HIPNOTIC MICHELLE
Filipina singer Michelle Ayalde tells Dennis Chua about collaborating with local musicians, writing her own music and breaking into the US market
ONE word which best describes Michelle Ayalde is resilience. The bubbly and chatty Filipina is an optimist.
What makes her a tough cookie is a passion for the performing arts, nurtured by parents who were musicians during their youth. “Music is my first love,” she says with a school-girlish smile.
“It’s because my mum introduced me to pop, R&B and soul during my pre-teen years that I fell in love with music, and made it my calling.”
As early as 4, Ayalde was into singing contests for kids. By 10, she was already a singing star on TV, appearing regularly in entertainment series, such as Ang TV and ASAP, on the ABS-CBN channel in the Philippines.
“Despite the hours of practice, it has always been fun for me because when it is one’s passion, the boundaries between work and play are blurred!”
Ayalde only slowed down career-wise to pursue a three-year degree in mass communications, majoring in broadcasting, at the Centro Escobar University. “While my parents are my biggest supporters in showbiz, they advised me to get a degree, because everybody loves an entertainer who is well-educated. It’s a bonus for me.”
After graduating in 2006, Ayalde joined the band, After Eve, and performed in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan.
“This was the first time I got international exposure as the lead singer of a Philippine band. I’m fortunate to have wonderful band mates who gave me lots of useful tips on communicating with audiences from different countries.
“Pursuing a mass communications course also gave me confidence in interacting with people from around the region,” she says.
Ayalde was soon discovered by Worldwide Platinum Records president Mickey Willingham and joined his band the Crush Crew Project, in 2012. “I now lead the Cash Band, and Mickey discovered me via YouTube,” says Ayalde, who credits Willingham or Mickey D with helping her develop a more mature, soulful image.
SOMETHING FOR EVERY LISTENER
With help from producers Willingham and Paolo Banaga, Ayalde has just launched her second album, Hipnotic.
“It contains seven tracks in English and all are about inspiring others to reach for the stars and believe in themselves,” says Ayalde.
“The album contains fresh vibes and positive energy. It’s mature and versatile with something for every listener.”
Ayalde describes her new songs such as Hipnotic and Leave All Your Worries
Behind as effortlessly catchy. “It’s a lot different from my self-titled debut album which was released in 2005 with 11 tracks. Back then, it was teen pop all the way.”
While she did not write or compose any songs on her new album, Ayalde promises that her third album will have “several self-penned songs”.
“I’m not one to rush things, I prefer going at my own pace to achieve my dreams. That’s because, slow and steady wins the race.”
AT HOME HERE
Ayalde believes her passion to inspire people, and her natural charm, will help her to penetrate the Malaysian music market someday.
Since 2011, she has been entertaining music fans at Soju outlets in George Town, Penang and occasionally in Kuala Lumpur as well. “I love everything about Malaysia, the food, friendly people and amazing culture. It is similar to the Philippines in many ways and thus I feel at home here.”
Counting Regine Velasquez, Mariah Carey and Beyonce Knowles as her top three idols, Ayalde wants to be known as someone who can perform any kind of music.
Her versatility and perfectionism extends to her music videos. The one she did for Love sees her dancing in many stylish, hot costumes a la Beyonce.
Ayalde, who plans to penetrate the US market, collaborate with Malaysian and American singers, and sing in Malay, believes in being optimistic, and believing in oneself. “I rely on my faith when I’m down. My family has always believed in me so I’m inspired to overcome challenges.
“We should be optimistic and believe in ourselves.”
Ayalde launched Hipnotic at Warner Music Malaysia in Mutiara Damansara, recently.
The launch was attended by Willingham, Banaga, Worldwide Platinum Records’ operations executive Elton Collins, and Warner A&R manager Mokhtaza Ahmad.
“I prefer going at my own pace to achieve my dreams. That’s because, slow and steady wins the race. “Michelle Ayalde