David Licauco leads charge in Universal-Sparkle crossover

Just like acting, music was something that didn’t really strike David Licauco as something he could pursue as a career. But with his growing popularity, new doors are starting to open up for him in the industry—the latest one being a recording contract with a major recording label in the Philippines.

“I didn’t imagine that I would become an actor one day. And becoming a recording artist seemed far-fetched… But we never really know where life will lead us. Life took me here, so I will do my best,” he told the Inquirer at the recent contract signing session held by Universal Records (UR) Philippines and Sparkle GMA Artist Center for its talents.

While David has recorded theme songs for his past series, like “Heartful Café” and “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” he has yet to put out a proper single. And for his next musical projects, UR plans to bring in international composers for David to collaborate with.

Does he write his own songs? “Well, love letters,” he quipped, drawing laughter.

The 27-year-old heartthrob—whose taste in music leans toward ballads and pop—revealed that they’re cooking something up this summer. “I do like singing, but I usually do it alone—in the bathroom or while I’m driving,” said David, whose influences are mostly Filipino artists.

Timmy Albert

“I love OPM. I love the band Hale, and I’m a big fan of Christian Bautista. I have recently discovered Adie, whose songs I love,” said David, who, together with screen partner Barbie Forteza, starred in the music video of Ben&Ben’s new cover of Christian’s hit song, “The Way You Look at Me.”

Personal style

Another Sparkle artist signed by UR was “The Clash” Season 2 first runner-up Thea Astley, whose goal is to hone her own style and veer away from the birit-style singing she was compelled to do in contests.

“What most people have heard from me are ballads or birit songs. I came from singing competitions and we know how they are here in the Philippines—people tend to prefer singers who can hit high notes. But that’s not really my personal style,” admitted the singer-songwriter.

This time, Thea plans to write and record more R&B and soul-inspired songs. “I’m so excited that I will be able to sing the way I want or sing the words I have written. I hope listeners can appreciate that kind of music, even if it’s not what they expect from me.”

But one good thing about being a kontesera, Thea added, is that it prepared her for the cutthroat nature of the industry. “Since I joined contests, I have become palaban. When you’re in a contest, you have to believe in yourself because you’re surrounded by all these great singers,” she told the Inquirer.

“So I hope I can bring out my own sound and uniqueness through my music,” Thea said.

Bey

Meanwhile, it’s the other way around for young music artists Bey and Timmy Albert. While they were originally signed by UR to handle their budding careers, their management figured that partnering with Sparkle will give Bey and Timmy an additional platform to reach more listeners, as well as opportunities to explore other fields in show biz.

Bey, a pop-R&B singer-songwriter, has released four singles so far, including her most recent one, “Close 2 U.” “I would like to put out more music that integrates parts of myself. I would love to do more songwriting and collaborate with new artists,” Bey told the Inquirer. “I have experienced performing in ‘All Out Sundays’ (a variety show). I was nervous, but hopefully, people can see more of me in the show.”

Now that she’s a Sparkle artist, acting and hosting are not too far off for Bey. “I’m excited to hone my other skills, like acting and hosting. I’m excited to do workshops. I hope to get more opportunities. Now is the time to finally explore new sides to myself,” said Bey, who hopes to work with Julie Anne San Jose and Ruru Madrid.

Thea Astley

“I have met and interviewed Julie Anne before. She was super nice and down to earth,” she said. “I have already worked with Ruru in ‘Close 2 U,’ so I would also like to act with him.”

Top priority

Timmy, the indie-pop artist behind the self-written hit “Roses & Sunflowers” (12 million streams on Spotify), also sees himself venturing into acting. “It’s one of the reasons I signed with Sparkle… This is a new step to challenge myself,” he told the Inquirer.

But though he aims to diversify his career portfolio, music, Timmy stressed, is still his top priority. “I want to try different things on the music scene. I used to second guess and ask myself if music really is for me. But now, I have never been more sure. I’m committed to make my dream come true,” he said.

For acting, Timmy said it would be nice to work with celeb twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, whom he first met through online gaming. INQ

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