Thor gets his big break

After years of doing backing vocals for more established artists and session work for upcoming recording stars, R ’n B-pop singer Thor has finally gotten his much-deserved break. He recently launched Soul Obsessions: Duets with Thor, a compilation of Thor’s favorite duets with some of the best in the music industry.

At a musical celebration held at Silver City Automall in Libis, amid the chatter and bustle of performers doing last-minute rehearsals, Thor couldn’t help beaming when asked about the huge development in his career. After all, he waited all his life for this opportunity to come his way.

“I feel really happy that I was given the chance to release this album,” he said. “This also gave me the chance to work with some of my idols.”

For a long time, Thor did backing vocals for Luke Mejares, Jay-R, Arnee Hidalgo and many others. Thor was in a band before he decided to try his luck in the world of recording.

“I also have this segment in Wave 89.1 called Duets with Thor. It’s where we feature my collaborations with different singers,” he said. “The program gave station manager Gary Caoili the idea to approach Ivory Music & Video and suggest that the songs should be packaged into an album.”

While all other aspiring recording artists would quickly say that playing second fiddle is a path that must be avoided at all costs, as one runs the risk of being somewhat pigeonholed, Thor didn’t mind playing the part of backup singer.

In fact, he took the experience as an opportunity to perfect his skills, so that when the time came for him to step into the spotlight, he would not fall short of the standards.

Admittedly, Thor said that there is also an advantage to doing backing vocals. For one, it doesn’t have the same pressure as singing solo. Because the audience doesn’t really notice backup singers, one doesn’t have to worry about looking good and holding the attention of the listeners, either. Nevertheless, Thor gives his best in each of his performances.

But now that he is venturing into the music scene, Thor just wants to focus on how to further improve his talent. An opportunity like this doesn’t come very often, so Thor wants to make the most out of the experience.

“I am really confident about this album, because I am now more mature, having been exposed to different styles and forms,” he shared.

Composed of 11 tracks, Soul Obsessions serves as a cherry on top of a delightful year for Thor. Among the noteworthy songs are the duets Be My Number Two with M.Y.M.P. and a cover of You Don’t Know Me, with bossa nova singer Sofia.

However, it is in Whenever You Call, a song originally popularized by Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight, Thor shines through. His smooth, mesmerizing and controlled voice complements Nina’s amazing belting prowess.

R ’n B, of course, is the main course of the album. Listeners can enjoy huge helpings of it in Spend My Life With You (feat. Amber), What About Love (with Jay Durias of South Border), Suddenly (with Jinky Vidal), The Girl is Mine (with Luke Mejares), and Everytime I Close My Eyes (with Natural High). Also featured are I’m Ready (with Cezar Aguas on guitar), Just One Dance (with Jerome Nuñez on violin) and Home.

Released under Ivory Music and Videos, Soul Obsessions: Duets with Thor is now available at record bars.