In search of his own identity

MANILA, Philippines - Apart from scoring numerous hits through the years, Rivermaya is equally known for its worth-hearing twists as far as its ever-changing personnel are concerned. Current lead vocalist Jayson Fernandez has been part of the subplots since winning the slot vacated by Bamboo Mañalac and Rico Blanco.

Now Jayson has created a new story angle by envisioning himself as part of a new band, preferably a group where he can be a founding member. “Ayoko magsolo dahil hindi pa naman ako established. But I’m open to the idea of forming my own band one day,” shared the tattooed rocker in an interview.

The young frontman who came into the music scene via a Rivermaya-vocalist search has found his experience as part of the famed local group a rich fruitful journey by far, counting his older comrades as his teachers. Many, though, think that him being a late acquisition, a less-experienced performer at that, makes him quite a pawn under the authority of his veteran mates, particularly drummer Mark Escueta who is the lone remaining original member of the line-up that scored hits like Ulan, 214 and Awit Ng Kabataan.

Jayson related, “Gusto ko ring marating ‘yung narating nila Mark and the others. Alam kong marami pa akong dadaanan kaya I try to learn more and more as an artist.”

Rivermaya has gone indie after being Warner Music labelmates with its former vocalist Blanco. As a result, the group has taken a backseat in terms of limelight exposure, though it remained technically active. It has done a recording called Nowhere To Run for a Maja Salvador independent movie.

The story doesn’t end there. Intriguingly, Jayson confirmed he is at present on leave from his duties as an official Rivermaya member. He is focusing on his newfound craft: theater acting. He revealed he was cast as Aladin in a stage adaptation of Florante At Laura.

In addition, Jayson is set to fly to the US to process papers that will allow him to adopt his father’s surname. Fernandez is his mom’s surname, while his father is Greek.

“Wala naman problema kung naka-leave ako sa Rivermaya. Marami namang guest singers available. Usually si Paolo Valenciano (son of Gary and Angeli Valenciano) ang guest vocalist nila,” Jayson shared.

Whether Jayson would be back with Rivermaya is still uncertain. But one thing is sure — he loves performing the band’s classics. He also writes his own songs and that side of his musicianship will definitely goes front if and when he forms his own group.

Rockers with multiple affiliations are not new in the local scene. It is somewhat theorized that ever since Raimund Marasigan concocted his own Sandwich while still a member of his more illustrious then-band Eraserheads, Pinoy rock musicians’ faces have become “two-timers,” appearing in two or more bands, like a lover with many loves. Whether this is healthy or not for the band scene or for the “loyalty” required among members of a group is another story.           

One can’t blame the kid for hoping to form his own act. Rivermaya has kind of reached its peak way before he joined. It is accepted that he won’t be able to live up to fan expectations, especially that his predecessors are now valued as rock icons. He must just be in search of his own identity.