On May 6, singer-songwriter TJ Monterde credited the success of his first major concert to his wife, Asia’s Soul Supreme, KZ Tandingan.
Originally planned as a one-day event, Monterde’s ‘Sariling Mundo’ concert was such a huge hit that it was extended for an additional day.
According to the singer, Tandingan was the reason there was even a concert to begin with. She found a way to be both a “The Voice” coach and his vocal coach.
“Siya na ang voice coach sa ‘The Voice,’ siya pa ang voice coach ko,” he said during an interview after his Day 2 concert at New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
Monterde also said his wife was instrumental in conceptualizing and creating the concert’s setlist. Rather than have her perform, he opted for her to have a front-row seat at the show.
“Gusto kong ma-enjoy niya ang show, that’s why I want her to be seated in front. Kasi itong concert na ito, sa kanya nagsimula ito. Siya ang unang nag-pitch nito, to the point na pati setlist siya ang unang nagsusulat,” he revealed.
The singer added, “Wala pa akong idea noon na—kasi hindi ko siya naiisip kasi talaga. Parang anong mga kanta ang kakantahin ko, hindi ko pa—ayokong isipin kasi nai-stress ako or kinakabahan ako. Siya ang unang nagsulat ng mga first ten songs siguro. Tapos nilatag niya sa akin.”
The result was a sold-out concert that made him declare, “I’m ready to talk about my songs, I’m ready to inspire people.”
