The usual back story of a cover song done by a local singer is almost as predictable and, in some cases, boring as the rendition is. More often, someone in the singer’s camp believes that reviving an old track will straighten a talent’s path to fame.
The circumstances behind the newly released cover of South Border classic “Kahit Kailan,” as sung by newbie recording act Brina Marasigan, is one worth-retelling. Besides, it is officially the only cover of the song approved by its songwriter Jay Durias known for being “strictly selective” when hearing artists render his band’s hits.
“Takot po ako sa rejection kaya nakakatuwa when we found out sir Jay liked my version. What did I do para mapapayag siya,” exclaimed Brina in her ecstatic tone.
She certainly did justice to the song, with her gripping vocals against a backdrop of minimalist keyboard playing. Her confident fill-in in the space provided for sax in the original version perhaps sealed it. She puts the classic in a new light without losing its appeal as a modern kundiman.
Brina was working with her mentor and recording studio owner Paulo Zarate when they decided to do a take of “Kahit Kailan.” Paulo knows Jay and so came the moment when they had to ask the latter to give it a listen. Jay was so delighted he didn’t have to finish the song to express his approval.
That was a moment in time for a young artist like Brina. Besides, it makes sense she does a cover of a song acknowledged as a wedding song, given that she is a wedding singer herself.
“I want to be known as an artist who records and still does regular gigs like weddings and events. Iba yung feeling ng performing in a full-band set up,” noted Brina.
While appearing solo in digital realm, she actually performs around with her band Skyfall that includes guitarist Andrei Dionisio Jr., offspring of the late songwriter-arranger. She and Andrei wrote a released original called “Till We’re Both Alright,” a composition which possesses a strong chorus and positions her as a pop balladeer.
This 22-year old Filipina-Canadian has both the technical background and emotional baggage in understandably pursuing music. She took music production courses in school and keeps song-writing. But then her parents got separated which almost made her quit. She flew to Canada at one point for soul-searching.
She found out she wants to sing and use music to move on.
“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” she admitted, referring to how the public will grade her in the long run. “I just want to present myself as someone true to herself and who embraces versatility.”
It helps she has friends like Rox Puno, son of the late Rico J., who encourages her to push boundaries and links her to industry people. For sure, she has the right advisers to tell her what to cover and who to please next.