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Friday, November 05, 2004
Ex-Davao choirboy heats up slow jam scene
HOW does a former choir member from Davao end up as one of the most promising R&B (rhythm and blues) balladeers in Manila today? Well, for young upstart Thor, it took a lot of perseverance, strong faith on the Lord and, of course, a wonderfully rich singing voice that puts to mind the vocal prowess of Keith Martin and Brian McKnight.
You would think that all Thor's hard work - singing in a Davao vocal group, joining and winning singing competitions, even uprooting himself and performing in countless bar gigs in Manila - would be sure signs to a successful musical career. Yet there were a lot of thorns in his path: "A lot of people told me I wouldn't make it. That I won't record an album and could never go solo," shared Thor. These negative opinions made Thor question the sacrifices he made, but with the help of his dedicated family and best friend, he pushed on despite other people's letdowns.
Thor's life turned around when producer/songwriter Wowee Posadas discovered him singing in a bar in Manila. Immediately impressed, Wowee then invited Thor to sing for his Evolution Music staff at a small bar where he was likewise introduced to Caroline Ilacad, his future manager. At no extra prodding, and a bit of good advice from Luke Mejares, Thor signed himself under Evolution Music
"Sir Wowee believed in me at a time when a lot of people questioned my ability to succeed," said Thor. "Now, we've proven them all wrong." Thor's first Evolution Music assignment was to do a song for the Metro Manila 2003 Film Festival entry "Fantastic Man". Wowee and Octoarts Films producer Orly Ilacad decided to use Thor's song "Believe in Me," as the love theme for the hit fantasy flick and also included it in the movie's soundtrack. Thor has just dropped his self-titled seven-track debut album, which includes his hit single "Wonderland." Penned and arranged by Mr. Posadas, the heart-aching ballad has been getting excellent radio airplay and held the number one spot at Wave 89.1's show Soul Review for five straight weeks.
The budding singer/songwriter is currently performing in the Manila bar circuit, as well as co-hosting the Wave 89.1 radio program "Twisted!" every Friday. He is also the newest member of PLDT's MY Music repertoire. Thor has even collaborated with R&B prince Jay-R, but let's keep that under wraps until Thor's next hit album comes out. Thor's first few musical steps already hint at a bigger and brighter future. And just like his namesake, the Norse god of thunder, our Thor will keep on surprising us with his marvelous strength, ability and talent. Thor's debut album is produced by Evolution Music and distributed by Warner Music Philippines. It is currently available at leading music stores and record bars nationwide.
Thor will be performing alongside other Warner Music celebrities like Paolo Santos, Nina, Christian Bautista, Pido, Kitchie Nadal, Dice&K9, and Artstrong in the Pop Ko 'To The All Star, All Hits Concert on November 13 at 8:30 p.m. at the Folk Arts Theater.
He likewise will be contributing a cover of Donny Hathaway's 1972 Christmas classic, "This Christmas" for the Warner All-Star Christmas Collection, a toasty album that lets 11 hot Original Pinoy Music (OPM) pop talents, including acoustic pioneer Paolo Santos, soul siren Nina, hip-hop fantastic four Dice&K9, and romantic crooner Christian Bautista, rework classic and contemporary carols into the Christmas songs of today. (PR)
(November 5, 2004 issue)
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