Alicia eager to set Manila fans on fire

MANILA, Philippines - The first time Alicia Keys was here for a concert, her arrival was preceded by a big typhoon that devastated Metro Manila. On Monday, Nov. 25, she’ll be back for the Manila leg of her Set The World on Fire Tour at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Reminded in jest that her coming always coincides with a storm during a 10-minute exclusive phone interview with Funfare the other day (she was calling from Macau where she was having a concert), Alicia agreed with a laugh, her voice husky and as powerful as it is in her overwhelming rendition of Girl On Fire, her newest hit.

Asked what her fond memories of that first visit, no matter if she was saddened by the damage wrought by the typhoon, Alicia said, “Ah, well, the people. They had so much energy during the concert. They were so excited despite what had just happened. I was glad that we could inspire each other, that’s why I’m looking forward to going back there.”

Considered as one of this generation’s most gifted and most talented artists, Alicia has been known for writing her own songs and playing several instruments with technical skill, aside from being an original-voiced singer at a time when the musical landscape was flooded with pop bands.

An accomplished pianist, she captivates her listeners with her piano mastery, words and wonderful voice and is distinguished by a style that is rooted in gospel and vintage soul music, supplemented by bass and programmed drumbeats. She eventually explored other genres such as pop and rock before transitioning from soul to R&B sound.

Described by a magazine as “the first new pop artist of the new millennium” who was capable of changing music, Alicia is also often dubbed as “The Princess of Soul” for having a “strong, raw and impassioned voice.”

What inspires her to write songs; does she write better when she’s in love, out of love…when she’s happy or sad?

“All of it,” she replied. “Even small things can inspire me. I don’t have to be in a certain mood to be able to write a song.”

And how different is her music now from her earlier work? How has motherhood affected or influenced her music?

“I think my music changes as I grow older. It has to reflect the times of my life. Regarding motherhood…yes, it has influenced the way I write songs now. Motherhood has given me a different kind of feeling, something I never understood before, and I like it.”

And who were the singers that she looked up to as she grew up?

“Diana Krall, Roberta Flack and Lauryn Hill are among them.”

By the way, does she remember the first song that she ever learned how to sing?

“I Lost My Cookie at the Disco,” she said laughing, “yes, that’s the one.”

She was only four years old when she realized that she wanted to create music.

“You see, I started very young. I have never stopped since then. I just love it!”

She considers Stevie Wonder’s As as the song of her life.

“But it’s really hard to choose just one song because I love a lot of songs,” she qualified.

During her MOA concert, according to Alicia, “I hope to bring hope for the Filipino people. Music has a way of lifting your spirit and that’s what I hope to do for the Filipino people.”

Incidentally, Alicia in a tweet encouraged her fans around the world to donate for the typhoon victims.

(Note: The Philippine STAR is among the sponsors of Set The World On Fire, produced by Ovation Productions, presented by Blackberry and co-presented by Fibr in cooperation with Energizer and Federal Land.)