In the era of EDM-pop and OPM revivals, the endearing mass appeal of a simple small town boy and his sincere songs clearly strikes a universal chord
Introducing 20-year-old half-Italian, half-Filipino singer-songwriter turned MYX VJ Luigi D’ Avola, who is now poised for bigger and better things.
Two years since he has started, Luigi D’Avola’s voice, musical style and vibrant personality allowed him to blend well in the higher echelons of the local pop scene, including the chance to work with his idol Quest, interpreting Davey Langit’s “No Girlfriend Since Break” at Philpop 2014 and a new album.
“I think my experience of fame thus far has been everything I thought it would be. [Like] Every day, I always visualize my dreams, all of them. No matter how big or impossible they are, whether making it in the States, or even the simplest one, I just know that one day, I will reach them,” tells Luigi. “Because why do you think you have those dreams in your heart? Why do you think God placed them there? He placed them there for a reason. My mom used to tell me, ‘With God, we can do anything.’”
Jayson Paor caught up with the rising star for this in-depth interview, exclusively for MNL Online.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music seriously and what made you realize this?
Well, I started singing when I was 14 years old, and when I learned to play guitar from watching YouTube, I started to write songs, and soon enough every day I couldn’t go on without music, It’s either I was singing, or playing the guitar late at night and writing lots of songs.
How were you exposed to music when you were growing up? Did you listen a lot to the radio or watch TV?
I was exposed to music in church. I joined the praise and worship band, and from there, I fell in love with music itself. And yes, I watched a lot of TV and listened to the radio too growing up. My whole family loves to sing, music is a part of us, so I guess I was exposed because of that too.
For a newbie, you’ve played with so many different people. Is there anyone else you’d dream to do music or collaborate with?
Internationally, I would love to work with Ed Sheeran and create music with him. Locally, I would go crazy to work with Up Dharma Down.
Do you ever get stage fright?
Of course, I don’t think it’s ever gonna go away. My mom used to ask me right before I go on stage, “Are you nervous? Are you scared?” And I’d said, yes, then she’d say, “Good, that means you care.”
How would you describe your signature sound to someone who hasn’t heard you yet?
I would say it’s a very acoustic, very simple yet I like to hit the people with my lyrics. I can’t wait to work on my new songs now because I believe it’s starting to evolve.
Will people recognize themselves in your lyrics, given that you are so young, sincere and honest.
I think they will. I’m just a normal teenager after all, going through the same thing everyone does, the same experiences, but I can just write them into a song and a melody, and hopefully they can hear the pain, feel the love, or the happiness in the lyrics.
If I was to turn on your iPod right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?
I love this question! [Laughs.] Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Birdie, Lorde, Sara Bareilles.
If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?
Ed Sheeran!!! Or One Direction.
Do you have a favorite VJ?
VJ Iya and Nikki. [Smiles.]
Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
Jon Snow from Game of Thrones.
Do you have a favorite joke that you can tell on TV?
I do but it’s gonna take 20 minutes. [Laughs.]
If you happen to be trapped on a TV show, which TV show would it be?
I would say Game of Thrones! I love the whole story! I just hope I don’t die.
What was the first music video you recall watching that fascinated you?
Wow! This one’s hard. I think it goes way back to those Simple Plan and Avril Lavigne days, when “Addicted” and “Skater Boi” were practically playing everywhere.
Do you make friends easily?
Not really! I am a very awkward person at first. But I swear if you get to know me and hang with me, we could be fools together.
People have the image that it’s non-stop partying out there. Is it really true?
I think it is actually, people can party everyday if they choose to, just make sure you work twice as hard, twice as good. [Smiles.]
What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?
Stand on his hands and walk around the room! [Laughs.]
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
It’s very hard to answer this question, but I would say where I’m meant to be. That’s where I’d like to be. [Smiles.]
How hard do you push yourself?
I always believe that you should always be professional when it comes to work. Do your best. I push myself really hard, but I also don’t forget to enjoy and relax and laugh a bit you know
What are some big things in your life that keep you going — keep you trying to be creative?
God, family, music, friends – these are the things. Well I guess life itself is what keeps me going. Life is so big yet so short, the future is so inspiring and thinking where would I be five or 10 years from now excites me and it makes me believe that we should do what we love, be with who we love and smile whenever we can.
What do you feel like God has been teaching you lately?
God has taught me a lot of things actually, through my life story, through what He made me go through. He made me see that everything He plans for us is for our good and for a reason. And that we shouldn’t take anything for granted, especially our loved ones.
Aside from VJ-ing, you are interpreting the song “No Girlfriend Since Break” by Davey Langit at Philpop 2014. Share us the whole experience.
It was amazing. At first I was a bit scared because this was the first Tagalog song ever that I would be tackling. But as soon as me and Davey sat down and worked together, it was so fun and we just felt the music come alive. I loved it!
Tell us more about song “Coming, Into Your Arms” as well as your other projects.
My latest single and music video is “Coming, Into Your Arms.” [Smiles.] And then expect a few more singles and videos to be coming after this. Aside from being a new MYX VJ, I interpreted a song for this year’s PhilPop. Every day I am just working on my music, new songs.
Got any advice for youngsters that wish to be like you?
Please don’t stop dreaming. If your dream is so big, it doesn’t matter. Keep reaching for it. Make plans to make it happen. Do it.
Finally, what do you wish people think of when they hear Luigi D’ Avola?
I hope they get inspired. It’s always been my dream to have someone say, you know what, you inspire me, thank you. I hope they get pushed to follow their dreams and not care what people think.
Photography by DARREL POBRE
Style by JEAR DE MCCUTTAC and GRACIE MILLAN
Styling Associates VINCE ABARRA and TIM DIAGONE
Make up by SAI SAYSON MONTES
Hair by JOHN PAUL STEVEN
