Ice Seguerra shows musical theater side in concert

MANILA, Philippines — Artists never rest on their laurels. It’s either they extend their creative scope to a new medium or create a platform to continue their craft.

Singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra, who also acts and directs, seems to walk on that route. He has found an avenue to further share his passion for singing and showcase his music genre range.

Testament to that is his forthcoming concert titled “Ice Sings!,” with the description “An Intimate Concert Series: Musical Hits,” on Nov. 6 and 7, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum.

It speaks of the featured music genre and the personal proximity between the artist and the audience.

Asked about the idea behind the two-word, straightforward title with an exclamation point, Ice shared with this paper that “it’s a very active (title), and at the same time, we really intended (it to be named) ‘Ice Sings!’ because it will be a series of different subtitles. So, this is just the first, ‘Ice Sings’ musical hits, and then, the next one, you know, we might do soundtracks of cinemas and teleseryes and whatnot.”

“So, it’s, like, open to so many possibilities,” added he. “Kaya ang sarap lang kasi (that’s why it’s fun to do since) this is our, like, platform to just really explore… (there are) so many songs that they can’t fit in a setlist, right?... Sometimes when you’re also doing a concert, you’re expected to sing certain songs that, of course, the audience wants you to sing. So, basically, ‘Ice Sings’ is our avenue, our playground to just basically sing the songs that I really don’t normally sing. But, you know, parang songs that deserve to be heard as well.”

Ice might be expanding his singing horizons, but one thing remains the same: he sings from the heart and he can make a cover song sound like his own.

“You know, there’s really no formula,” said Ice, who initially joked by mentioning a mathematical statement or equation, during the interview. “But it’s something that can be done by other people, too. What’s nice about songs are, (each) is a reflection, any song is a reflection of one part of our lives, diba? I just use my own story. And I’m sure when you sing and when you supply your own story, it will sound different to you. So, yun sya, eh (that’s how it is). So, kaya lang syang nagmumukhang tunog akin (that makes it sound mine).”

With that, a singer goes beyond interpreting the words, the music and the melody crafted by other creatives. He or she should also perform the song with the storyteller’s mindset and stance.

“I don’t even know, honestly,” said Ice about whether such an approach to singing is a gift. “I think it’s a skill that can be honed… I can’t think of myself as a singer who’s very technical. I’m not a technically gifted singer. But, siguro, kaya mas nag-lean in ako sa emotions (maybe, that’s why I’m leaning towards capturing or focusing on the emotions in a song).”

Concert-goers can expect to experience that in “Ice Sings! Musical Hits,” which might see him perform tunes from “Aladdin,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Les Misérables” and “Wicked,” according to information from the artist’s publicity team.

Ice said that he’s paying homage to his musical theater actor experience. It has given him insights and a new perspective about singing, as one may glean from his answers.

“When you watch musicals, you just don’t see them (the actors) singing. You know, there’s just always a story behind it,” said he. “And you have to drive the narrative forward by singing, right?”

As for mounting intimate shows, Ice shared, “I wanna be surprised by nuances, by spontaneity. I love being surprised. That’s why I enjoy performing in smaller venues.” But he can also hold performances in big venues.

Ice remembered doing gigs without a set list. He and his team had the “go-to songs” in mind that the audience would appreciate.

Following his train of thought, one could say that he also thrives in a relaxed, spontaneous kind of concert, in which the artist also listens to his creative intuition and does things by feel.

How do established artists like him take care of their voice?

“I sleep a lot. Sleep is very important,” answered he. “As much as possible, I take naps… I minimize the talking kapag hindi kailangan (when it’s not necessary). Or when I talk, I make sure that it’s (somehow in a right) placement (so that the vocal cords won’t get hurt)… I drink a lot of water.”

That’s why he’s always ready and in his best element come showtime.

“This is the beginning of many things,” said Ice about the show and what it aims to do. “That’s why I’m very excited about ‘Ice Sings!’ since the possibilities are endless, right? I mean, you can do ‘Ice Sings! Madonna,’ ‘Ice Sings!’ Rock. You can do per artist, you can do per genre. It’s endless.”

“Ice Sings” is produced by Fire & Ice Live and tickets are available through TicketWorld, https://bit.ly/IceSingsAnIntimateConcert or visit [email protected] (with tel. no. 0917-8771758). For details, contact [email protected].