neal Schon of Journey (the band was in need of a lead vocalist then). Neal was so impressed that he arranged to have Arnel go to the US and audition until he was finally picked as Journey’s lead vocalist.

And now, Arnel Pineda’s story is an inspiration for people to never stop believing.

Good luck, Arnel, we’re proud of you!

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR20080115114405.html

Isa pang Pinoy singer nadiskubre sa You Tube
RATED A Ni Aster Amoyo
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Kung si Allan Pineda (na isang Kapampangan) ay isa na ngayong international star dahil sa kanyang pagkakabilang sa Black Eyed Peas na isang sikat na international Hip Hop and R&B group, isa ring Kapampangan na Pineda rin ang apelyido ang unti-unti na ring gumagawa ng pangalan sa international scene nang siya’y mapisil bilang pinakabagong lead vocalist ng legendary rock-ballad group na Journey na siyang pinagmulan ni Steve Perry.

Isang music fan at kaibigan ni Arnel at ng grupong Zoo ang nagpadala sa You Tube ng sample ng isa sa mga gigs ng grupo kung saan si Arnel ang lead vocalist.  Sa YouTube nakita at napakinggan ng lead guitarist ng Journey na si Neal Schon si Arnel na siyang naging daan ng kanyang international audition sa Amerika hanggang sa siya ang mapiling pinakabagong lead-vocalist ng grupo.

Kulang man sa taas (height) si Arnel, animo’y isa siyang six-footer kapag siya’y nagtatanghal sa entablado sa taas, kakaiba at pagiging powerful ng kanyang boses at ito’y personal naming nasaksihan nang ito’y magtanghal sa Hard Rock Cafe as his farewell performance bilang lead vocalist ng Zoo (being managed by TV director Bert de Leon) at pagharap naman sa mas malaking hamon sa kanyang pagiging isang international artist bilang kabahagi na ngayon ng Journey na dati-rati’y tinitingala at hinahangaan lamang niya.

Nang mawala si Steve Perry sa Journey, nagkaroon ang group ng ilang kapalit.  Sandali lamang namalagi bilang lead singer ng Journey si Jeff Scott at si Steve Augeri naman ay kumalas sa grupo nung taong 2006 dahil nagkaroon ito ng problema sa kanyang boses.

Magmula noon ay hindi tumigil ang grupo ng paghahanap para sa kanilang magiging lead singer hanggang sa makita ni Neal Schon sa YouTube si Arnel. Personal na tinawagan ni Neal si Arnel na hindi makapaniwala at ang akala’y niloloko lamang siya ng kung sino.  Ibinigay ni Arnel ang telepono ng kanyang manager na si Bert de Leon at dito nabuo at na-finalize ang audition.

Kung si Steve Perry ay na-discover habang siya’y nagtatrabaho bilang construction worker, si Augeri naman ay nagtatrabaho  sa isang Gap store.  Ngayon naman, isang Pinoy na lead vocalist ng Zoo ang na-diskubre sa pamamagitan ng internet.

Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin makapaniwala  ang 40-year-old na si Arnel na nangyayari na ito sa kanya at sa mga susunod na mga araw ay magiging abala na siya sa recording ng bagong album ng Journey at tour nito sa Amerika, Europe at maging sa Asya.

Sa totoo lang, isa kami sa natutuwa at proud para kay Arnel dahil isa na namang Filipino talent ang pinagbuksan ng magandang suwerte sa international music scene.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Showbiz&p=50&type=2&sec=58&aid=2008011569