Introducing Reuby from Singapore. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Reuby? What sort of name is that? It turns out that the name comes from Reuben, one of Joseph’s brothers in the Bible. But given parents’ propensity for giving cute, endearing nicknames to their children, he came to be known as only Reuby. And that is how fans call him now, Reuby, one of the brightest singers and songwriters to emerge from Singapore in recent times.
Born and bred in the Merlion City, Reuby is only 18 years old. Given a piano teacher mother, who got him interested in the piano from an early age, Reuby grew up passionate about music. After his mother taught him how to play the piano, he taught himself the guitar. From there, it was an easy jump to writing and singing his own compositions. Though home-schooled for most of his life, Reuby decided to go to a regular school just because of his music. He is now studying for a diploma in music at the Lasalle College of the Arts.
This makes me wonder on how Reuby’s sudden and definitely unplanned entry into stardom will impact on his studies or how his becoming a pop idol will change his perception about music. Interestingly, how it all happened makes for a modern, repeat of the classic showbiz story about the unknown winning the coveted gig. Reuby was accidentally discovered when he accompanied a friend to her audition for Warner Music. He was only supposed to play the guitar and sing harmony to her songs. But the Warner bosses instantly liked the way he sounded and the way he looked and offered him instead a recording contract. And boy, I am sure they were doubly impressed to find out that Reuby, who still looked like a kid, has written enough original songs to fill up several albums.
His first album titled Reuby My Sunshine was released last August in Singapore to outstanding results. The first single release, a lilting take from the old standard You Are My Sunshine, was a No. 1 on iTunes for two whole days, no mean feat for a total unknown who is just starting his career. There was also excitement about the fact that Reuby was local, a true Singaporean, and seems to have the chops to also make it big abroad. He is now being compared to James Morrison and Jason Mraz and the album is getting the big promo push in other Asian countries, including the Philippines.
The buyer feedback about the album is also very good. Reuby has solid songwriting skills. His music and lyrics show maturity that is beyond his years. His vocal quality is also excellent. He is also very versatile with his efforts. He can go anthemic as he does in the opening track Be Bold. His strong tones are very much in evidence in the prancing Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That. Then he can go sweet and wistful as in the love songs, Because You Love Her and The Key To Her Heart.
And best of all, the way he reworked You Are My Sunshine is truly splendid. Reuby kept the chorus of the original but he twisted the melody and added his own lyrics to the refrain. The result is most interesting and very commercial. His My Sunshine sounds familiar to parents and grandparents, but it also comes across like a new song to kids of Reuby’s age. Choosing this as the first single was a brilliant decision and gave Reuby an auspicious start.
The other songs in the album, all with music and lyrics by Reuby, are Man In The Mirror, This Heart, Walking In The Light, As The Deer and the soulful Free, which I think will make a very good next single.
From the local music scene, here are the videos that viewers of the music channel MYX enjoyed watching last week in the Pinoy MYX Countdown: In Love Ako Sa ‘Yo by Darren Espanto; Move On by Sponge Cola feat. Jane Oineza; Hanap Hanap by James Reid and Nadine Lustre; Tsinelas Sa Putikan by Gloc-9 feat. Marc Abaya; Wiki Me by Julian Trono; The Way We Were by Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go; Teka Break by Sam Concepcion; You Don’t Know Me by Kathryn Bernardo; Pangako Sa ‘Yo by Daniel Padilla; Diwata by Abra feat. Chito Miranda.
Tulad Mo by Julie Anne San Jose; Kilometro by Sarah Geronimo; Number 1 by Harana; Up Where We Belong by Christian Bautista; Huwag Ka Nang Humirit by James Reid; Hatid Sundo by Gimme 5; Paano Ko Sasabihin by Thor; Take A Chance by Marion Aunor; You Are Not Alone by Jay-R and Kyla; and Mr. Antipatiko by Nadine Lustre.