Kaye Cal making it on her own

MANILA, Philippines - Now that she has finally released her eponymous debut album under Star Music, it is safe to say that Kaye Cal — sans Ezra Band (of which she was the lead vocalist) — is thriving on her own.

To recall, the Ezra Band finished fifth in Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1 that was won by Jovit Baldivino. The group disbanded a few years ago.

“They (other members) got busy with their work in Davao that’s why I decided to return to Manila and pursue my passion even if I had to go solo,” Kaye told the entertainment press during the contract signing-cum-album launch last Wednesday afternoon at ABS-CBN. She recalled that she thought about it long and hard before finally deciding to do it.

When Kaye (who hails from Davao del Sur) came back to Manila by dint of persistence, Star Music was already waiting for her.

According to producer/songwriter Rox Santos, Star Music head Roxy Liquigan had already been eyeing Kaye as a potential talent so Roxy told his team to look for her.

“In 2013, when I was producing Daniel Padilla’s album, we were including the song Walang Iba (written and popularized by Ezra Band in PGT) for a remake and we needed Kaye so we could license the song. Pinahanap siya ni Sir Roxy kasi talagang naniniwala siya kay Kaye ever since at gandang-ganda siya sa boses ni Kaye.

“So yun, duon na nag-start. Kaye was able to release her single Isang Araw through Star Music’s album OPM Fresh. After that, dire-diretso na. Last year, Kaye was a finalist when she interpreted Nyebe at the Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs competition. It was immediately followed by another stint at We Love OPM. And then we decided that it’s time to release her solo album under Star Music,” Rox explained. Kaye had also done covers of popular songs on her YouTube channel.

Jonathan Manalo, audio content head for Star Music, said, “We would like to welcome Kaye Cal, one of the most beautiful voices in OPM today. So we proudly welcome her sa roster ng artists ng Star Music.”

The nine-track album consists of two originals written by Kaye: Rosas and Mahal Ba Ako ng Mahal Ko; three covers of OPM favorites Why Can’t It Be, Ikaw Lang and Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (with Maya and Michael Pangilinan); and four bonus hits Walang Iba, Isang Araw, Nyebe and Give Me a Chance.

“This is a dream come true. Ang laki ng pasasalamat ko for this opportunity…to Star Music, Sir Roxy Liquigan, Rox Santos, Jonathan Manalo…” Kaye said.

She added that she feels blessed and more inspired because of the unwavering support of her fans, Team Kaye Cal.

“My supporters have been dreaming about this for the longest time…that I would release an album so they could hear more of my music.”

Kaye is a proud member of the LGBT community.

She finds it a compliment that she is often mistaken for a guy because of her appearance and her uniquely masculine singing voice. She even has a slew of supporters from the female audience.

Kaye is aware though that there are people — including a relative — who just couldn’t accept her for what she is. She remains unfazed by the opinion of others.

“For me, whatever happens I will do what I love to do and ipapakita ko lang kung ano yung meron ako then it’s up to the people if they will accept me or not. I want them to know that whatever preference you have, just be yourself. Only God knows when you will succeed in life.”

Meanwhile, catch Kaye perform live at the grand album launch happening tonight at 7 at Starmall Alabang.

(Kaye Cal will soon be available at all record bars nationwide for P199. Digital tracks may be downloaded on online music stores such as iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify. For details, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music at Facebook.com/starmusicph, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/starmusicph.) Photo by Honey Orio-Escullar