Music
Press
'Pinay’ songwriting champ wears many hats
By Noelani Torre
Inquirer
Posted date: December 14, 2007
MANILA, Philippines—Even if you have the talent and the drive, making a name for yourself in the local music industry is never easy. There are many people out there who are after the same thing, and Pinoys are well-known for our musical talent.
“It is certainly difficult knowing that competition in our country is tight,” muses Agatha, a singer/songwriter/producer who’s been a part of the industry since she was a child. “For some reason, there’s no basis for people’s choices and appreciation for music.”
That hasn’t stopped her from trying, however, and since she’s more than just a singer, Agatha is also making her mark as a songwriter. Having already written songs for herself, as well as for artists like Olgie Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo, Jolina Magdangal and Jennylyn Mercado, Agatha is becoming well-known for her songwriting talent.
Recognition
Recently, her songs gained recognition at the prestigious USA Songwriting Competition, an annual contest that’s been ongoing since 1995 and prides itself on being “the world’s leading songwriting event.”
“I took a shot,” Agatha recalls. “I had no expectations.” Informed of the event by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (Filscap), she grabbed at the opportunity and submitted some of her songs. “It was a chance for people to believe in me,” she explains, “and for us artists to sing our songs and be heard!”
Two of her songs qualified for the finals, trumping the achievement of other contestants from Asia. The judges of the USA Songwriting Competition make up a Blue Ribbon committee which includes distinguished producers and publishers from such major labels as Warner, Universal, Sony BMG and EMI. Known for helping composers and songwriters get a leg up in the competitive musical industry, this just might be the first rung up the ladder of Agatha’s future success.
With many solo artists out there doing revivals and singing other people’s songs, Agatha—as well as other artists like her—stands out. Blessed with a sweet, clear voice that falls lightly on the ear, she also has a way with words and music. Her songs are catchy, mellow, and contain refreshingly simple melodic lines and heartfelt lyrics.
Singing contests
Like many young hopefuls, Agatha Comia Obar entered singing contests as a child. She was a “Bulilit Bagong Kampion” runner-up and won the “Tanghalan ng Kampeon” tilt eight weeks in a row! She also passed the audition for the role of Kim in the German production of “Miss Saigon.”
The singer-composer has performed with groups like Silk, Pido, Slim and Livewood. What really make her distinctive, however, are the many hats she wears. Not only does she write her own lyrics and compose her own music, she’s also a producer for GMA and Viva Records.
An artist of many talents, Agatha is currently working on a new album. When asked what she thought it would take to make it big in the music biz, her answer is simple: “Just keep going!”
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MANILA, Philippines—Even if you have the talent and the drive, making a name for yourself in the local music industry is never easy. There are many people out there who are after the same thing, and Pinoys are well-known for our musical talent.
“It is certainly difficult knowing that competition in our country is tight,” muses Agatha, a singer/songwriter/producer who’s been a part of the industry since she was a child. “For some reason, there’s no basis for people’s choices and appreciation for music.”
That hasn’t stopped her from trying, however, and since she’s more than just a singer, Agatha is also making her mark as a songwriter. Having already written songs for herself, as well as for artists like Olgie Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo, Jolina Magdangal and Jennylyn Mercado, Agatha is becoming well-known for her songwriting talent.
Recognition
Recently, her songs gained recognition at the prestigious USA Songwriting Competition, an annual contest that’s been ongoing since 1995 and prides itself on being “the world’s leading songwriting event.”
“I took a shot,” Agatha recalls. “I had no expectations.” Informed of the event by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (Filscap), she grabbed at the opportunity and submitted some of her songs. “It was a chance for people to believe in me,” she explains, “and for us artists to sing our songs and be heard!”
Two of her songs qualified for the finals, trumping the achievement of other contestants from Asia. The judges of the USA Songwriting Competition make up a Blue Ribbon committee which includes distinguished producers and publishers from such major labels as Warner, Universal, Sony BMG and EMI. Known for helping composers and songwriters get a leg up in the competitive musical industry, this just might be the first rung up the ladder of Agatha’s future success.
With many solo artists out there doing revivals and singing other people’s songs, Agatha—as well as other artists like her—stands out. Blessed with a sweet, clear voice that falls lightly on the ear, she also has a way with words and music. Her songs are catchy, mellow, and contain refreshingly simple melodic lines and heartfelt lyrics.
Singing contests
Like many young hopefuls, Agatha Comia Obar entered singing contests as a child. She was a “Bulilit Bagong Kampion” runner-up and won the “Tanghalan ng Kampeon” tilt eight weeks in a row! She also passed the audition for the role of Kim in the German production of “Miss Saigon.”
The singer-composer has performed with groups like Silk, Pido, Slim and Livewood. What really make her distinctive, however, are the many hats she wears. Not only does she write her own lyrics and compose her own music, she’s also a producer for GMA and Viva Records.
An artist of many talents, Agatha is currently working on a new album. When asked what she thought it would take to make it big in the music biz, her answer is simple: “Just keep going!”
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