Kyla makes her big (decisive) move

In an industry that smiles on established stars with proven track records, new acts hardly stand a chance to make a dent on the public’s consciousness. An upstart has to possess something strongly remarkable for people to even give a second look.

For EMI Music’s prized local artist Kyla, that was never a problem. The moment she broke into the music scene with her song Hanggang Ngayon two years ago, people instantly recognized that she is different from other hopefuls.

After all, Kyla’s voice and signature singing style are extraordinary. Those in the know often compare her sound to those of international artists Aaliyah and Brandy. Kyla can easily scale notes and give melodies soulful touches in a range that can make some wannabe-divas turn green with envy.

No wonder Kyla has been garnering awards left and right. Even before she took her first big step in the entertainment business, Kyla (Melanie Calumpad in real life) already impressed those who know music when she sang I Am Changing (from the musical Dreamgirls)‚ in the now-defunct Metropop Star Search, where she placed third.

On her very first year as a recording artist, she was named Best New Artist in virtually all the music award-giving bodies. Her music video for Hanggang Ngayon topped the annual MTV awards and she also went on to interpret the grand prize in the JAM Himig Handog competition.

To dispel the cynics that she only had what they call beginner’s luck, Kyla scored another turn-table hit with the song I Feel For You. Her name started to become a byword when she was signed up as regular talent for S.O.P., GMA 7’s high-rating Sunday noontime variety show. Reports have it that she was recommended by the show’s hotshot veterans, among them Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha and Jaya.

By the end of this month, Kyla will unleash her third album that many say will seal her spot as the country’s top R&B female vocalist. Already, the first song off the upcoming disc called I Will Be Here (penned by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid) is fast climbing the charts.

Despite her growing popularity, Kyla remains as regular as any girl her age. "I really don’t feel famous at all," says the former That’s Entertainment second-stringer during a recent interview. "I have yet to experience getting mobbed and very rarely do I get recognized in the streets. Hindi siguro ako madaling makilala kapag walang make-up. Buti na din yon, kasi I can still lead a normal life."

Now that she’s 22 years old, Kyla says that she is slowly taking more control not only of the direction of her career but of her personal life. Her family just moved to a new house a few weeks ago, courtesy of Kyla’s hard work. She also gifted herself with a CRV as she’s finally been allowed by her parents to go out unchaperoned.

"I think they know that I can be trusted. As for boyfriends, they don’t have to worry because getting into a relationship is farthest from my mind at the moment. For one, I have yet to meet someone who has the qualities to sweep me off my feet," she shares, although admitting that there are a few persistent suitors in her life right now.

Besides, any man lucky enough to win Kyla’s heart has to compete with her current focus – her career!

"I’m really serious with my career at this point in time. I got a driver para hindi ako masyadong mapagod at mag-suffer ang boses ko going from one gig to another. My manager (Maristel Sampedro) also got me a stylist (Luis Espiritu) to take care of my total look. I know that if I want to make a mark, there are a lot of other important factors aside from merely having a good voice," she says.

Kyla downplays talks pitting her against some of the rising singers in the market. "All I want is to sing. Competition is okay pero dapat siguro healthy. Minsan kasi mahirap sa business na ito, nagagamit ang pangalan mo nang basta-basta lang."

Kyla is making her big move soon and she’s is bent on filling up the Music Museum when she mounts her first major solo concert tonight and tomorrow. Billed as Kyla:Up Close, the two-night concert produced by Rainbow Media Mix Inc. aims to show how versatile Kyla can be aside from her singing signature R&B tunes.

"Few people know that I was also a lounge singer before I became a recording artist. During those times, I used to sing all kinds of songs. Natawag lang kasi akong R&B Princess kaya ako na-identify sa genre na yon. Hopefully in my first major solo concert, people will see my other side," Kyla says.

For her guests, Kyla has the support of the finest talents: Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, the Manoeuvers and Luke Mejares.

"I have been going to the gym lately para fit ako para sa show. Kasi naman nakakahiya sa mga designers (Randy Ortiz and Edwin Uy for Mossimo) kung hindi ko masusuot yung mga gowns nila. Binawasan ko din ang mga shows ko para my voice gets enough rest. I also have been practicing on my dancing kasi may dance number ako with the Manoeuvers. I plan to give my best in those two nights kaya todo handa talaga ako," Kyla ends.

Kyla:Up Close is presented by No Curfew and Mossimo, and is also supported by PCSO, Body Shop, Salo Restaurant and Bambbi Fuentes. Musical director is Marc Lopez and stage director is GB Sampedro.