It seems like this will be a busy year for singer-songwriter Arthur Nery as he shared his line-up of activities for his music career this 2023.
The 26-year-old musician from Cagayan de Oro staged his first solo concert July last year at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
“This 2023, my fans can expect new releases, my first world tour, and my second album that is almost done!” he told The STAR in an e-mail interview for Spotify Philippines’ Wrapped 2022, where he was named as one of the most streamed artists locally.
He ranked third after Zack Tabudlo and Justin Bieber, respectively, as Top Male Artists that Filipinos listened to on the music streaming platform and is among the Top Local Artists next to Zack and Ben&Ben.
Arthur’s tracks Pagsamo and Isa Lang made it to the second and fifth spots, respectively, as the most streamed songs overall in the country. The top track is Nobita’s Ikaw Lang, Adie’s Paraluman is third and Zack’s Pano on fourth place.
“It feels amazing to be lined up as one of the most streamed Spotify Wrapped artists alongside my favorite artist in our country,” he said.
During the Spotify event held recently in Makati City, he rendered the heartfelt Happy w u, Isa Lang and Pagsamo.
Arthur also shared how Spotify’s RADAR Program, an initiative to support emerging artists, has helped his career.
The program has a “wider global reach,” he pointed out. “At first, it was nerve-wrecking of course, ‘cause you know it’s Spotify. (It has a) wider (audience), more pressure, but it came out OK, I think.” Well, he did more than OK as he was on the Top 5 most streamed local artists.
On his thoughts why Pagsamo and Isa Lang have become hits, he explained, “My main goal in creating music is to communicate my emotions, give inspiration and touch the souls of those that need it. Perhaps people relate to the story I was trying to share — that love and pain are too familiar, and we all found that little common ground.”
Even with his flourishing he career, he still believes that “there’s still something else I need to improve and do” and he “can’t wait to learn more with my listeners and supporters.”
He thanked his family, fans, friends and his team for being with him throughout his music journey and also the ones that keep him inspired. “I’m so thankful they are still with me up until now and they keep on supporting me.”
Although he doesn’t see himself giving advice, he has a message to aspiring artists who want to try the music industry: “’What your mind can conceive, your body can achieve.’ This mindset helped me so much in all aspects. It helped me focus more and push myself up little by little. The only competition I recognize is myself, so I try to be better than the person I was the day before.”
“Just be true to your craft,” he added.
In the Philippines, the Top Artists on Spotify’s Wrapped 2022 list are Taylor Swift, BTS, Zack, Ben&Ben and Justin Bieber.
The Top Female Artists are Taylor, Ariana Grande, Moira dela Torre, Olivia Rodrigo and NIKI, while the Top Groups are BTS, Ben&Ben, LANY, BLACKPINK and TWICE.
The Top Albums are: BTS’ Proof, Zack’s Episode, Taylor’s Red (Taylor’s Version), Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR and Taylor’s Midnights.