Behind the Music: Rico Blanco on His Sonic Influences, The Craft of Music-Making, and Upcoming Big Dome Show

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It certainly can’t be considered a mere stroke of luck if you can put out songs with inescapable melodies one after another. Or altogether, as in the case of an album.

And when you’re able to do that as the chief songwriter of an iconic band then as a solo act, it’s safe to say that you have a musical gift. It’s the kind that may be bestowed to a number of people, but is only successfully nurtured by a few who have been given and who have passionately made the most of the opportunities to do so.

Rico Blanco is one of the passionate few.

The OPM icon is an artist who wears many hats. He can deftly play different instruments. And he’s someone who knows how to arrange and produce songs to make them even more memorable.

However, his talent goes beyond the technicality of music-making: He has a knack for blending the witty and the poetic to craft well-loved anthems. Couple that with him being a forward-thinker and risk-taker, and we get a musical universe brimming with songs — vivid worlds of their own — that never bore with their wide-ranging themes and sonic styles.

A figure of his caliber is only fitting to welcome OPM fans back to the visceral experience that is live music in an arena setting.

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On September 11, Blanco is set to hold a headline concert at the Araneta Coliseum, enlisting Ebe Dancel, Zild Benitez, and KDR Music House’s Peniel as his guests. Ahead of his much-anticipated show, get to know him better as he takes us through his song influences and his thoughts on the art form itself.

Can you name 5 songs that influenced or shaped your sound throughout the years?

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My sound is rarely influenced by individual songs. In my musical journey, I think, my sound is shaped more by an artist’s catalog (or at least an album), a musical scene or movement, or my bandmates’ tastes and skills. But I understand the assignment, so I’ll try to share some songs that represent these bands or movements.

• “Grinding Halt” by The Cure

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This song represents the influence of the inventiveness and attitude of the post-punk/punk movement. I also chose The Cure para damay na rin dito ‘yung new wave and goth movements. “Damaged Goods” by Gang of Four is also a good candidate, especially since it was one of the first songs I played in a band.

• “The Unforgettable Fire” by U2

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On the other end of the spectrum, I also do like overblown, dramatic productions like this. I also love classical orchestral music, so anytime it’s incorporated into pop/rock in a good way, it catches my attention. I also believe this style of non-guitar hero guitar-playing by the Edge (and also his contemporaries from The Police, Men At Work, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths, New Order, etc.) was a big influence on me.

• “Vienna” by Ultravox

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People sometimes forget that the synthesizer was my first love. It’s hard to pick just one song from all the great synth-drenched songs that I heard growing up (Kraftwerk, ABBA, OMD, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, etc.) but I do like this one a lot. I’m also influenced by a lot of electronic music that’s not necessarily synth-based, like those by NIN, Aphex Twin, William Orbit, Dust Brothers, and Timbaland.

• “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie

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Both artists have a huge influence on me, so this one is an obvious choice.

• “Abbey Road Medley” by The Beatles

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Okay — I know, these are technically nine songs. But The Beatles are my all-time favorite and biggest influence ever, so let it be.

Kulang five songs! Also can’t think of specific recordings that would best represent Ati-Atihan drumming and other Filipino traditional instruments or the rondallas I would see at the malls when I was a kid. Those had a profound influence on my sound as well.

Many call you a musical genius as you seem to effortlessly put out songs that are cleverly written and have a strong recall. In times you experience a creative block, what do you do to overcome it? Or do you simply let it be and wait for some spark to get back on track?

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Writing songs can be very easy, but it can also be very difficult. When I’m having a hard time solving a problem, I sometimes leave it so that I can forget it and gain a new perspective when I hear/play it again.

Sleep is very important, too. I find that my mind solves many of these problems during sleep. I often have solutions by the time I wake up.

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In your media conference for your upcoming concert, you mentioned that the songs you’ve composed are like snapshots of your perspectives on life over the years. Looking back, how did being a singer-songwriter and producer help you grow as a person?

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I wouldn’t say it helped me grow as a person. However, being an artist has given me a blessing of a career and an opportunity to experience things that are way beyond my dreams. That makes my heart happy.

During the pandemic, you’ve been actively releasing songs and collaborations with other artists. How did music help you cope? Have there been any changes to your approach to music-making that were prompted by the pandemic?

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I can’t say music helped me cope with the pandemic. It’s something I did but doesn’t mean it helped me cope.

My approach has been the same. I invested in a simple home studio almost 10 years ago and preferred to work remotely whenever possible. The only difference is thankfully now more people have accepted the remote style of working. So that’s a good thing. I hated wasting so much time going to all those useless meetings haha.

The local music scene has opened up as pandemic restrictions were eased. And this September, you’re taking over the Big Dome to offer a musical experience to your fans. You previously mentioned that it’s also your first solo concert of this scale and it’s fittingly titled “Rico Blanco.” How will it be different from your previous shows? What can the audience expect?

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It’s going to be a fun experience for all of us. Matagal na rin natin hindi nagawa ang ganitong pagsasama-sama. I’m going to try to play ALL my hits — both new and old. Mag ce-celebrate tayo ng pagkakaibigan, buhay, pag-ibig, musika. I’m excited to party with all my fans at this scale and in such a historic venue.

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Your concert can be considered a treat to fans of OPM. And speaking of fans, the scene wouldn’t be alive without their support. What’s a message you’d like to give to your own fans?

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Mahal ko kayong lahat. I cannot wait to celebrate with you on September 11!

You’re an OPM visionary who wears different hats — you write and record songs, you produce for others, and you’re also managing artists through Balcony Entertainment. When looking for talents, what are the things that you always need to see in someone before you decide that you’re going to manage them?

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Passion. Hindi mo ito mapepeke. Kahit hindi man talented, magiging talented din down the road kung passionate sila. Kahit ang charisma — dumarating na lang ‘yan nang natural ‘pag nakikita ng tao na ang isang artist ay tunay na passionate sa kaniyang craft.

‘Yung hard work parang hindi nagiging hard work kapag passionate ka sa ginagawa mo. Wala ka ring excuses, walang complaints kapag mahal mo craft mo. ‘Yun talaga. Passion.

What’s a piece of advice you’d like to say to aspiring singer-songwriters out there who want to break into the bigger scene?

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Be honest with yourself. Don’t make excuses. There’s no other way to be great than by doing great things. Great things are achieved with constant grind and dedication over time. If anyone can be great overnight, then everyone would be great. Have patience. And also, while you’re at it — ENJOY!

For you, what’s the greatest joy in being a musician?

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Playing, creating, and sharing music.

Rico Blanco’s headline concert is happening at the Araneta Coliseum on September 11, 2022, Sunday, at 8 p.m. This event is presented by KDR Music House. Get your tickets at www.ticketnet.com.ph or via TicketNet outlets. You may also contact their hotline, (+632) 8911-5555.