Martin Nievera MARTIN NIEVERA INSTAGRAM
For each period in our lives, there’s a Martin Nievera tune that goes with it. After 4 many years—and counting—of singing his coronary heart out, Martin’s love affair with music stays as intense as ever. Let’s rejoice 42 years of that Nievera magic in “The King 4ever” on Sept. 27, 8 p.m. on the Huge Dome (go to ticketnet.com.ph).
I’ve been mates with Martin and his ex-wife, Pops Fernandez, because the ’80s. I’ve fond recollections of hanging out with the couple of their Alabang residence again within the day. That’s why I’m blissful that they’ve come full circle. They’re proof that friendship is the very best sort of love.
It was my mother (Inday Badiday) who coined the monikers “Live performance King and Queen” for Martin and Pops. After numerous hit concert events, Mart can by no means be dethroned. Lengthy reside the King who reigns supreme!
Right here’s my chat with Martin:
What’s the very best and hardest a part of being known as “The King”?
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The toughest half resides as much as the title. That will be exhausting for any singer to reside as much as. I’ve all the time been so delicate about that title as a result of individuals via the years would possibly suppose I gave myself that title when the reality is, “live performance king” was the identify I used to be known as in critiques each dangerous and good by the press—particularly, the late nice Bob Castillo.
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He really used to discuss with me because the live performance king virtually sarcastically when he didn’t write so favorably about me. So it’s humorous how we turned a detrimental right into a optimistic. The perfect factor about that title is it makes me attempt to present my best with each efficiency, large or small, and on the identical time put collectively a present match for a king.
In my eyes for the final 42 years (and counting), it has all the time been my viewers that’s “king,” not me.
How do you handle to not relaxation in your laurels?
I imagine resting on my laurels would be the finish of me. The competitors has elevated via the years and due to this, I’ve all the time tried to remain on my toes and embrace my area of interest within the business whereas studying from the brand new breed of singers.
Bear in mind, I’m that balladeer who by no means takes himself critically. I’ve been that man for 42 years now. I do know there are higher, youthful, better-looking singers than me, however I keep true to myself and the music I’m identified for. I feel I’ve earned the suitable to cease proving myself, however to not the purpose of resting on my laurels.
How do you keep grounded?
My household, the individuals closest to me all the time made it some extent to by no means fill my head with reward. Whereas the world again then chanted my identify, my household did the other and stored me grounded.
I’m the identical man who took out the rubbish as a younger boy, the identical boy who used to repair his personal mattress. Even to this present day, I take nice satisfaction in fixing my very own mattress earlier than beginning every day. Even within the resorts I frequent. That’s a very good follow for anybody who is filled with himself. Make your mattress!
How did your split-up with Pops have an effect on your profession?
In the course of the early levels of my breakup with Pops, it was a battle. The telephone didn’t ring and I discovered myself with quite a lot of time to mirror. I misplaced quite a lot of momentum in my profession in the course of the first two years of this chapter in my life. However once more, my household made positive I stayed true by supporting my choice to inform all that I used to be responsible for all of it.
Time away from my sons Robin and Ram was killing me too, so taking satisfaction and ego out of the enjoying area by telling the reality of all my sins helped me study a brand new expertise. It’s known as “bouncing again.”
Amongst all of your songs, which one has essentially the most attention-grabbing backstory?
“I’ll Be There for You” has all the time been my reply to that. As a result of the identical time I used to be writing lyrics for a tune about my two sons, Louie Ocampo was doing the identical factor. He requested me to place lyrics to a melody he wrote for his daughter and I almost fell off my chair as a result of I additionally had lyrics for my sons, however no melody. That’s the magic behind that tune.
However someday, years later when my life was a wreck with me dwelling alone in my studio workplace and sleeping beneath my desk on a skinny mattress, questioning once I would work once more, I get a knock on the door.
In my boxer shorts and no shirt, I reply the door and there’s a person who palms me papers, pats me on the shoulder after saying, “You’ve gotten been served!” Then, he left me standing in shock.
My good friend/supervisor again then came to visit to consolation me and all I may say was, “Hand me my yellow pad and a pen.” In that very second, once I obtained my annulment papers, I sat on the ground and couldn’t cease writing on that yellow pad. Phrase after phrase, I stored writing.
Later, that yellow pad paper with my scribbling turned the tune, “Earlier than You Say Goodbye.” That is now the brand new reply to the query about what’s the most attention-grabbing backstory behind any of my songs. To this present day, I nonetheless don’t sing that tune…
If you happen to may journey again in time, what second in your profession and private life would you wish to relive?
I’d like to relive the years of that overly assured, virtually cocky, youthful, stronger me. Once I watch outdated movies of myself, I can’t imagine it’s me I’m watching. Now I hate watching outdated clips, as a result of I’m not that Martin anymore.
Throughout your early years, how did the rivalry with Gary Valenciano have an effect on you?
Jollibee wants McDonald’s to final on this very aggressive enterprise. Gary and I wanted one another and we nonetheless do to this present day. Solely now, we share many levels collectively each off and onstage. I’ll by no means be as musical or as proficient as Gary V, however I would like Gary to be Gary so Martin will be Martin.
I’ve all the time admired his musicality and style onstage. Personally I feel he is among the greatest, most full entertainers we’ll ever know. Simply don’t inform him I stated that.
What has fame taught you?
Fame has taught me that it doesn’t final without end. And that if you happen to starvation for it and thirst for fortune, you’ll by no means achieve success or blissful. It feels good at first , however don’t let it get to your head. Somebody new and higher all the time comes round. Cheer for him. Be well-known for making others shine.
What’s your tune for Pops, in your girlfriend Anj, and in your grandson Finn?
For Pops, “The Biggest Love of All.” She has formed a lovely future for our youngsters and has survived all of the crap I put her via. She will be able to now carry her head excessive and throw her arms within the air in victory as a result of she has discovered a very powerful lesson in life—“studying to like your self is the best love of all!” And with this love, she will transfer on, reside her goals and love others unconditionally. She will be able to forgive wholeheartedly and shine for us all.
There isn’t a one I do know who can do all this with such grace and sophistication. Pops is one among a form.
Anj and I’ve all the time stated our tune is Zack Tabudlo’s “Give Me Your Endlessly.” But when I have been to decide on a tune that greatest describes my Anj, It could be TJ Monterde’s “Palagi.”
Since you’re asking, Anj deserves a person with much less extra baggage. A youthful man, likely higher wanting, and with a extra steady occupation. However she chooses to be with the likes of me. She is affected person and so understanding. She is all the time with me via the nice instances and dangerous. She calms my soul. I really like being along with her. Even doing nothing is enjoyable with Anj.
For Finn, the tune I’d give him immediately is the tune I wrote for his father when he was born. It’s known as “Miracle.” My grandson is a real miracle in some ways, however the larger miracle is the daddy my son Robin has turn into. My coronary heart breaks every time I see Robin rush residence even from one other state to get to Chicago simply to be together with his son. He’s so hands-on as a brand new father I couldn’t be prouder.
What’s the key of your endurance?
At all times have one thing to look ahead to. Always remember the journey and all it took to get there. Keep true. Keep humble. Keep out there to all those that want you. Simply since you shine vibrant doesn’t imply you possibly can’t assist others shine, too. Keep grateful. Don’t let fame take you away.