Erik gets a pleasant surprise

It was unexpected. The news that he will record the songs of his idol Jim Brickman completely floored Prince of Pop Erik Santos. In high school and in college when he would sing at school events, Erik would readily dish out Jim Brickman songs. Valentine and The Gift were my favorites. They became my anthems in school,” Erik said.

Two weeks ago when Erik recorded Brickman songs in the US, the singer was in disbelief. “Music superstar siya,” added Erik.

Erik sings Brickman’s songs in his new album under Star Records titled, Erik Santos: The Jim Brickman Songbook. Brickman also produced the 10-track album is also produced by Jim Brickman.

Erik recorded inside Brickman’s studio at his home in Los Angeles. “Jim Brickman is very accommodating. At first I felt so terribly intimidated but he has a way of making you comfortable. He was at his studio’s mixing room while I was recording,” said Erik.

He sang his own version of Brickman classics like Valentine, Your Love, Love of My Life, The Gift, among others. Jim also penned the songs for Erik titled If I Break Your Heart and My Love Is Here For You.

“As an artist, Jim is very meticulous. He is very detailed. But I also prepared myself before meeting him. I practiced all the songs I was to record. I also wanted him to see me na ginagalingan ko rin ang aking pagkanta,” Erik enthused.

Jim was all praises of Erik saying that Erik’s voice has a distinct quality. “He said that I had a raspy voice and when people hear me sing, they know it is Erik Santos. Natuwa talaga ako when he noticed my singing. Tumaba ang puso ko.”

Erik noticed that Jim was not only accommodating but generous as well. He allowed the use of his home in L.A. for the shooting of the music video Valentine and If You Just Believe. “Nakaka-inspire si Jim. Sobra.”

The album will be released in Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Erik will also fly to the US and Canada to promote the album.

On the TV front, Erik sings the theme of May Bukas Pa, a hit telenovela on ABS-CBN. He is thankful for all the blessings. “When I joined Star in A Million, I only wanted to give my best. Hindi ko akalain na mananalo ako. And I also didn’t think I will reach this far or makikita ko si Jim Brickman.”

Erik will guest in Toni Gonzaga’s concert tour on Aug. 21, Cagayan de Oro; Sept. 4, Cebu; Sept. 18, Bacolod; and Oct. 16, Davao. He will also start the BPI Remittance tour on July 25 at SM Fairview, Oct. 4 in Cagayan De Oro and Oct. 24 in SM Southmall.

Ariel: Once Again

Ariel Rivera sings again. Ariel is back in the recording scene with his new album Once Again under Sony BMG. It took him several years before heading back to the recording studio. The reason? He got too engrossed with acting in movies and television. Ariel admits his first love is really singing. But acting has also given him rewards like a Best Supporting Actor Award for Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal with Lea Salonga and a Best Actor trophy for TV in Parola.

In the 11-track album, Ariel sings nine original compositions including the carrier single Softly Saying Sorry, the revival Kung Ako na Lang Sana and Michael Bolton’s Go the Distance.

As a music artist Ariel has had several hit songs including Sana Kahit Minsan, Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, Simple Lang, Ayoko na Sana and Sa Aking Puso.

Ariel’s debut single, Sana Kahit Minsan written by Vehnee Saturno established him as a singer. After his first big recording hit, there was no stopping Ariel.

Other songs in the album are When I’m With You, Kakayanin Ko Ba? Love Won’t Leave Me Alone, Why You Have To Go, Kaya Lang, Minsan Pa Lang, Bridge to Forever and Ready To Fly.

Once Again is available in all recording store nationwide.

Aside from recording, television and the movies, Ariel established a new company PI Media, a cutting edge media company that effectively does advertising in comfort rooms, among others. This unconventional advertising style is highly popular in Europe, the US and South American countries. Ariel is the company’s Public Relations Officer while his brother Orven is president.