Lenka: Not just for show

MANILA, Philippines - Fame and fortune overflowing may be what Lenka has now. But you’ve got to believe her that it was the least of her concerns when she started writing songs out of sadness, hurt and other negative emotions.

“Fame and fortune are not the reasons why I write songs. I write songs because I want to deal with my emotions, especially negative ones. It’s my way of coping with life. It’s like writing a diary, like a psychology session,” the Australian singer-songwriter says.

If you ask Lenka, it sure beats any form of therapy. She slays her inner demons and she moves on.

If she does the same for her audience, so much the better.

“I want to cheer people up through my songs,” she reveals.

Strangely, happy emotions don’t inspire Lenka to go on a songwriting spree.

“I enjoy happy emotions,” she explains. But for Lenka, it means she doesn’t have to turn to music to comfort and console her.

Happiness is something Lenka gets whenever she comes up with music she calls her own. The adulation she gets is just a bonus. And what a bonus it is!

The Show and Trouble Is A Friend, singles from Lenka’s self-titled album, were used in Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and 90210. The album itself, released by Sony Music, Inc., reached No. 142 on American Billboard 200. The album is a certified gold in Hong Kong and Poland.

On the strength her album, Lenka has performed in the American TV shows Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show and Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

How does Lenka explain her winning streak?

 “I try to make my songs universal,” she replies. “That explains part of it. I don’t know about the rest.”

Universal is the word to describe Lenka’s songs — about “life as a maze,” and “love is a riddle” (The Show) and about trying to Live Like You’re Dying, another track from her album.

Her favorite at the moment is Don’t Let Me Fall, a love song with a soothing lullaby sound.

“My favorite track changes from time to time, but right now, it’s Don’t Let Me Fall because it tells about not wanting to fall off the cradle, not being heartbroken and getting lost when you fall for someone,” explains Lenka.

Her inspiration comes from all over. One time, it could be books, like the short story No One Belongs Here More Than You, Lenka’s reading fare at the moment. Another time, it could be her musical influences, like Burt Bacharach and The Beatles.

Lenka doesn’t stick to the oldies but goodies, though. “I go for Elliott Smith and American singer-songwriter Cat Power,” she says.

The wide-ranging musical taste mirrors her personality — multi-faceted, complex, adaptable to the call of the moment.

Lenka herself admits “there are many sides to me. I love quiet times. But there’s also a side to me that’s boisterous, adventurous. I love skydiving, going out with friends, dancing.”

A passion for all kinds of art defines her too.

“It’s easy to have a music career when you’re into other types of art,” she reasons out.

Going to different countries and sharing her music give her a high as well. Lenka can’t get over the fact that her music has become so well-received, travel has become a way of life for her.

“It’s a nice surprise to go international and communicate with different cultures,” she muses. “I didn’t expect this. It’s wonderful!”

Manila is in her itinerary on Dec. 11 to 13, when she visits the Philippines for the first time for a series of shows. Lenka will perform her hits at SM Megamall on Dec. 11; at SM Mall of Asia on Dec. 12 and at SM North EDSA on Dec. 13.

“I’m so excited,” she gushes. “I’m going to four countries and I want my shows to be fun.”

Lenka is not ashamed to admit she has yet to know all about Filipino singers and their music. And she can’t wait to see how her Filipino counterparts and fans will receive her when they see her in the flesh.

For starters, she can share her ideas about songwriting for a global audience and making it big around the world. As for her fans, seeing Lenka perform The Show and Trouble is a Friend is more than enough.