.jpg)
Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez goes soloMANILA, Philippines – Like his predecessor as vocalist of the Pinoy rock band Rivermaya, Jason Fernandez is going solo as a singer.After four years as the lead vocalist of Rivermaya, the 23-year-old performer launched on Friday his debut album titled "Panimula"."I have been working on this album for the past year, and I am very proud with how everything turned out. The group (Rivermaya) has taught me a lot, and this album will prove that," he said.Before Fernandez landed his stint as a member of Rivermaya, Rico Blanco was the lead vocalist of the band until 2007, when he left the group to pursue a solo career.Fernandez became Blanco's replacement after the band auditioned some 400 participants in the same year."It is undeniable the Rivermaya and its music made me evolve not just as a musician, but also as a human being. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and the lessons that they have imparted to me," Fernandez said.
Joined by his band Sta. Maria, Fernandez offers seven tracks in Panimula. The album, set for release under Ivory Music in October, will feature as a debut single the track titled "Maria".
JASON FERNANDEZ Unveils New Music With His New Album 'Panimula'!
Former Rivermaya front man Jason Fernandez launches his new album "Panimula." Experience the never ending cycle of life, lost love, hope, inspiration and finding one's self with Jason's new album.
23-year old Jason Fernandez first joined several singing contests when he was still 7. He first took hold of a guitar and simultaneously learned how to play drums upon reaching high school. Influenced by 90's rock and roll, this multi-talented artist was already writing his own materials prior to joining one of OPM's legendary groups.
Jason was Rivermaya's front man for 4 years, he left the band in what was considered as one of the most daunting decisions he has made in his lifetime. But still, Jason is very thankful for the experience he had with Rivermaya.
"It is undeniable that Rivermaya and its music made me evolve not just a musician, but also a human being. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and the lessons that they have imparted to me."
Today, Jason Fernandez is back with his band Sta. Maria, as he releases his new album "Panimula," which was launched last Friday, January 18th at Metrowalk.
The album contains 7 tracks, 6 of them were written by Jason himself, and 1 track was co-written with OPM's Pop-Rock Princess Yeng Constantino.
"Based ito sa story ng buhay ko and sa mga nakikita ko sa paligid. Nabuo yung album hindi lang dahil sa storya ng buhay ko, kundi dahil din sa storya ng taong nasa paligid ko," said Jason.
At one point during his performance that night, Jason said, "Hindi ko lang 'to album, album natin 'tong lahat!"
He started the night performing a few songs from Rivermaya, and also the tracks from the new album.
"Rivermaya has taught me a lot, and this album will prove that," he says.
Jason also talked about his latest single "Maria" describing it as an advocacy song. "Mahilig kasi ako magmasid sa paligid," says Jason. "Maraming bagay sa bansa natin ang hindi natin napagtutuunan ng pansin, nakakaligtaan natin. May responsibilidad tayo bilang mamamayan sa mga taong walang wala talaga," he adds.
On the title "Maria," Jason explains, "Nag isip ako ng pangalan na pwedeng magrepresent ng bansa. Kung may 'Juan Dela Cruz,' naisip ko babae naman, kaya 'Maria'."
Experience the never ending cycle of life, lost love, hope, inspiration and finding one's self with his brand new album "Panimula" under Ivory Music and Video.
"I have been working on this album for the past year, and I am very proud of how everything turned out. The wait is definitely worth it. This album follows my journey as a musician," says Jason.
"Panimula" under Ivory Music and Video is now available at all leading record bars nationwide.
