Gareth Fernandez: The next big thing in music

SINGAPORE — Actor/presenter Brendon Fernandez may be a familiar name with many but, in the past couple of years, younger brother Gareth has, slowly but surely, been making waves in the entertainment scene.

Gareth, who delivers soulful R&B in the vein of Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke and Jesse McCartney, is often described as an indie artist, but after listening to his debut EP, Subliminal Love, it is no exaggeration to suggest this dapper young singer is well-positioned to emulate the aforementioned luminaries.

Subliminal Love was recorded with four other musicians and mixed at Soundfarm Studios with producer Bang Wenfu before being sent to Trevor Sadler of Mastermind Productions in the United States for mastering. “It was a long and tough process, but, yes, I am very happy with the results,” said the singer.

“I just had an idea of the music I wanted to create and the story I wanted to tell,” he added. “Mostly, I’m lucky because I managed to secure a very strong team to work with me. (The National Arts Council) has also been very helpful every step of the way and I really appreciate its support.”

Q: What have you planned for your launch?

A: I’m a fan of big band jazz and all that groovy soul/funk/R&B music that makes you dance, so I wanted to do something just like that. I’m really excited because I’ll be busting out a big 10-piece band, including the core members, a horn section and back-up vocalists. This is by far the biggest, most ambitious set-up I’ve tried and, while rehearsals have been hectic and the arrangements mind-boggling, it’s all coming together. The sound is just fantastic, beyond all my expectations.

Q: Is looking good just as important as sounding good?

A: I believe that, nowadays, just having good music isn’t enough. An artiste has to simultaneously be down-to-earth enough to be likeable and personable, as well as cool and spectacular enough to be idolised. Style is just as important as substance to me as it all adds up to the persona — the X-factor and star power of an artiste.

Q: What is your impression of the local music scene?

A: It is simply brilliant. Just three years ago, I would be hard-pressed to name a few acts, let alone appreciate. Now, there’s a whole bunch of local acts that I have come to know and love as friends, peers and artistes. I have so much respect for them and, therefore, I’m always up for collaborating and exploring music with another artiste.

Q: Any plans to promote the EP beyond the launch?

A: Yes, we will be playing a few gigs: The highly-anticipated Adult Playground along with some very talented acts; Republic Polytechnic’s Community Arts Festival, Reflections 2014; MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2014; as well as the Celebrate SG50 Countdown on New Year’s Eve! I’m also hoping to do a Starbucks tour to promote the EP and maybe a school tour too.

Gareth Fernandez’s EP launch is on Oct 22 at The Barbershop at Timbre. Tickets available at http://garethfernandez.peatix.com.