RS: Speaking about Paul McCartney, like his daughter Stella, I
hear that you're into fashion.
Jenn Cuneta: Yes, I love fashion. I mean what woman doesn't love
fashion? Right? And shoes, forget it…
RS: Has Ferragamo been helping you with your stage wardrobes?
Jenn Cuneta: No, not really, because I've only been there for like
two years. Most of my experience is when I was with Armani. I love
all their dresses, gowns and everyday stuff, because it was younger
and geared towards our generation. Ferragamo is very classic, very
basic, and it's all shoes. I'm also a big fan of Gucci and Dolce,
anyone who makes stilettos.
RS: Have you been influenced by any other Asian singers like
Seiko, Coco Lee, or Sun?
Jenn Cuneta: No, not really.
RS: That's interesting. There really haven't been that many
Asian singers who've done well here in the Untied States. Do you have
any idea why that might be?
Jenn Cuneta: Honestly, I don't know. I can only say that I released
an album in the Philippines, because that's where I'm from of course.
When I went home I realized that a lot of them there are into love
songs and classic sentimental songs. So if you're coming from there,
there's not much room for you to come up with the new sounds that they
have here overseas. I've always been into the dance and the pop genre
so it's much easier for me to try to break into mainstream than
someone who's done nothing but sentimental slow songs over there.
RS: What a great answer. So, what's coming next after Come
Rain, Come Shine?
Jenn Cuneta: Oh, a lot of things, we've been working! Working with
Andy & the Lamboy, we have come up with a whole new sound that is my
sound, developing my whole artistry, which is more pop and dance
crossing over. I can't wait to finish the project because we're
working hard - recording and writing songs for the album.
RS: One thing I notice often with dance music, it's always about
the producer or the DJ, and then the artist is like the afterthought.
Whereas with you, you are the artist and the producers are helping you
make your sound.
Jenn Cuneta: Yes, and that I have to be thankful for. A lot of it
has to do with the fact that as an artist, unfortunately, you do have
to be pushy. I didn't want to be an anonymous dance singer. You want
to get me in as a dance artist, fine, but I have a personality and I
want it to come through every song that you write or I write with you.
I have got stinged for that and of course Andy and the Lamboy, as
producers, they have been more than helpful, and I see exactly what
you're saying. It's not that I've worked with other producers before,
I've worked with them but indirectly. They just tell me what to sing
and what to do, when I was formally with Strictly Rhythm Records. But
with Andy and the Lamboy, they are more open to suggestions than any
other producers and they're willing to make me the artist.
RS: That is amazing to hear you say that. I think a weakness
of dance music is that unlike rock or pop music, the producer gets the
credit and there isn't an artist who the listener can be attached to.
Don't get me wrong, I love watching a DJ working a crowd or seeing a
set with someone playing live instruments, but watching an artist sing
live and express the music is really exciting. I saw you perform at
the Ultra showcase in Miami and you totally blew me away.
Jenn Cuneta: Thank you so much, that's so nice of you. I know
exactly where you're coming from and I know what you're talking about
because that was my very first fear, to be honest with you. I went
to high school with Frank and I have known him for many years. Him
and Andy are exceptional people and whenever we would sit down and
talk, I said that I understand you are DJs and producers, but if you
want me to take on a project it would have to be more than just being
a hired singer for a record you are releasing. I suggested to them,
what about the idea of an artist, and they were so supportive. Oh my
God, I couldn't have worked with a better team.
RS: That makes me very happy. Is there anything you want to say
to the dance music lovers out there?
Jenn Cuneta: Thank you so much for supporting the song and for
loving it. And come and check out my website. When we first did the
website it was like having my first Barbie. Its really exciting and
keeps on changing. You can write me and I get to see what you think.
