According to Google’s AI tool, Gemini, the term ‘i-Morissette mo yan’ is ‘a Tagalog expression that alludes to the impressive vocal talent of Filipino singer Morissette Amon, which means to perform something with exceptional skill, power, and high-level execution, particularly when it comes to singing.’
That, in a nutshell, is what pretty much defines the 15-year musical odyssey of one of the most powerful voices of her generation. Named after her father’s favorite singer, Alanis Morissette, the singer-songwriter, now dubbed as Asia’s Phoenix, said it’s a big honor to be seen as someone many aspiring singers now look up to.
‘I’m very grateful I got to this level because I remember being in that same position when I was starting, back when people were saying, ‘i-Regine mo yan,’ she said in reference to Regine Velasquez, one of her biggest influences.
In a recent exclusive interview with SoundStrip, Morissette recalled her humble beginnings as a 14-year old contestant in TV5’s reality talent show, Star Factor where she won 2nd Brightest Star overall and later as a semi-finalist in ABS-CBN’s The Voice of the Philippines, Morissette has certainly come a long way with career highlights that included numerous accolades, a self-titled debut album that was certified platinum, represented the Philippines twice at the Asia Song Festival in South Korea and worked on two international reality talent shows, Bolt of Talent and Asian Dream with no less than fellow powerhouse singer, Michael Bolton.
So, it comes as no surprise that this coming October 28, Morissette will be celebrating 15 years in music with Ember, a concert designed not only to showcase her vocal brilliance but also to reflect on a journey that has inspired her legion of fans.
During a recent exclusive interview with SoundStrip, I asked Morissette why she chose the word ’ember’ as the title of her concert.
‘It’s called Ember because, first of all, I took inspiration from Asia’s Phoenix, the title given to me by the fans. Using the symbolism of fire, an ember is that small spark that comes from a big fire. Looking back in my journey, there was a moment in my career that felt like a small spark, then became a small flame until it peaked as a wildfire,’ she explained.
‘The Tagalog term for ember is alipato, which also means sparks that are flying. I feel like I’m in that stage of my life and my career where even if what I do is not always equivalent to a wildfire pero anytime na gusto ko magpasabog, kaya ko naman.’
So what can fans look forward to in Ember? Morissette is excited about what she’s cooking for her milestone concert.
‘This concert has been a dream concept of mine for a long time. I’m inspired by many artists who perform all their original songs during their concerts. I’ve always wanted to do a show that celebrates the original songs that I’ve recorded through the years,’ she enthused.
‘While I do understand that I have fans who want me to do certain covers, I also want to shine the spotlight on originals that are very personal to me, that I feel are very beautiful songs.’
Of course, Morissette being a power belter with a reported five-octave range, there will always be fans who will clamor for her to sing more challenging numbers, including songs she does not always include in her set list.
‘I do have many songs na mahirap kantahin. Hindi ko maiwasan pero gusto ko din nahihirapan ang sarili ko. But I’m very, very proud of those songs. I just don’t always get the opportunity to put them in one show.’
Like most performers, Morissette has had her fair share of peaks and valleys. One low point in her career came around the time of her 2018 sellout concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
‘People thought that I was peaking at the time. What they don’t know is that I kept losing my voice around the time of that Araneta concert,’ she revealed.
‘So during the pandemic, I thought I needed to do something because music is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I needed to prioritize taking care of my voice. That took a lot of sacrifice and understanding that I don’t always need to push myself. Of course, there will always be highlights in every performance. Pero hindi na laging bigay-todo kasi mauubos at mauubos ako. Which is what happened.’
The lengthy lockdown periods during the pandemic were actually very helpful in preserving Morissette’s voice. She was not only able to rest, but she was also able to grow as an artist.
‘I needed to recalibrate, decide what my next goals are for myself. 10 years into my career, I never wrote a song. I wanted to put out my own music. I was very inspired by the music that was coming out from almost out of nowhere from so many, especially indie artists. So I started writing and producing songs.’
Today, Morissette can now be considered a complete artist. With multifaceted dimensions to her artistry, the catch phrase, ‘i-Morissette mo yan,’ is poised to take on a deeper and extensive meaning in, say, the next 15 years. And one is more excited about what the future brings than Morissette herself.
Even after 15 years, a lot of people still want to watch me sing, want to watch me perform. It warms my heart that there’s still so much love for me. I don’t take that for granted. And so, I also want to make the most of that. The goal is sustainability,’ she concluded.