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No more blues for Janice Javier
Janice Javier may have lost the top prize in “The Voice of the Philippines” Season 1 but compared to the album of winner Mitoy Yonting, hers rules.
While Mitoy’s first release was just a collection of his Voice performances, Janice’s self-titled album presents her soulful voice in a grand cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and her diva range in an original composition entitled “Breathe,” produced in EDM mode by apl.de.ap.
In a meet and greet with the music press coinciding with the album release, Janice says that what remembers most are the lessons her Voice experience has given her.
Open to other genres
“Sa performance, I felt nag-improve the way I carry myself onstage. More importantly, dumami pa yung style na nalaman ko. Naging mas open ako to other genres. Di ko man ma-perfect lahat at least may appreciation ako on how to handle most of them,” she said.
“There were also changes sa voice tone ko. The way I performed sa Voice, a lot of people put me in the category of a rock singer, which I’m not,” she added.
“I’m a full-blown R &B/soul/funk singer talaga. I really love soul.”
Growing up with soul
Janice has come a long way since she remembers at age 13 hearing her father’s band rehearse at home.
Her generation may be learning the ABCs of boy bands and the lot but Janice was already into contemporary soul singers like Diane Reeves and Anita Baker.
That musical influence served her well when at 18, she decided to try her luck doing covers for bar bands here and abroad. It would eventually land her a long-standing reputation as among the most powerful performers in Thailand’s entertainment circuit.
Special challenges
Janice says the road to The Voice finals presented special challenges.
“Dinaanan ko yung pila. Yung init, pagod, gutom. Lahat stressed out na, yung iba nga halos masira ang ulo. Sa mga gustong sumubok, hirap talaga ang daranasin niyo,” she says.
“Pero if there’s a will, there’s a way. Ako kasi I wanted to voice out what I’d wanted the people to hear. I felt lucky to have stood on the stage and showed the audience and the judges what I’ve got.”
Fame is surreal
The exposure itself in The Voice brought along more than the usual surprises.
“Di pa rin ako makapaniwala. Yung batiin ako full name sa kalye parang surreal. Yung recognition and the boost in confidence it has given me was the biggest prize I got,” she admits.
“Dati I used to walk with my head down. I wouldn’t dare look at people. They make fun of me. Sa school, sa kalye sa jeep. And I always felt I was not good enough. Even sa trabaho, sumampa pa lang ako sa stage, me negative comments agad about my size, sobra masakit sa akin yun.”
Poster girl for XL
Now, the derogatory remarks about her size is a thing of the past. She thinks she can be the poster girl for the extra-large contingent.
“Now, di ko na naririnig yung taba, yung baboy. It gives me a new spirit, a new lift. Parang I want to be an inspiration to other people who like me tend to lose their self-respect for all the bullying they’re getting,” she says.
“You’re fat, it’s not their problem. It’s not even your problem. Di sila nagpapakain sa ‘yo. Di sila bumibili ng bigas mo. Think about this. You’re not worthless. Di kaya nung bullying lang para mawalan ka ng pag-asa. Me talent ka. Go ahead. Show them what you’ve got.”
Family first
As for her love life, Janice says, “Right now unahin ko muna my dreams for my family and my career. Ang love andyan lang yan. Pag mayaman na ako saka na lang ako bibili ng love life. Makakapili pa ako!"
She is also thrilled to have Voice coach apl.de.ap produce the song “Breathe.”
“Sabi ko na lang kay Coach Apl, kung di pa pwede si Fergie, I am available. Kelangan nga lang palitan pangalan ng grupo niya to Black Eyed Pigs.”
