Dynamite singer Katrina Velarde gets a sound makeover on her latest Viva Records single titled “Sa Panaginip.”
Katrina trades her usual ‘biritan’ singing style for R&B inflected grooves and soulful vocal stylings on “Sa Panaginip.” On said song, Katrina has top songwriter Thyro Alfaro to write the lyrics of her new single. Ditto, Ivan Lee Espinoza, Marvin Querido and American pop jazz musician and drummer Mike Shapiro worked together on the music production and came up with a slick sounding R&B pop song that fits Katrina perfectly.
Call the recent changes as Katrina Velarde 2.0.
Katrina was one of the hottest live acts in the biz before the pandemic hit. Her residency at the Music Hall was always a sold-out affair and was essentially her direct line to her supportive fans and listeners.
But when the lockdowns struck, Katrina found herself with fewer and fewer gigs. Shows and performing engagements that usually took a bulk of her time.
It was during this time that Katrina concentrated on her music. Katrina busied herself in recording and released a few singles prior to the new one. One was a cover of “Hindi Tayo Pwede.” The other, an original titled “Mahal Pa Rin Kita.”
The new single represents a new phase for Katrina Velarde. “It’s a conscious decision for Katrina and her team and Viva Records to try a new approach,” said a Viva executive.
Katrina added, “Napag isip-isip ko na since wala naman masyadong mga gigs, eto na yung tamang oras para tingnan ko yung mga nagawa ko na. Yun, at saka kung paano ko pa mai-improve itong gift na binigay sa’kin.”
On that end, Katrina has her new husband to help her out. The newly christened Katrina Velarde-Shapiro is married to American pop jazz luminary Michael Shapiro, who has played with the likes of Bobby Caldwell, Sergio Mendes, Will.i.am, Macy Gray, Justin Timberlake, Nicole Scherzinger, Fergie (Black Eyed Peas), Kevyn Lettau, Christopher Cross to name some.
“Katrina is an inspiring singer,” said Shapiro, “She doesn’t realize it, but her success is an inspiration not only for singers and performers, but for those who set out to have a better life. She’s not a one-time success story as the ‘Suklay Diva.’ She’s still making it with every career move she takes.”
Right now, what Katrina wants is to have that connection again with her fans. “May social media, pero iba pa rin yung kaharap ko sila sa mga shows,” said Katrina. “Sana nga matapos na itong pandemic, para magkantahan na ulit tayong lahat,” she added hopefully. In the meantime, Katrina Velarde and her fans can dream about that moment whilst sharing “Sa Panaginip.”
Katrina had her start in singing through singing competitions and is a legit “kontesera.” Katrina became an online sensation when her video singing with a hairbrush as mic became viral, hence her initial moniker as the “Suklay Diva.”
She has since been hailed by music fans for her powerhouse voice. In 2019, her song "Magkaibang Mundo" served as the theme song of the movie "Just A Stranger" starring Anne Curtis and Marco Gumabao. This track also received 6 nominations in the 33rd Awit Awards.