Martin Nievera MARTIN NIEVERA INSTAGRAM
For each period in our lives, there’s a Martin Nievera track that goes with it. After 4 a long time—and counting—of singing his coronary heart out, Martin’s love affair with music stays as intense as ever. Let’s have a good time 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 associates with Martin and his ex-wife, Pops Fernandez, for the reason that ’80s. I’ve fond recollections of hanging out with the couple of their Alabang house again within the day. That’s why I’m comfortable that they’ve come full circle. They’re proof that friendship is one of the best type of love.
It was my mother (Inday Badiday) who coined the monikers “Live performance King and Queen” for Martin and Pops. After numerous hit live shows, Mart can by no means be dethroned. Lengthy stay the King who reigns supreme!
Right here’s my chat with Martin:
What’s one of the best and hardest a part of being referred to as “The King”?
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The toughest half resides as much as the title. That will be exhausting for any singer to stay as much as. I’ve all the time been so delicate about that title as a result of folks via the years may suppose I gave myself that title when the reality is, “live performance king” was the title I used to be referred to as in critiques each unhealthy and good by the press—particularly, the late nice Bob Castillo.
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He truly used to seek advice from me because the live performance king nearly sarcastically when he didn’t write so favorably about me. So it’s humorous how we turned a unfavorable right into a constructive. The perfect factor about that title is it makes me attempt to provide my best possible 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.
Keep 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 appropriate to cease proving myself, however to not the purpose of resting on my laurels.
How do you keep grounded?
My household, the folks closest to me all the time made it a degree to by no means fill my head with reward. Whereas the world again then chanted my title, my household did the alternative and saved 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 today, I take nice delight in fixing my very own mattress earlier than beginning every day. Even within the inns I frequent. That’s a superb apply 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 phases of my breakup with Pops, it was a wrestle. The cellphone didn’t ring and I discovered myself with a variety of time to mirror. I misplaced a variety of momentum in my profession throughout the first two years of this chapter in my life. However once more, my household made certain I stayed true by supporting my determination 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 delight and ego out of the taking part in area by telling the reality of all my sins helped me be taught a brand new expertise. It’s referred to as “bouncing again.”
Amongst all of your songs, which one has essentially the most fascinating 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 track 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 track.
However at some point, 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 after 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 might have been served!” Then, he left me standing in shock.
My buddy/supervisor again then came to visit to consolation me and all I might say was, “Hand me my yellow pad and a pen.” In that very second, after I obtained my annulment papers, I sat on the ground and couldn’t cease writing on that yellow pad. Phrase after phrase, I saved writing.
Later, that yellow pad paper with my scribbling turned the track, “Earlier than You Say Goodbye.” That is now the brand new reply to the query about what’s the most fascinating backstory behind any of my songs. To today, I nonetheless don’t sing that track…
In the event you might journey again in time, what second in your profession and private life would you need to relive?
I’d like to relive the years of that overly assured, nearly cocky, youthful, stronger me. Once I watch previous movies of myself, I can’t imagine it’s me I’m watching. Now I hate watching previous 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 today. Solely now, we share many phases collectively each off and onstage. I’ll by no means be as musical or as proficient as Gary V, however I want Gary to be Gary so Martin could be Martin.
I’ve all the time admired his musicality and charm onstage. Personally I feel he is likely one of the finest, 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 eternally. And that should you starvation for it and thirst for fortune, you’ll by no means achieve success or comfortable. It feels good to start with , 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 track for Pops, in your girlfriend Anj, and in your grandson Finn?
For Pops, “The Best Love of All.” She has formed a stupendous future for our youngsters and has survived all of the crap I put her via. She will be able to now elevate her head excessive and throw her arms within the air in victory as a result of she has discovered an important lesson in life—“studying to like your self is the best love of all!” And with this love, she will be able to transfer on, stay her goals and love others unconditionally. She will be able to forgive wholeheartedly and shine for us all.
There isn’t any one I do know who can do all this with such grace and sophistication. Pops is considered one of a sort.
Anj and I’ve all the time stated our track is Zack Tabudlo’s “Give Me Your Ceaselessly.” But when I had been to decide on a track that finest 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 trying, and with a extra secure career. 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 great occasions and unhealthy. She calms my soul. I like being along with her. Even doing nothing is enjoyable with Anj.
For Finn, the track I’d give him at this time is the track I wrote for his father when he was born. It’s referred to as “Miracle.” My grandson is a real miracle in some ways, however the larger miracle is the daddy my son Robin has turn out to be. My coronary heart breaks every time I see Robin rush house 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 obtainable to all those that want you. Simply since you shine vibrant doesn’t imply you may’t assist others shine, too. Keep grateful. Don’t let fame take you away.