Edward Benosa to release “Indie” themed Music Video, looks to a better 2016

When his two minute rendition of Bruno Mars’ “It Will Rain” failed to make any of the judges chairs turn during the Blind Auditions of The Voice of the Philippines (Season 1), Edward Benosa thought it was the end of his dream.

Although he probably got the most memorable comment of the season from coach Sarah who said “Witwiw!…followed teasingly with “Have you already found your Bella?” upon seeing Edward’s good looks, and the other judges praising his potential, Edward took it as a sign that maybe, a career in singing isn’t really for him.

“Akala ko my career ended before it even began,” he now recalls with a bit of fondness in our exclusive interview last week at Limbaga 77 restaurant in QC.

“I was ready to go for Plan B, and become a personal trainer since I was very much into body building, but, Arnold wouldn’t give up on me.” Arnold is his manager, Arnold Reyes a character actor who is also into writing and producing music.

“Nanghihinayang ako kay Edward, I felt he really has potential, parang sayang naman if mag-give agad kami.

Armed with a couple of songs and their combined determination, Arnold and Edward gambled on recording a demo for Star Records.

Their presentation was a success… a bit too successful in fact that Star Records even asked them to record a full album.

“Our original plan was to produce just five tracks but they said gawin na daw naming eight o that it could be included in award giving bodies,” says Arnold.

“Kapag labas ko ng Star Records office dun ko lang naisip na yung dalawang kanta nga nahirapan na kami i-produce yung 8 pa kaya. Dun ko na realize nasa gitna pala ako ng kalsada and yung traffic aide din di alam kung tatawid ba ako or hindi. Yun yung exact description ng situation ko nun, if whether tutuloy ba kami and kakayanin ba namin gumawa ng full album?” Arnold recalled.

Just like the song “With a little Help from my Friends” Arnold sought the assistance of his friends from the entertainment and music industry and eventually, Edward’s first album was complete. “We owe a lot to DANNON CLOTHING kase they helped us a lot with the album and even produced his videos pa.”

Sharing writing duties with Arnold, Edward admits he was broken hearted when he wrote the carrier single “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam,” and it was before he even auditioned for The Voice.

The 8 tracks of his self-titled debut album (including a minus one version of each song), tells the heart story of Edward..” Puno ng hugot, ng emotions is how Edward describes each song from Iingatan Ko, Ikaw Lang, Paglisan, Puso Kong Ito, Sa Piling Mo and Why Didn’t you Stay to Stay (originally by Carol Banawa), the only cover song in the album.

Their hard work paid off as Di Man Lang Nagpaalam, became a hit with its music video nearing almost 1 million views on YouTube.

Two of Edward’s songs “Iingatan Ko” and “Ikaw Lamang,” were included in ABS-CBN’s teleserye “Moon of Desire“, while his first single “Paglisan” is already playing at MOR 101.9 FM.

Edward’s also got him a loyal following and finally got noticed by the music industry winning him two awards– from the MOR Awards of radio station 101.9FM and the Best New Artist trophy from the Star Awards for Music.

“Sa isang nagsisimula na tulad ko, o kahit sinong nagsisimula, mabigyan ka ng Best New Artist of the year, parang enough reason na ‘yon na ipagpatuloy mo itong ginagawa mo. Susundan na kailangan, ipagpatuloy ang sinimulan,” he says.

“In a way parang affirmation na din na tama ang desisyon ko—namin ni Arnold to take the risk, says Edward.

“Siguro nakikita ‘yung potential ko to be this person na malaki pa yung pwede ko ma-achieve as a singer, sa craft ko, na-a-appreciate nila na ako ‘yung bago ngayon, as a pop rock balladeer, and I am very thankful.”

Edward’s goal is to sustain the momentum of his achievements in 2016. He wants to get into new things, maybe do a concert, record another album and even try more theater.

“We are writing some materials for the second album, may ilang songs na kaming nabuo pero we are hoping to collaborate with some of the artists that has influenced me.”Edward Benosa

If given the chance, Edward says he wants to work with Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo as well as Gary Valenciano who he considers as one of his idols. ‘Sa song writing, siyempre dream ko na magkaroon ng composition si Mr. Ogie Alcasid and Vehnee Saturno.”

Arnold says it is obvious that Edward, while a newbie singer and occasional actor, is meant to go places and encourages him only to work harder and pay attention to the advice of people who want to see him succeed even more next year. “Consistent naman kasi, na-nominate siya na Best New Artist of the Year. Nu’ng nangyari nga, sabi ko, ‘Uy nakakatuwa, napapansin tayo,” says Arnold, who’s hoping Edward will be able to build on his past achievements to have an even greater year in 2016. Edward_Benosa

“Unti unti nabubuo na yng mga pangarap namin, says Arnold. Naalala ko tuloy yung time na nagkwekwentuhan lang kami sa isang gasoline station about producing an album and eto nga yun we’ve done one and hopefully mabuo na din yung second.”

“We are taking things slowly, basta ine-enjoy naming yung mga small victories, mga achievements, trabaho lang talaga,” says the young balladeer.

Next up for Edward is the new video for Sa Piling Mo which will premiere this January 23, 2016 on MYX.

“Excited kami for this new video because it was directed by Carlo Obispo, the director of Purok 7, a Cinemalaya entry. So its quite different, para siyang short indie film, plus I also get to work with Abby Olivero from Ballet Manila, so its something I’m really excited about.EdwardBenosa

Edward says he hopes to do a series of shows, leading to a major project for Valentine’s, “Sana matuloy and we are keeping our fingers crossed, I’m open to try anything, sana ASAP or also try out acting, magaling naman ang mentor ko diba Arnold?”

Edward has high hopes for 2016. He is excited about all the new things coming his way, and is eager to get things started. “Ang daming bonus ni God para sa akin,” he says with a big smile. Edward is grateful for all the things that happened in 2015, and is looking to make an even bigger splash in 2016.
Twitter: @realbenosa
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