Entertainment (as of 3/19/2008 1:16 AM)

Journey's Pinoy vocalist back in town


Arnel Pineda during the abs-cbnNEWS.com interview.

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

The country's pride, Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of popular American rock band Journey, is back in the country after his debut stint abroad.

"I arrived here Wednesday morning, March 12," Pineda told abs-cbnNEWS.com in an exclusive interview inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

Pineda just arrived from his debut performances as a new band member of Journey in Viña del Mar in Chile and Las Vegas, Nevada.

"I performed with the band in Viña del Mar in Chile then in Santiago. I had two performances in America and two performances in Chile."

Pineda, who hails from Quezon City, left the country to be with his new bandmates at the end of January this year and went straight to Los Angeles, California to rehearse for two weeks, then stayed for a while in San Francisco and went to Chile for his kick-off show.

According to Pineda he will never forget his first appearance as the vocalist of Journey, especially because the show was held in Viña del Mar, known to be solidly for Steve Perry (Journey's lead vocalist until 1998).

"It was a nerve-wracking experience. It feels like it's your first night with your love one after you get married, like that. And I can't believe that they welcomed me especially in Viña del Mar. Solid Steve Perry fans are there, and they embraced me," Pineda said.

Arnel with Reujen Lista, the new vocalist of "Zoo."

The singer shared that the pressure for his new work is high but his new bandmates were there to support and guide him.

"Of course there's pressure but my bandmates are there to guide me. It's like I came from little league and now I joined a major league. So I'm reaching a different standard.

Pineda added that he is close to all band members: "They are all okay, I talk to all of them."

He also revealed that there were some who threw criticisms against him but for him he took it as part of his work.

"Of course there were criticisms, you cannot please everyone, it's just like that. Actually they are just telling me, reading it to me but I don't mind it since my focus is to work, I just want to work," Pineda said.

He added "so if there are criticisms, what I am doing to correct myself is to watch again my performances."

Pineda is back in the country to stay with his family for Holy Week, after which he is set to go back in the US on March 29 to do one show.

The singer joined his first band at age 15 and has been singing professionally for the past 25 years. His voice also won him the Best Vocalist award at the World Band Explosion in 1987 -- a feat that he repeated the following year.

Arnel, Reyma and Reujen.

He has been a veteran of several bands and is a regular in clubs in Makati, Olongapo and Quezon City. His latest band, The Zoo, released its first album "Zoology" under MCA Universal Records last September 2007.

It is Pineda's stint in The Zoo that got him noticed by Journey axeman Neal Schon. Schon said he was looking for a replacement singer on popular video-sharing site YouTube.com when he discovered videos of Pineda and The Zoo singing Journey songs, such as "Open Arms" and "Faithfully".

After this, the band asked Pineda to join them as their vocalist and the rest is history.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=112520

Revelations from Journey's Las Vegas Weekend
March 11, 2008
www.melodicrock.com

As mentioned yesterday, Journey played two shows at the Planet Hollywood Theatre, Las Vegas this weekend. Below is two reviews of the event and a few pictures. In addition, a direct quote from the stage stated that the Revelations album would be a "double album" which would also include the live DVD filmed Saturday.

So, following the footsteps of the REO Speedwagon 3-Disc WalMart deal of 2007, Journey's package looks set to include the new studio album, a disc of re-recorded hits and the bonus DVD.

I'm as curious as ever to hear the new studio material - the previews from this weekend sound promising - but the idea of including the classic hits re-recorded with new vocalist Arnel Pineda in the same package is a curious move that could (in my opinion) take attention away from the new material (due to the debate that re-recording classic material is bound to attract). Interesting times these are...

As for the new songs -

"After All These Years" sounds like a nice typical Journey style ballad, with a leading piano line and a very tasteful guitar hook from Neal Schon.

"Never Walk Away" sounds like a breezy uptempo pop/rocker with a feel good hook, strong chorus and a distinct Be Good To Yourself tempo and vibe.

"Wildest Dreams" is another uptempo number with another strong guitar riff and a style that sounds a little like Higher Place and the Arrival album in general. Strong verse... but not sure I am convinced by the chorus at this point.

In further Journey news - the band will soon announce US tour dates set to start in early July with Heart and Cheap Trick as support.

Enough editorial...time to hand over to the reviews.

First up - Dan Clavadetscher with his personal take on Saturday night's show:

Journey / Planet Hollywood Theatre, Las Vegas, Nevada / Saturday, March 8, 8:15 – 10:26 p.m. PT

Set List: Neal Schon Solo, Any Way You Want It, Only the Young, Stone in Love, Ask the Lonely, Wheel in the Sky, Who's Crying Now, Faith in the Heartland, Lights, After All These Years (New Song), After the Fall (Deen Castronovo vocals), Never Walk Away (New Song), Jonathan Cain Solo/Open Arms, Mother/Father (Deen Castronovo vocals), Wildest Dreams (New Song) Separate Ways, Escape, Faithfully, Don't Stop Believin'. Encore: Be Good To Yourself, Wildest Dreams (Take Two), Faithfully (Take Two), Lovin' Touchin Squeezin'.

Music, like all forms of art, is subjective. What one person finds enjoyable may be disappointing to another. The same logic holds true for concert reviews. That being said, opinions inevitably will vary regarding Arnel Pineda's United States debut before a paying audience as the new lead singer of Journey.

After keeping fans in the dark regarding the status of Steve Perry's replacement, Steve Augeri, for months during Journey's co-headlining tour with Def Leppard in 2006, the band hired and then unceremoniously fired singer Jeff Scott Soto, alienating a number of long-time fans in the process. Despite the lack of transparency, many of the diehards turned out for Journey Version 2008 on a windy night Saturday in Las Vegas.

The band that hit the stage with their third lead vocalist in as many years did not hold a candle to the Soto-led group that consistently blew Def Leppard off the stage during their co-headlining 2006 dates. Soto brought a new energy, magnetic stage presence and refreshing outlook to a band that had suffered through a high-profile controversy with Augeri and were in danger of having to cancel the remaining dates of a lucrative tour before Soto arrived. During the brief Soto era, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory and Deen Castronovo were tighter as a unit and played with a renewed sense of purpose that had not been seen for years. Unfortunately, all of that was missing in Las Vegas.

Following two February shows in Chile and a corporate gig in Las Vegas two nights before the Planet Hollywood date, the new Journey led by Pineda was not tight and many of the harder rocking tunes such as “Chain Reaction,” “Edge of the Blade” and “Keep on Runnin'” were missing from the set list. The result was an uninspired and lackluster set that had many in the sold-out crowd sitting for much of the show.

Pineda, the 40-year-old Filipino who covered Journey songs in his previous band The Zoo, did a decent job imitating Steve Perry and appears to relish his role in the group. After he finished “Lights,” Pineda announced to the crowd: “This is so exciting.” However, he has an awkward stage presence, rarely interacted with his band members, and came in early on a few songs and sang over Schon's guitar parts (see “Escape” and “Faithfully”).

After the band played six hits, including “Wheel in the Sky” and “Who's Crying Now,” Pineda mistakenly introduced a new song that he said was from the band's new album Revelations. Instead, the group played “Faith in the Heartland” from the 2005 release Generations. The mistake can possibly be explained by a change to the set list.

Following “Lights,” Cain introduced the new song “After All These Years” from their upcoming release by saying, “This is a new ballad dedicated to the fans who have been with us through the years.” Of the three new tunes performed Saturday, this was easily the strongest and went over well with the diehard fans.

Pineda, who disappeared from the stage while Castronovo took over lead vocals on “After the Fall,” returned in time to watch Schon, in a mock British accent, introduce the second new song and “Be Good to Yourself” knockoff, “Never Walk Away.” After Castronovo sang “Mother/Father,” Cain provided the crowd with information about the upcoming studio album before the band performed the hardest rocking of the new tunes, “Wildest Dreams.”

Following the encore of “Be Good to Yourself,” the concert appeared to be over after 100 minutes as the crowd of approximately 7,000 started to exit their seats and make their way up through the aisles. However, since the band was recording the show for a DVD, Journey returned and Pineda announced, “We have to do one of the new ones again because we fucked it up.” Schon and company then played “Wildest Dreams” for the second time.

After the song, the band needed to fix another tune, so Cain asked the crowd: “Would you like to hear “Faithfully” again?” After the classic ballad, the show then concluded with a subdued, bluesy version of “Lovin', Touchin' Squeezin'.”

A number of questions remain after watching Journey with Pineda. Will new fans and longtime loyalists embrace a second Perry sound alike? Was Cain's dedication of “After All These Years” genuine, or a half-hearted attempt to please the fans? Will Pineda be given the time to mature as a lead vocalist, or will he be the latest singer dropped by Cain, Schon, Valory and Castronovo? Will the band get tighter over time and return the songs to their original tempos? Will Pineda attempt to tackle some of Journey's harder rocking songs from its back catalogue? Will the new album be more of the same? Is this the last incarnation of Journey?

Those who embrace Journey Version 2008 may be happy with the group's new/old direction. However, one cannot help but wonder what a new studio album from the once-great band would have sounded like if Soto was allowed to continue his own journey. - Dan Clavadetscher

And just for good measure and to ensure complete coverage, another site regular and friend of mine e-mailed in a review also. So, over to Freddie Woods-

First off let me begin by saying this would be a night of many surprises. Being a person who has been a fan of Journey since their beginning in 1975, I saw them on their first tour here in Vegas at the International Ice Place opening for Santana. A point I would tell Ross Valory later on in the night. When I first heard that Jeff Scott Soto was no longer in Journey my heart fell to the floor. Then to hear Neal Schon had picked a guy from YouTube to be the new singer thought he had lost his mind. He has proven that his mind is as sharp as a knife.

We find our seats and notice this is not a usual "Vegas" crowd. In fact, there are a lot of Filipinos in the crowd.

The house lights go dark and the band walks onstage bathed in blue lights. Neal stands center stage ripping out a solo and then they launch into "Anyway You Want It". New lead singer Arnel Pineda is a bouncy little package of energy. I thought at first that his size would make him look strange onstage but he reminded me of young Ronnie James Dio, always in constant motion. "Only The Young" is next with no break.

Jonathan Cain comes out front on guitar and you can see that the crowd has accepted Arnel into the fold. The huge Jumbotron behind the stage shows a huge smile on Arnel's face as he says "Good Evening Vegas" and Neal starts the opening cords of "Stone In Love". Now I know this is the first show with Arnel and the band is testing out what works and doesn't work so their choice in songs must be given a little leeway but "Faith In The Heartland" bombed big time.

The crowd, which had been on its feet from the start sat down on this one. I'm sure 95% of the crowd had never heard this song or the CD Generations. It would be the only song from the Steve Augeri era of the night. The band grabs the crowd back with a powerful version of "Lights". Arnel is really hitting his stride now. Hitting and holding notes with room to spare.

The first surprise of the night, a new mid tempo song called "After All These Years" which Arnel dedicates to all the long time Journey fans. Drummer Deen Castronovo does a great job singing "After The Fall" but for some reason is not shown on the giant screen above him and most of the crowd is wondering "who" is singing. Another new song, a rocker entitled "Never Walk Alone" follows. Jonathan treats us to a piano solo which heads into "Open Arms" and the crowd sings every word back to Arnel.

Dean takes over lead singing with "Mother, Father" and this time he's all over the screen. Most of this crowd has no idea the fantastic voice he has and has been singing harmonies all night. The first single (I was told) "Wildest Dreams" coming from the new CD is straight out vintage Journey. All the hooks that have made Journey are in this song. If this is the direction the band is going, I like it!

The highlight of the night "Faithfully" was sung with such strong emotion by Arnel, the crowd who were singing along sometimes stopped to hear him sing. Arms waving in the air, this was the band flexing its muscle. What you saw on Youtube could not hold a candle to him live. This guy is the real deal! "Separate Ways" thunders out followed by "Escape". "Don't Stop Believin'" finishes off the set and it's clear that whatever the problem was with Jeff Scott Soto, they have moved on and aren't looking back.

The crowd begs for more and the band returns to encore with "Be Good to Yourself". Arnel and boys are having "fun" now with Ross making faces at the cameras and Arnel spinning about the stage. They take their bows and the house lights come up. All in all a great show and the band has shown they have made all the right decisions.

30 seconds after the house lights come up an "announcement" comes over the PA saying the band must come back to "redo" a song for the cameras. People scramble like ants to get back to their seats and Jonathan addresses the crowd telling us that they need to redo a song for the new DVD/CD that's coming out in June titled "Revelations" and that tonight's show will be the DVD.

Lo and behold they redo "Faithfully" and the crowd goes nuts. If it's possible to make something better the second time around THEY DID IT! Arnel hit every note with such power and passion he had the crowd eating out of his hand. If you closed your eyes you would have sworn it was Steve Perry from the Escape tour. His voice is THAT strong. The band leaves the stage again but is called back to redo another song. This time it's the forthcoming single "Wildest Dreams". Arnel asks the crowd "Do you want more?" I love this song. Then another surprise. Neal walks over to Arnel and Dean, tells them they'll play another. They start a bluesy vamp with Jonathan playing harmonica. Arnel and Neal scat back and forth for a while and then play with the crowd a little. This morphs into "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'". At one point in the song Arnel picked out one of MANY Philippine flags and waved it on stage. The crowd went insane. It was the loudest roar of the night. This band must play Southeast Asia. I believe there will be no stadium large enough to hold them. Finally at 10:25pm the bands takes their final bows and we head upstairs for the "Meet and Greet!"

After waiting 25 minutes Jonathan is the first to walk in and greeted by applause. He is followed by Ross and then the person I have been waiting for, Deen, enters the room. In 1981 Deen was in a band called "The Enemy" and I was in "Little Sister". We both played the Vegas club scene and in a Battle Of The Bands on this very stage 27 years ago. His band took first place, mine took 3rd. I stopped playing drums in 1986 and became a radio DJ here in Vegas. Deen went on to play with the likes of Ted Nugent, Ozzy, Bad English and now Journey. I made my way over to him and waited my turn. When I got up to him I asked if he remembered his old band The Enemy? Now remember, I haven't seen, talked or had ANY contact with Dean in 27 years! He looked at me and said "Freddie? Freddie F**kin Woods?" My jaw dropped. My friend Mike looked like he had just hit Megabucks.

We started hugging each other and he proceeds to tell the whole room that I was one of his favorite drummers. I was in awe! This man remembered me after 27 years. Then a little voice says "Fredrick?" It was Deen's mother. Hugs were the order of the night. Deen introduced me to Ross, Jon and Arnel (who stood on a chair to take a picture with me). Neal hadn't arrived yet. We exchanged phone numbers and he promised we would hook up next time they hit Vegas (I got the tour lowdown but am sworn to secrecy). This was a night I will NEVER EVER forget. I wish I had seen the band with Jeff. I was lucky to see them 10 times with Steve Perry, 3 times with Steve Augeri and now with Arnel. My only "wish" is that they could play a few more songs. - Freddie Woods.

Pictures from Freddie (incl. one of him with singer Arnel)

http://www.carouselpinoy.com/notesandreviews6.html#sos

Entertainment (as of 3/21/2008 11:14 AM)

Holy Week not just about Christ's death: Pinoy musicians

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

FAMILY BONDING

For Arnel Pineda, the newest vocalist of the American rock band "Journey", Holy Week offers an opportunity to love one's family and thus show one's love of the Lord.

"I will be with my family, definitely. I will go out of town with them," Pineda told abs-cbnNews.com.

The other message of Holy Week other than loving one's family, he said, is to venerate God’s sufferings.

"I hope we remember the meaning of the suffering of the good Lord for mankind and the importance of this to all persons we love and also to our enemies," Pineda explained.

"You see I’m not a very religious person; I’m just spiritual. I don’t go to church and yes, I’m a Christian," he said. "But I'm very spiritual and I believe in God."

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=112646

Pinoy "Journey" lead singer thanks DeGeneres for praise

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Arnel Pineda, the new lead singer of popular American rock band "Journey," was praised for his awesome singing talent by well-known talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

"I’m thankful because finally they’d recognized Filipino talents… I'm just one of the few who really gets lucky. So I thank God for that," Pineda exclusively told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

"I was surprised. I did not expect that she will feature me on her show. Then there are also gossips that she wanted me and the whole band to guest on her show," Pineda added.

Pineda’s statement stemmed from reports and video clips from www.youtube.com showing DeGeneres featuring Pineda on her program, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show". On the show, she shared some details on how Pineda turned out to be the newest vocalist of the band.

In the video, DeGeneres said: "This guy, this is not lipsinging he's actually singing. His name is Arnel Pineda, (shows clip of Pineda while singing) anyways he is incredible! So the guitarist from journey Neal Schon saw this video and he sent email to Arnel and Arnel emailed back and now Arnel is in the studio recording the Journey album. He is gonna be the lead singer of "Journey" how cool is that. Let that be a lesson to you don't stop believing. And i think i want him on the show I think we were talking to him about he maybe on the show -- I think the whole band."

Ellen also acknowledged that there are lots of talented singers from the Philippines and even mentioned young Filipina singer Charice Pempengco, who guested on her show which drew a lot of viewer attention.

At the moment, there are already reports that talks are in the process to have Pineda and the whole band of Journey -- Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums), to be on the said show.

But according to Pineda the decision whether it is possible for him to guest on "Ellen" will be decided by the management of "Journey."

"We have to find out first if it’s valid, if it’s okay or not to guest on her show, only the "Journey" can decide on it," Pineda explained.

Pineda also said that up to now he has not yet received any call from "Journey" regarding the said invitation but if given the choice, he will definitely accept the opportunity.

Right now, Pineda is in the country to take a short break away from his work. He arrived March 12 and stayed with his family during the Holy Week. He is set to go back to the US on March 29 to do one show.

Pineda restated his gratefulness to all his fans and supporters who are always there for him.

"Thank you. I'm also thankful that they are supporting the Filipino talents. I will try my best to make you guys proud of me."

The singer joined his first band at age 15 and has been singing professionally for the past 25 years. His voice also won him the Best Vocalist award at the World Band Explosion in 1987 -- a feat that he repeated the following year.

He has been a veteran of several bands and was a regular in clubs in Makati, Olongapo and Quezon City. His last band, The Zoo, released its first album "Zoology" under MCA Universal Records last September 2007.

It was Pineda's stint in The Zoo that got him noticed by Journey axeman Neal Schon. Schon said he was looking for a replacement singer on popular video-sharing site YouTube.com when he discovered videos of Pineda and The Zoo singing Journey songs, such as "Open Arms" and "Faithfully".

After this, the band asked Pineda to join them as their vocalist and the rest is history.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=113035

RUSHES

By the Inquirer Entertainment Staff, Inquirer.net Entertainment Staff
Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 21:18:00 03/26/2008

And now, Arnel Pineda

“There are very talented singers in the Philippines. Remember Charice Pempengco?”

That was Ellen Degeneres on her show Monday night, promising a global audience another Filipino singer as special guest soon. This time it’s Arnel Pineda, new lead singer of Journey.

Ellen aired a YouTube video of Arnel, as front man of his local band Zoo, singing a Steve Perry/Journey original.

“Wow,” the effervescent host said afterward, then proceeded to tell the story of how the US band found Arnel through those uploaded videos. “My staff is trying to bring the whole band (Journey) here,” Ellen said.

Journey's Arnel Pineda invited to guest at Ellen Degeneres Show
March 23, 2008

Talk show host Ellen Degeneres on her recent show of the same name was mentioning about the awesome singing talent from the Philippines and wants to invite multi-platinum Rock Band Journey new lead singer Arnel Pineda to guest in her show.

Here's a segment of the broadcast expressing her interest in inviting Arnel Pineda.

Talks are in process to have Journey's Arnel Pineda, as well as the whole band of JOURNEY--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals), who is originally from the Philippines, to be on the "Ellen Degeneres Show." It is amazing that Arnel sings so good (too good to be true)that Ellen quips HE IS NOT lipsinging! Ellen surely knows great talent when she hears one. Ellen have acknowledged that there is a lot of singers that are really good from the Philippines and have featured the Philippine young Filipina singer Charice Pempengco on her show which drew a lot of viewer attention.

Pineda, 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 7,000 miles 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.

In two of the latest whirlwind career turnarounds launched by the video-sharing Web site (www.youtube.com), Filipino singers Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda have shot from relative obscurity to levels of success surprising even to them.

Fifteen-year-old Pempengco thought her music career was doomed when she lost a local singing competition in 2006.

But YouTube gave her the "cyber break" of a lifetime, when a clip of her singing Jennifer Holliday's "And I'm Telling You I am Not Going" caught the attention of TV host Ellen DeGeneres and Grammy award winning producer David Foster.

News media have reported that YouTube, the internet video sharing website, have given the Filipinos the "Cyber Break" they need to be discovered and launched into the world stage. This is no surprise though: Filipinos do have great talent.

http://www.carouselpinoy.com/xpressions.html#arn

 INQUIRER EXCLUSIVE
This Pinoy is a rock star–believe it


By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:35:00 04/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines - This guy’s a rock star? Arnel Pineda, new lead singer of the famous American band Journey, says he still goes to Nepa Q-Mart to buy his favorite dalagang bukid.

He confesses that he is “living like a saint” at the moment, religiously following a regimen of exercise and healthy diet, and mostly just staying home with his family. This, before a daunting tour that starts in June.

Yes, he is a rock star, though stands a tad too short and, offstage, looks so unassuming, that he could blend with the neighborhood bums.

But Pineda, the country’s biggest music celebrity at the moment, doesn’t give a hoot.

At 40, he is no spring chicken, but life for him is just beginning. In two months he is bound to fully appreciate what it means to be Journey’s frontman, as the band goes on an intercontinental tour that kicks off in Spain, and proceeds to Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, Ireland, and the US. The tour’s Asian leg will have stops in Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

There are reportedly eight promoters bidding for the band’s Manila gig in November.

Plus, Journey has been invited to play on “Ellen” (Ellen DeGeneres’ show) on the strength of Pineda’s celebrated YouTube video that caught Journey founder/guitarist Neil Schon’s eye. Taping for “Ellen” is set May 22.

Huge following

Journey is not exactly the world’s hottest band right now. None of its albums figure prominently among critics’ favorites. But from 1979 to 1983, it gained a huge following after recording a string of albums (“Evolution,”

“Departure,” “Escape,” “Frontiers”) that helped define what a power ballad sounded like.

These days, it’s typical of karaoke clubs to have somebody at the mic belting out Journey hits like “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Open Arms”—often with difficulty.

Last year, Journey enjoyed newfound resurgence, via the US hit TV series “The Sopranos.” The last scene of the final season showed actor James Gandolfini (as Tony Soprano) scanning a jukebox and playing “Don’t Stop Believing” while waiting for his wife and kids at a diner. The song served as soundtrack for the scene.

The band has toured regularly in the past few years with former big names like Def Leppard, Cheap Trick and Heart. But probably not until it announced Pineda’s hiring did the idea of a top-draw American band with an Asian front man become very interesting, indeed.

Regular guys, but white

“The weird part is, performing with Journey feels just like playing with my old band Zoo,” says Pineda in an interview at the Inquirer office. “Kaya lang, major league ang Journey— big stage, big lights, big music.”

Having gone past the star-struck phase, Pineda has discovered that his new bandmates are regular guys who talk about simple things and have their own dreams. He felt right at home with them, “kahit puti sila.” (even if they are white).

Home for a break before the grueling tour (the US leg alone has 49 shows), Pineda talks about the curious little details that he is doing, or not doing, for the first time: “I don't eat pork and beef, just fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken. I take raw, wild honey because it’s good for the voice, it’s an antioxidant and anti-viral. I drink lots of alkaline water. And I talk only when really necessary.”

But he rehearses old and new Journey songs every day. The routine starts with exercises that he learned from vocal coaches who’ve trained the Eagles’ Don Henley and Journey’s former frontman, Steve Perry, acknowledged as the one who gave the band its distinctive voice.

That high tenor, Pineda admits, is like a “shadow” that he won’t be able to get away from easily.

Make or break

But the forthcoming release of a new Journey album offers a window of opportunity. The record, a special 3-disc (CD/DVD) package titled “Revelation,” features Pineda singing in 11 Journey classics, as well as 11 new songs.

“It's make or break,” he says. “‘If it becomes a hit, I can get get our from that shadow. But not totally, kasi andu’n yung greatest hits. But it’s a huge honor to sing those hits.”

A track from the album, “After All These Years,” is touted to be a potential hit.

Pineda describes it as a ballad “about a couple—after all the trials and heartaches, they are still together.”

The recording sessions, according to Pineda, were enough to debunk the notion of Journey as being inflated with rock-star egos. He says Schon has invited him to contribute songs for the next album. “Sabi niya, ‘Man, you have to get used to living in America because I want you to write songs with me.’” Pineda says he’s got a bunch of English lyrics written down through the years.

Apart from his bandmates’ graciousness, Pineda is grateful for having been introduced by his vocal coaches to the “science of singing.” He refers to techniques through which he learned how to breathe properly. Now he’s amazed that he’s able to again sing the songs he had long dropped because he couldn’t reach the high notes.
“When I was 15, maski three hours lang ang tulog ko, kinabukasan kakanta uli ako ng Chaka Khan (‘Through the Fire’) or Heart (‘What About Love’),” he recalls, cracking up the Inquirer Entertainment staff.

Tailored future

This rock star, by the way, used to sing just about anything.

He remembers that his parents, both tailors, used to prop him up, as young as 6 years old, to join amateur singing contests. “‘Pag fiesta, kinakabahan na ko, bobolahin na ’ko ng father ko, susukatan na ko ng damit, kunwari may magpapatahi, pero ako na pala ’yung gagawan ng damit. Pinapalista na nila ko sa barangay. Ayoko, umiiyak ako, pag kumakanta ako sa stage, nanginginig ako sa nerbiyos.” (I get the jitters every fiesta season. My father would make me a nice costume, then he would enter my name in the village singing contest. I used to cry. I had sever stage fright.)

It is his late mother that he considers his earliest musical influence.

“Tatawagin niya ako habang nananahi siya para kantahin namin ’yung Carpenters … ‘You’ve got to love me for what I am…’ Saka ‘yung ‘Evergreen’ ni Barbra Streisand.” (We used to sing songs by the Carpenters. And Evergreen by Barbra Streisand.)

In hindsight, his mother’s death, which left the family in financial trouble, gave him the impetus to try doing what he never thought he would be good at—singing for a living.

Pineda has come a long way from Shakey’s Cubao, Cal-Jam Olongapo and Cavern Club in Hong Kong, singing the classic hits of his idols, from Aerosmith to Led Zeppelin. He’s some sort of a legend in the cover-band circuit for his high-pitched vocals that could tackle any rock ballad that one could think of.

Even so, he says nothing prepared him for the daunting task of singing with Journey for the first time at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile last February. Backstage, he was scared as hell, certain that the gig was an acid test and that the audience had turned up only to judge whether he deserved to be there.

It turned out they were indeed rabid Perry fans, a fact that Schon only told him after the show. So I won't get the jitters,” Pineda laughs.

Another show was in Santiago, known for one of the most vicious audiences in the world. “I was told they would boo you until you lose focus,” Pineda relates. “The good news is, it did not happen.”

He says the fear of committing a mistake benefited him, as he became more careful, not overly confident, “pero kung maririnig ng matatalas ang tenga ’yung performance ko, marami akong sabit, mga flats, kasi I was being very careful na ’wag akong sumobra.” (but I always listen to myself, I don't want to go overboard.)

Voice in protest

He has enough reason to be extra careful now.

During a small gig in Pebble Beach, Monterey County, California, his voice collapsed
after eight songs. “Bigla na lang siyang bumaba, hindi ko maabot ’yung right key,” he recounts. “Unti-unti ko lang siyang naibalik after four more songs pero kung baga, pilay na ako. Dinaan ko sa showmanship. Nagustuhan pa rin ng tao. Ang nanood sa ’min mga 300 people lang, pero top dealers of Chevrolet cars. It was a corporate show.” (I faltered once. I was able to recover with lots of showmanship. The people liked it.)

He says he’s psychologically prepared, in case it happens again. “Kailangan alam mo kung pa’no i-turn around. Gamitin mo siya to your advantage.” (One must realize when to turn-around and use that to advantage.)

He’s noticeably wearing braces to correct a dysfunction. He says his left jawbone is deteriorating and the right one is starting to show the same symptoms. “But it’s curable through therapy. Nakuha ko ’to from stress and too much talking … also because I grind my teeth while asleep.”

The pain of those dysfunctional jawbones, alongside another affliction called acid reflux in the stomach, made him quit singing in Hong Kong in 2006. He describes acid reflux as being akin to ulcer, something akin to having intense heartburn. At this point, the normally jovial Pineda turns morbid: “‘Pag pinabayaan, it can lead to cancer.” (It might just develop into cancer.)

Three-year contract

But these ailments are the least of his worries right now, since he has a dependable manager in Bert de Leon, otherwise known as a TV director (“Eat Bulaga,” “Todas”), but whose love of music and knowledge of the business (he was a former executive at the defunct Blackgold label of Vicor Records) serves Pineda in good stead. De Leon makes sure he gets sufficient medical attention.

“We’ve been ‘married’ for the past two years,” Pineda says of his relationship with de Leon.

It’s something that Pineda holds dearly, since de Leon was instrumental in getting him gigs and a record deal with the band Zoo when he decided to return from Hong Kong, where he said he was one of the highest paid performers in the famous Lan Kwai Fung entertainment district.

De Leon, who was present at the interview, says Pineda’s contract with Journey is for three years, with mutual renewal options. The time frame was based on the three-year working visa that the US Immigration and Naturalization Service gave Pineda.

Friends say he should seize the chance to have a green card, but he’s nonchalant about the idea. For now he’s just happy to be home in Kamuning, Quezon City, to play with his 2-year-old son, Cherub, and look brightly to the future with his “wife-to-be” Cherry. (He has two other sons, Matthew Anthony, 19, and Angelo Neil, 13, from previous relationships.)

He says Cherry is overwhelmed. “Life has changed, all too sudden. That’s why Direk Bert is not only a manager now, but also a big brother and adviser. He tells us: ‘Take things one day at a time. Otherwise, mapi-freak out ka.’”

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyleexclusives/lifestyleexclusives/view/20080420-131512/This-Pinoy-is-a-rock-starbelieve-it

‘Let your heart guide you’ –Arnel Pineda



Yugel Losorata

Pinoy talent Arnel Pineda, now walking on shoes formerly worn by singing icon Steve Perry, has deep respect for the former Journey vocalist.

Pineda humbly said he can be his equal and is doing everything not to sound like him. This Filipino vocal sensation, who made the headlines when he was tapped by current Journey members to be their latest vocalist, has already recorded classic Journey songs, as well as new tracks from the band, which the world will hear via their new album "Revelation" to be released in the US next month.

Pineda has indeed become a revelation both for the rest of Journey and the Pinoys cheering for his international triumph.

His band mates regards him as the ‘future of our franchise’ while local fans have found inspiration in his Cinderella-like story that started when he was seen by Journey’s Neal Schon on Youtube and contacted him to audition for the band. He already debuted with the group last February at the

Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile. The first single with him on board has recently been released.

In an exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin, Pineda, described by Journey producer Kevin Shirley as a ‘monster vocalist’ and a ‘real deal’ shared his thoughts on his big break.

1. Tell us how you felt the first time you played in public as Journey’s official lead vocalist?

Well, I was freezing from a terrible nervousness.I wasn’t expecting for the people in Chile to react so positively about me but then again, it happened, despite the fact that they are more into Steve Perry phenomena.

2. How's your working relationship with Journey members? How did they treat you the first time you guys worked together?

They made it easy for me as much as possible, though it was so hard actually coz we are trying to keep a legacy that fans have known for 30 years so keeping up with that kind of legacy is the hardest part. I think I can get along well with anyone of them ,coz they’re all so nice and easy to exchange words with about anything.

3. How would you assess Steve Perry’s talent as vocalist? You are a diehard Journey fan.

The pressure is so high I believe I will never be able to fill it up in this lifetime. Steve Perry’s voice is one of the best and one of the most distinguished in the world of music, untouchable. That’s why I am trying my best also to not exactly copy him ‘cause I can never be like him. He’s the only ‘voice’ and I can say that I am just a co-celebrator of Journey’s 30-year legacy. I can say that I am one of Perry’s biggest fans and it will stay that way for a very long time.

4. You have an upcoming Journey album featuring you on vocals?

Well, it will be a double CD album offering 11 or 12 songs from the past (greatest hits) and 12 new songs. With the double CD album comes a DVD package which was shot at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Yes we will come to the Philippines to do a concert so watch out my fellow Pinoys.

5. Would you say from the heart that you’d want to spend the rest of your career as a Journey singer?

As far as my heart and mind is concerned, I don’t want to look that far yet regarding my position as their frontman. Anything bad or good can happen anytime of the day.

6. Your most important advice to aspiring singers?

Passion I guess and the will to go through lots of pains and trials. I never went to school to develop my talent and I’ve learned every knowledge I got now the hard way. It is only nowadays that I am experiencing proper training and care of voice and I owe it to Journey. So I suggest that all singing enthusiasts should undergo the same way as I am now and put everything in their hearts whatever it is they wanted to achieve after the training.

7. In your opinion, how significant is your Journey stint to the Filipinos? How did this change your life and outlook?

I have faith in Filipinos be it in arts, academics or whatever we try to strive with and aspire to reach. Just like what the others are saying, I hope that my achievement will unite us not only politically but as a whole country. With my life now I am still pretty much the same. My love for family became stronger and far more solid than before. My family now is the biggest reason why I am able to do what I enjoy doing, singing with the band. My family is the one providing the confidence. And for that reason alone, I don’t think I will fail my fellow Pinoys here and around the world.

8. Your message to your Filipino fans and supporters?

Let your heart guide you wherever and however you want to dream and fly!

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR20080507123833.html

Entertainment, 5/8/2008 3:56 PM May 8, 2008
Journey's new album to hit RP by year-end
By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Fans of American rock band Journey in the Philippines will have to wait for another six months to get a copy of the band’s latest album “REVELATION.”

Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda confirmed that Wal-Mart stores in North America got the exclusive rights to distribute the three-disc package on June 3. “REVELATION” is Pineda’s first CD as the band’s frontman.

“Yes it’s confirmed, the CD will be released on June 3. There are 11 brand new compositions and 11 of Journey's greatest hits,” Pineda told abs-cbnNEWS.com. He said the third disc will be a DVD of Journey's live concert in Las Vegas last March 8.

All of the songs on “REVELATION” were produced by Kevin Shirley, the man who previously worked with Journey on their platinum-certified TRIAL BY FIRE album.

Arnel shared that the original plan was to record only four new songs plus previous Journey hits but changes were made till they end up with a very loaded “REVELATION” album.
 
The crooner said the songs included in the album are: Never Walk Away; Like A Sunshower; Change For The Better; Wildest Dream; Faith In The Heartland; After All These Years; Where Did I Lose Your Love; What I Needed; What It Takes To Win; Turn Down The World Tonight; The Journey (Revelation). Only The Young; Don't Stop Believin'; Wheel In The Sky; Faithfully; Any Way You Want It; Who's Crying Now; Separate Ways (Worlds Apart); Lights; Open Arms; Be Good To Yourself; Stone In Love.

Pineda said he and the band recorded the album in California for almost two months. "That was unforgettable because I got sick right after we recorded the album. We recorded for about a month and a half when the original plan was to finish the record in three weeks," he said.

Pineda appealed to his fellow Filipinos to support the album as soon as it is available in the Philippines.

“I hope it goes platinum. This is history for the Philippines. I really thank my fans who have supported me even when I get criticized and discriminated against. I hope they support Filipino artists who are struggling in the Philippines and abroad, “ he said.

Pineda is now preparing for a five-month US and European tour. He is set to leave the country this coming May 17.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=117601