Newbie singer takes on Claire de la Fuente original

MANILA - Neophyte singer Myrus is out to make a name for himself. To do it, he is taking on Claire de la Fuente's song "Sayang" and putting his own unique twist to the ballad.

Is Claire happy about his rendition?

“Of course. Tita Claire appreciates what I did to her song. I should know. I always talk to her,” said Myrus, an on-leave Mass Communication student at the De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Before he recorded the song, he said he consulted with de la Fuente and asked for her advice.

“I first asked her about my interpretation. She listened personally to my version and right there and then, she approved of it,” he said.

Why “Sayang” of all songs when he could always choose from an array of original sounds?

“Because it was a rare song among popular ones,” he answered.

To begin with, it's a song meant for a female singer and her pitch is different from his.

“We adjusted the pitch and matched it with the quality of my voice. It wasn't easy, though,” Myrus shared.

“Sayang” is one of the local songs hitting the music charts with so much appreciation especially from the younger set of generation.

“I would like to embrace all types of listeners,” said Myrus.

Because of the popularity of the song, the singer is eventually being sought out, too.

This is the reason why Myrus had to miss his schooling. “Sayang naman po ng break,” exclaimed the 19-year-old balladeer who was discovered in Friendster.

Myrus is one of the guest performers in the benefit concert “Echoes of Dreams,” a show dedicated to the care and understanding of marginalized sectors of society like drug dependents who want to renew their lives, autistic and Down syndrome kids, sexually abused boys and girls and other special children.

The gig, scheduled at the Big Dome on November 31, will also feature as guests international star Lea Salonga and child wonder Clark Gamol.

World renowned marimba player, Tumtum Mendoza, who has autism, will also perform together with lady singer Samara.

reference: http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/03/09/newbie-singer-takes-claire-de-la-fuente-original