I attribute my success to three elements: hard work, passion, and a little bit of luck. When I first heard about Rockstar INXS, a new reality show on CBS, I decided to audition. After years of trying to make it as solo artist, I thought this opportunity might provide my big break. Well, I didn’t win the competition to be the singer for INXS…I did one better and got my very own deal with Universal Classics.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Sydney, Australia, I began playing the piano at age seven, but was quickly discouraged by my teacher, who informed me that without practice, I would never become a virtuoso. However, a chance meeting with a jazz musician opened up a world of possibilities! I was finally able to play the music I wanted, in the style I chose. I even wrote my own songs and played piano without having to perfect my Mozart! Who cares if I was never going to be a concert pianist? Stick that up your metronome, I was going to be a ROCKSTAR!
After high school, I played in a number of bands (Sohcahtoa, The Honkies, Lovetown, Randy Badass & The Slickmaster Five) while trying my hand at acting. I was only 19, but I got the chance to jet-ski through the Amsterdam canals in a TV pilot about teenage spies called Mission: Top Secret.
The acting bug took me to London for several years where I landed onstage in the lead role of Ritchie Valens in The Buddy Holly Story. I was just a kid from Sydney, but I found myself entranced by the bright lights of London, starring in the smash hit musical Rent, and playing Galileo, the lead role, in the musical We Will Rock You, based on the catalogue of glam rockers, Queen.
Despite my success on stage, I began to think that I would never achieve my true dream of fronting a band. So, I decided to take one more shot at a solo career. I rekindled my love of both writing and recording on a four-song EP that even featured Queen guitarist Brian May on one of the tracks.
It was at this time that I heard about Rockstar: INXS, a pilot centered on the Australian band's search for a new lead singer. As I was a lifelong fan of the band (which provided the soundtrack to my first kiss), I decided to make the trek from London to Los Angeles. After an exhausting round of auditions, I made the final cut and was ultimately chosen as a finalist on the show. I was the only one that made Rockstar from the UK, and the only Aussie to make the final 15.
I came into Rockstar: INXS with all guns blazing, full of bravado and confidence, and left in third place but with a Universal recording contract. My experience on Rockstar INXS was a dream come true. In fact, I often say that it was the greatest thing I will never do again.
My self-titled debut CD has finally been released in the US and Canada through Decca/Universal. It’s composed of soulful interpretations of classic rock and roll staples, including some of my favorite songs: The Police's "Wrapped Around Your Finger," The Rolling Stones' "Angie," David Bowie's "Life On Mars," and "Baby I Love Your Way," which features a guest performance by Peter Frampton himself. I have also included three original songs I wrote called "She Loved", "Could It Be" and "You And I".
Another dream came true when I got to work with two of the most incredible producers, Matthew Wilder (No Doubt, Christina Aguilera) and Rob Mathes, with string arrangements by the renowned Paul Buckmaster (Elton John, Train). I recorded the album near my new home in Los Angeles, with additional sessions done in London and New York. I still can’t believe how beautifully it turned out. It has some of the world’s greatest songs coupled with amazing arrangements and a superb sound, and was even able to include original songs to stand side by side with these classics. In fact, "She Loved" and "Could It Be" have been the most celebrated tracks on the CD.
I am so excited about working on my upcoming CD. I have been writing songs for this album for a long time now and cannot wait to deliver these babies to the world. This creative process is why I can be in no other business. I love it. It is not only what I do, but what I am.
So, my piano teacher was actually right on two counts; I never did become a virtuoso, but the dedication she taught me did lead to success. Going out on my own as a recording artist has surpassed my wildest dreams. I finally feel like I belong, like this is what I'm meant to do in this life.
The best part? This is only the beginning…
