Indeed it is.
Today, nearly two decades later, not only is her father becoming a fan, so too
is Sir Paul McCartney. In her first U.S. hit single "Come Rain, Come Shine,"
producers Andy & The Lamboy received the go-ahead from McCartney to use a
sample of his "Silly Love Song" for the track, on which he shares writing
credits.
"I never thought someone of that status all the way over there would be looking
at the bottom over here," Cuneta says with a self-deprecating laugh.
"It was a real 'wow' factor for my father," she adds.
It was Cuneta's grandmother in New York, a former opera singer, who encouraged
Cuneta early on. She told the youngster her voice was a "gift to touch people."
Cuneta experienced early musical success within New York's tight-knit Filipino
community. She has been performing with local bands, playing fiestas and fairs
for years. During that time, Cuneta earned a reputation that still frustrates
her.
"They always introduced me as the 'Celine Dion of the Filipino Community,'" she
relates. Though Cuneta admits having a similar range and being able to vocally
imitate the singer - as well as other stars such as Madonna - she soon grew
tired of the comparison. Asks the singer, "Why is name-dropping so important
when artists are trying to create their own identity and careers?"
It was at the prompting of her Filipino fans that Cuneta embarked on her first
recording experience. The result was Dreaming of Love, a full-length CD Cuneta
released in her native Philippines.
Describing the album's sound as "Britney Spears meets Jennifer Lopez," Cuneta
says the content was "pop, pop, pop - dance-pop." Noting the Philippines is a
country most supportive of "sentimental songs, love songs," success came as a
surprise.
"Chip on My Shoulder" became a break-out hit single. Cuneta's record label even
called her in to shoot a video and go on tour. Both were "experiences," Cuneta
says.
For the video, Cuneta was given 10 back-up dancers, full choreography, but only
24 hours to perfect it! She says it took 16 consecutive hours with the
choreographer. The hard work paid off, though, as it earned Cuneta a "Best New
Artist" nomination on MTV Asia.
"It really worked out well. It was touching," she says, pleased. "I'm so glad
[the Philippine fans] were so receptive to it, since they're not very quick to
adapt to new music from local artists. There they still consider me 'local'
because I am Filipina."
Now Cuneta is promoting her sound in her American home at various radio dance
stations. With various remixes of the single forthcoming to tap into a wide
range of markets - from rock to country in addition to the dance-radio success
she has already tasted - Cuneta hopes to increase her visibility and is working
toward a her first full-length English-language album.
Asian News Network
