If there's one musical instrument that singers need to learn, it's the piano.

According to renowned Canadian singer-composer David Foster, playing the piano makes you an influential musician and a triple threat to anyone in the industry. 

"I'm a firm believer in the piano. And I tell most singers I see, like, 'Do you play it or ask them, do you play the piano? If they say no, I say learn to play piano. And if they say I played a little bit, I say, well, then learn to get better. You have such access when you know the piano.

"Have rudimentary cognitive skills. And it's just so great when you're writing and trying to find a vocal part of your singer. And it just makes you more powerful in the business. You know, you don't want to be a single threat. You want to be a double or triple threat. So learn piano," said David when asked about his advice to singers during a Zoom for his upcoming show “HITMAN: David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 18.

Coming back to Manila

David Foster and his special guests are excited to serenade Filipinos again in the upcoming “HITMAN: David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 18.

This would be David's fifth time performing in Manila. David explained why he enjoys returning to the Philippines.

"Let me just say this straight off the bat. There is no place I love more than playing in the Philippines," said David. "Every time I come there, it's very special for me. And now for Katharine (McPhee) as well. And Brian (McKnight). It's just an incredible place. The more the audience loves the music, the more it reaches the better. It's just really great."

Building on the success of his previous visits to Manila, this year’s concert is poised to be a musical extravaganza. The stage will be set for timeless masterpieces that Filipino fans have come to love and sing along to, creating an atmosphere of shared musical appreciation.

“We received so much love from Filipinos in last year’s concert, and we're so grateful for that. It was a worthwhile moment performing here in Manila with such amazing artists. This year, we can’t wait to meet our Filipino fans again and give them a truly enchanting night of memorable performances,” David shared.

Presented by MQLive and Mwell, this concert is set to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Foster will share the stage with iconic artists Brian McKnight, All-4-One, Katharine McPhee, and Filipino talents JV Decena and Joaquin Garcia, creating a musical fusion that will leave a lasting impression.

Award-winning R&B artist Brian McKnight, who is known for his timeless hits "Back At One" and "One Last Cry," and Foster’s wife Katharine McPhee, whose singles "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Over It" have left an indelible mark on the music scene. The California-based quartet All-4-One, famous for their record-breaking single “I Swear,” will also grace the stage, adding to the night’s star-studded lineup.

Brian fondly remembered the memorable experience of performing in Manila.

"I echo your sentiment. There are very few places in the world where there are so many accomplished, good singers. And from the first time I came, probably about 25 years ago, and every time I came back, we always assumed that the best thing is the best music. You see, and you meet so many musical people," Brian said.

He mentioned that he learned much from David, a music genius while working with him.

"If you asked me what I learned from David, I would say everything. Growing up, it was a dream come true to work with him. And then to ask him to produce a vocal for me was just full circle. My hero, you know, wants to work with me and then have that happen. And the fact that we're friends, we've been friends for 30 years. It's a special relationship. I'm there for him because he means so much to me in my career," he said.

On working with Brian, David shared: "Brian is such an incredible musician. I marveled at his musicianship as counterplay. I envy it. I'm jealous of it. He is a masterful, masterful musician. I'm a functional musician. I play well enough to do what I do. Brian is on a whole other level. And that's why people say they love me so much because he goes to a level that I couldn't even dream of. I honestly can't imagine what he learned from me, but I'm happy that he said that, but you don't get the answer." 

David's wife, Katharine, also shared her experience performing in Manila in 2023.

"I was there for the first time and had my birthday there. We had to do eight shows, and it just so happened to fall over on my birthday. I had the best birthday, which echoed what David said at the beginning of this interview. The people are so warm and energetic and love that they love music, and literally, I had a better birthday than I've ever had my whole life," the American Idol alum said.

Representing the Philippines are JV Decena, the 2022 PMPC Star Awards Male RnB Artist of the Year, known for his OST "Para Sa Iyo,” and Joaquin Garcia, the 2020 Male Pop Artist of the Year, known for his hit "Don't Know What To Say, Don't Know What To Do." These local artists are set to add a unique flair and heartfelt performances to make the evening even more special for Filipino music lovers.

Praises for PH talents

David praises local talents Martin Nievera, Jake Zyrus (formerly Charice Pempengco), and Morissette, who all worked with him in previous concerts. In the Zoom, David wore a black jacket that Martin had given him.

"Martin is very fabulous. I love him like a brother—this jacket he gave me. Jake, formerly known as Charice, is amazing. I still get people asking me everyday, like, 'Thank you for Jake. And then, of course, there's Morissette, who I think is a global superstar. I've worked with her before, and she's amazing," the music genius said.

David also thanked Filipino fans who support his music, as his songs are still being played on local radio.

"I love that my songs are still on the radio. I hope that my music is getting played all over the world, not just in the Philippines. But there is a certain magic, as I said earlier, was the great love of music that Filipinos have."

On the song "The Prayer," which has become the opening prayer for many events in Manila, David said: "It makes you feel good that a song like 'The Prayer' could be so well received so many years later. It's a song of hope. It's a song of prayer. And it's a song I think maybe the world needs more than ever now. So I'm thrilled by it. It just makes me feel so good."

David also shared about working with music superstars in the world.

"I love great singers. I've been very fortunate. If you look at the singers I've worked with, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dione, and Whitney Houston, it's hard to say no to a great singer, and I've been very fortunate," he said.

David expressed his interest in collaborating with Jessie J. and Billie Eilish in the future. When asked who he gets starstruck by, he mentioned, "It's hard to beat Whitney and Celine."

A global music icon, David is a renowned musician, composer, and producer who has won 16 Grammy awards from 47 nominations. With an illustrious career spanning decades, his legendary music has touched countless souls and transcended different generations. His comeback in Manila promises an unforgettable night of mesmerizing melodies and unmatched performances.

Celebrate music's timeless power by securing seats for this enchanting experience! Tickets to the David Foster & Friends Asia Tour 2024 Manila Leg are now available. Prices range from Php 900 to Php 12,000. Visit Ticketnet at ticketnet.com.ph or call 8911-5555.