Morissette: I’m just being true to myself

MANILA, Philippines — Morissette Amon belongs to that circle of new Original Pilipino Music (OPM) divas. Her inclusion perhaps banks on the fact that her vocal chops captivate one’s attention and her storyteller perspective comes from a sincere place. It’s safe to assume that they are the same qualities that have endeared her to music enthusiasts here and abroad.      

Before finally making a dent in the recording industry, Morissette has had her fair share of detours and stops. Her journey has never been a walk in the park. 

“It is kinda funny. I had many moments when I thought it was over,” Morissette looked back on her musical journey with The STAR in an interview, following the standard roundtable (with media) and group (first with broadcast, then with print). “Pero hindi pa pala (but it wasn’t the end yet). I won’t deny that I had moments… (when) I felt like I didn’t have a place in the music industry and I didn’t have a chance. Just when I gave up (on my singing career dream), may dumating (there came an opportunity).”

Let’s do a quick backtrack: Morissette joined TV5’s Star Factor and finished it with runner-up honors. This led her to becoming a Kapatid actress. “But the network didn’t have a platform for singers at that time,” shared Morissette. “So, I needed to earn for my family and it was the reason why I entered (showbiz). It was very brief. I was enjoying it but (acting) is not my passion. I wanted to fight for what I really wanted to be. So, when The Voice came, nag-go kami (we took the chance). I was happy that TV5 gave its blessing.”

Given her belter nature, Morissette gave fellow The Voice artists a run for their money and the public a showcase. During the semis, Morissette got voted out. “I didn’t win,” she recalled, “and I thought baka hanggang duon na lang. (Then) we decided to move forward.”

Part of that was to continue singing, put everything behind her and start anew. Soon, her moment of being in the right place at the right time came. That explains her moniker, Asia’s Phoenix. Like the mythical bird, Morissette was able to rise and bounce back to chase her dream. 

Asia’s Phoenix meets Lani Misalucha, Asia’s Nightingale in a two-night show titled A Lani Morissette — Musical Journey at The Theatre at Solaire

“I’m enjoying it,” she said of singing and why it didn’t give up on her, too. “Let’s say if I’m just doing it for the money or anything else of the like, mabilis maghanap ng reason na ‘wag nang ipagpatuloy. I’m doing it because I really enjoy it and I feel that I’m making more people happy and I’m able to help my family.”

With that, Morissette has become a reliable young singer, who can do the Mariah Carey whistle. “Actually, I’ve had thoughts that sometimes I feel like that if I don’t do it or I don’t hit that whistle, I will be disappointing people,” shared Morissette. “There are times (when) I feel that way. But (by doing that) comes my being authentic or it is part of me as an artist.”

The whistle and the vocal break leading to it, Morissette said, have become her stamp and style. “I don’t wanna do it just for the sake of doing it but I do it because it is what the song requires and the way I want to do it. I feel something is missing in my performance if I don’t do it.” Although she does it with great ease and confidence, Morissette never forgets her core as a singer: That of being a storyteller. “In a way, I’m a storyteller because I also choose the songs I want (thinking) that people (can) relate (to me and my songs)... Gusto ko (yung songs) na may message din,” she said.

Fans will experience that singer-storyteller in Morissette when she shares the concert stage with Lani Misalucha, Asia’s Nightingale, in A Lani Morissette — Musical Journey on Sept. 22 and 23 at The Theatre at Solaire. Although the two try to keep mum about what to expect, one can assume of a show featuring Lani and Morissette’s personal hits, favorites, collaborations and surprise song choices that narrate their tales as artists.

Aside from the Solaire Resort & Casino show, Morissette has something up her sleeve for fans. “Amidst all the traveling (I make), I’m trying to make new music,” she said. “Hopefully, it will be out very, very soon. Ayaw ko kasing maiwan yung mga tracks, yun yung mag-stay talaga, aside from the performances and live shows, yung music (I want to focus on recording tracks because they, as well as the music, are ones that will stay).” All this boils down to the fact that the singer has made her niche and found her voice. Morissette is grateful for that. Her success does not rest on her shoulders alone. It’s a collaborative project with dedicated people in it.

“I think it’s a big factor that I’m with my family because they keep me grounded,” she said on how to handle fame. “Oh yes, sometimes, I feel guilty of that… (that’s when) I appreciate people who are true to me, they really tell me (the truth). I have my family, my friends, my management (team)… I’m grateful to have people like (them).”

Asked how she maintains her vocal power and keeps her love for music strong, Morissette said: “I think (I’m) just being true to myself,” she said. “If I was just following a certain (path), I think I would eventually break away from it. As I have shared, it’s a big factor that I’m enjoying it (singing) as an artist. We, artists, have that thing that we really like to reinvent ourselves but at the same time, we don’t want to lose who we really are in our craft.“

For ticket inquiries, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.