Ian Veneracion is finally unveiling his ‘hidden’ passion for singing like it ain’t nobody’s business
After the success of his solo concert in Cebu last month, Ian Veneracion will conquer Manila in “Ian In 3 Acts” on May 13 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
It’s not a concert, though, but more a “concept” show as he, himself, put it.
“A c t u a l l y nahihiya akong tawaging concert,” he said. “So it’s a performance show kasi ’pag concert iniisip mo lang ‘Ah kantahan lang ’to ’di ba?’”
The 43-year-old acknowledged he is more an actor than a singer.
“Acting I’ve been doing since I was a kid so I see myself as an actor talaga,” he said. “In terms of music, I don’t want to pretend to be something I’m not.”
Take note, Ian does not like to lip-sync, even in production numbers on TV or during mall shows.
“If I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing live. If I’m gonna do a show or a concert, it’s gonna be live music, live band and nothing pre-recorded. When it is organic, it’s a very different feeling including all the mistakes and timing and everything. ’Yun talaga ’yung masarap du’n,” he maintained.
Ian isn’t banking so much on his vocal chops as he does on the ability to tell stories through music.
“So in the whole show there’s a certain flow. Hindi siya ’yung pwede mong kunin ’yung kanta dito tapos papalitan. Dito, even the spiels ay naka-arrange.” He added: “For me, music is really a personal take.”
Ian is also into songwriting. During the show, he will render his two original compositions – “We’re All Alone” that was recently launched, and then the nostalgic “I Miss You The Most” which he wrote for his wife.
His guest performers are LA Santos, Jong Cuenco and Jona. He said he’s most thrilled sharing the stage with soul singer Jaya for one special number.
Asked whose music he listens to, Ian cited iconic singers and bands likes Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Pink Floyd.
But Ian considers Bob Dylan’s songs as the “best music.”
“Actually I’m into artists du’n sa generation of my father and not my generation’s music. Kasi na-expose ako sa music ng dad ko and so ’yun ’yung na enjoy ko. Tsaka ’yun ’yung natural na lumalabas ’pag nagkakatugtugan lang,” he said.
So should people expect such songs in “Ian In 3 Acts?”
Well, he cleared not everything as the show is divided in three parts.
For the first part which he dubbed “Ian that you know” segment, he will do a Jose Mari Chan medley. Then in the “You don’t know” portion, the singer-actor will showcase the rock star side of him.
“’Yung mga bluesy. So diyan lalabas ’pag ka-Clapton,” he said.
The last part combines both though he did not elaborate.
“’Yung show hindi namin gustong gawin na music lang kundi we also want to create scenes,” he hinted.
Ian...why are you doing all of these now?
“Why not? You only live once,” he said. “And I think it’s every little boy’s dream to play like a guitar with really good band, with guest and live audience.”
The guy has got a point.