Ella Rose is Cebu’s wild card

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF MUSIC?

My earliest memories of music were of my lola singing me to sleep with Visayan songs. My favorite was “Dandansoy.” But my first memory of singing was when my mom encouraged me to sing Filipino songs on the karaoke machine, even though I didn’t understand what I was singing.

DO YOU COME FROM A MUSICALLY-INCLINED FAMILY? TELL US ABOUT YOUR GROWING UP YEARS.

Musically-inclined? Try musically-obsessed. Mine is practically the Von Trapp family. My parents sing, my extended family sings, and my siblings and I all learned to play different instruments when we were young. I started playing the piano when I was eight years old and continued learning other instruments in school.

WHY DID YOU PICK TO STUDY MUSIC AS YOUR FIRST COURSE IN COLLEGE?

I chose to study music because I wanted to become an orchestra conductor. I found that teaching and directing music was deeply satisfying. Since I had also received a partial scholarship for flute education/performance at California State University, Long Beach, making the decision to study music was easy.

WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCE GROWING UP.

My lola and parents were the first to instill the love of music in me. They exposed me to the music they loved and always sang their hearts out. Lea Salonga was and still is my hero. Her accomplishments on Broadway and with Disney make me so proud to be a Filipino. I wanted to be just like her. And since I consider myself as still “growing up”, my most recent influence is Sara Bareilles. She continues to be a role model for me as a musician.

WHAT MADE YOU PICK UP THE UKELELE?

The ukulele has such a happy sound. I was interested to learn it because it seemed easier to play than the guitar and its small size was convenient to take around with me to coffee shops and parks.

HOW DIFFERENT AND DIFFICULT IS IT TO PLAY THE UKELELE COMPARED TO A GUITAR?

Playing the ukulele is very similar to playing the guitar, except it has four strings instead of six (the uke doesn’t have the low “E” or “A” strings that the guitar does). In fact, if you can play a few songs on guitar, it would be very simple to switch to a ukulele. But even if you do not play the guitar, ukulele is still much easier, and less painful to learn. Try it!

Ella Rose

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CIRCUIT HERE IN CEBU AS A FEATURED ARTIST?

I got started in the music scene in Cebu as the female vocalist of the Island Reggae band Skankin’ Brews. It was with this talented group that I learned how to perform as a vocalist, rather than just an instrumentalist. As a ukulele solo artist, my skills were honed by playing with Ukulele Cebu started by Paul Caca last year. Uly Tenchavez of Refrain eventually heard me perform and encouraged me to pursue my musical abilities. Zarah Smith helped build up my confidence by giving me opportunities to perform at her restaurant, Handuraw. And recently, Aldwin Rondina of Soulstring invited me to perform at his event “Soul Jam 2014.” I really couldn’t be more honored and flattered that these talented artists believe in my potential as a musician. I hope I don’t let them down.

YOU ALSO WRITE YOUR OWN SONGS. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD?

We all have our own stories, but my struggles have taught me how to find the silver lining through the storm, and how to smile through the tears. I want my music to reflect that and uplift anyone who hears it. I don’t think music is just about impressing an audience—it’s about the experience you give them. If I don’t sing perfectly, but I can get you to smile and enjoy yourself, then my mission is accomplished. I also hope to inspire others to pick up an instrument. There’s no emotional outlet like music and I want everyone to feel what I feel when I play.

IS THERE A SONG THAT YOU WISHED YOU PENNED?

“Put your Records on” by Corinne Bailey Rae, “Love song” by Sara Bareilles and “Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down

WHAT SONG ARE YOU LSS-ing AT THE MOMENT?

“Man down” by Rihanna.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY FINISHING YOUR SECOND DEGREE BY STUDYING MEDTECH. WHAT’S YOUR STATUS LIKE WITH REGARD TO YOUR STATUS?

As of this semester I am taking a break and exploring the possibility of a transfer to another university in Manila this coming school year. I have spent the last three years in Cebu learning Bisaya and I think it’s about time I learn Tagalog better as well.

WHOSE MUSIC CAREER WOULD YOU LIKE TO PATTERN YOURSELF FROM?

Bob Marley! He just made the world feel good and created a legendary genre! I’d love to be like him and know the positive influence I’ve had on people.

NOW YOU ARE MAKING THAT BIG, BOLD STEP TO SEE HOW IT GOES IN MANILA. ARE YOU PREPARING YOURSELF FOR A “STRUGGLING ARTIST” MODE?

Well, for me, music has always been a struggle: Artistry versus practicality. Risk versus security. Right now the struggle continues with me deciding how much effort and energy I’m going to spend on realizing this dream. For now I’m still learning how to believe that I have what it takes to succeed in the industry. We’ll see how it goes. No regrets!

WHO WOULD YOU WISH TO COLLABORATE WITH MUSICALLY IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

I’d love to work with any of my buddies in Cebu, but right now I’m going to focus on really solidifying my own sound so I’ll know what I have to offer in a professional collaboration.

WHAT IS ON YOUR PLAYLIST RIGHT NOW IN YOUR IPHONE THAT YOU LISTEN TO DURING DOWNTIME?

I didn’t start listening to reggae music until recently so I’ve been trying to catch up on all of the great music that I missed out on. Fat Freddy’s Drop, Anuhea, and Katchafire are artists that I’ve been listening to lately.

WHY DIDN’T YOU AUDITION FOR “AMERICAN IDOL”?

I lacked the confidence before. And in truth, I still lack the confidence now, but I have the experience to know that “what if’s” are the worst kind of regrets anyone can have. I’ve decided that now is the time to test myself in different ways or I’ll spend the rest of my life
hating that I just didn’t try.

IF YOU CAN TRADE PLACES WITH AN ARTIST, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Sara Bareilles. Sara’s humor, talent and humility is incredible. She’s real and down-to-earth, and her music is deep yet accessible. Despite being famous now, she remains lighthearted and humble. I’d trade places with her in an instant.

YOU ARE A BEAUTY QUEEN MATERIAL. ANY THOUGHTS ON JOINING A PAGEANT SOON?

Wow, thank you for that compliment. I never imagined anyone would think I was beauty queen material. But to answer your question: sure! It would take a lot of training for me to learn the poise and grace I would need, but I’m willing to learn if the opportunity would present itself.

WHY DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A LATE BLOOMER?

I was decidedly not an attractive teenager. When I was 13, I was teased at school for being ugly and for various other things like not plucking my eyebrows. I also suffered from severe acne, skin rashes and bloating for years because I wasn’t aware that I was allergic to certain foods. Now that I’ve changed my diet to avoid these foods, my skin has improved and I have naturally slimmed down. I can hardly recognize myself these past couple of years.

NAME THREE THINGS THAT PEOPLE FIND SURPRISINGLY INTERESTING ABOUT YOU?

In addition to the ukulele, I play several instruments. Piano was my first instrument when I was eight. After that I learned flute and saxophone in junior high school, trombone and baritone in high school, and then guitar in college. Surprisingly enough, I still consider flute to be my main instrument. I really never thought I’d be a vocalist.

I ride motorcycles. An ex-boyfriend taught me how and I’ve enjoyed riding ever since.

I’m a huge nerd! I like to read books and learn scientific facts and catch up on the latest technological advancements in medicine. I’m also fond of deep, philosophical discussions. Ask me anything.

IF YOU CAN BE A ROSE, WHAT KIND WILL YOU BE?

I am already a rose—Ella Rose. I suppose I would describe myself as being the most natural, wild rose I can be. I know and love who I am, and if there is something I don’t like about myself, I’ll do my best to change it. But I’m sure of this: I’ll never want to be anyone other than myself.