Wish 107.5 and KDR Music House will fly south and bring the Wish Date concert series to SMX Convention Center in Davao this Dec. 4. Peniel, an indie folk singer-songwriter and an integral part of the concert series since its first show, will perform in the fifth installment along with local Davaoeño bands Next Option and Daybreak.
In an exclusive virtual interview, the OPM artists tell us more about their city and share their anticipation and preparations one week before the concert.
How does it feel that Wish Date is now traveling to Davao?
Peniel: I feel a bit more motivated knowing I’m going to be performing among people who genuinely know me, in the city where I grew up in. There’s a bit more “push” to do better and a sort of desire to prove myself.
What would you like to let Wish fans in Manila know about Davao? What would you consider special about your city? What does the music scene look like there?
Peniel: This city is as full of creatives who deserve as much attention as any other. I have yet to scratch the surface in terms of experiencing more of the music scene here but, even in my limited time for exploring it, that love and true intention to connect with people is so evident with the performances I’ve seen— it reminds me that I love smaller scale performances than any other kind because of that said connection.
How did your past Wish Date concert experiences prepare you for this next one?
Peniel: The past Wish Date concert was eye-opening in a way that made me form a better sense of self (whether that was achieved in a pretty way or not), which allowed a bit more space for me to explore what actually works for me. For this next one, I’m trying my best to be more firm with my creative decisions to at least lean a bit closer to who I am as an artist. I look forward to adding more of my own identity to my performances.
Wish fans are excited to get to know you more! Can you tell us about the band and its members?
Next Option: The band was formed in 2013, inspired by the pop sound of boy bands from that era, like One Direction, The Wanted, and more. But later on, we became flexible and moved on to play a variety of genres. Our members are Blaine on lead vocals, Derf on lead vocals and guitar, CJ on main vocals and percussion, and JP on subvocal.
Daybreak: We started in 2005 and are the 3rd generation of the band. Since the original members of the band are retired already, we decided to carry the name of the band. For us, Daybreak means the day that God has rested.
How are you preparing for the concert?
Next Option: We are excited and have been practicing every day to sharpen our skills. Vocalizations, improving our harmonies, a good eight-hour sleep, and keeping our voice boxes warmed up has been our routine.
Daybreak: We are very excited and privileged to participate in this prestigious concert. This is our first time to join, we hope that it will be successful.
For more updates, visit KDR Music House’s social media pages. (Contributed by Kynesha Robles)