 KRIS LAWRENCE: SUCCESS COMES WHEN YOU DARE AND DREAM
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio
Winner of Star In A Million's second season, he is known as “The Heart of R & B”.
Despite his talent, fame didn't come easy for Kris, who had to work his way up. He was born and raised in California, where he spent several years playing small gigs with his band, First Impression, and doing the club scene in L.A. When ABS-CBN announced the opening of auditions for Star In A Million, Kris's good friend Jay-R (with whom he formed First Impression) persuaded him to come home to Manila to try his luck.
It was a long shot, but one worth taking. After much deliberation, Kris packed his bags and flew home to Manila. When he made it as a finalist on the show, he was overjoyed. But the battle had just begun. From there, it was an uphill climb as Kris slugged it out against other equally talented finalists. But like they say, there's no arguing with destiny. Kris topped the contest and won not just a cash prize, but also a recording contract with Star Records. He released a CD-Lite, which includes the hit songs Kung Malaya Lang Ako and his cover of When I See You Smile by Bad English. The CD has been doing well and receiving extensive airplay on FM radio since its release.
In this interview, Kris sits down and recounts for JobsDB Philippines, Inc. his long and hard but rewarding journey to fame.
How do you like being in showbusiness so far?
I love it, and everything that comes with it. The fans, the busy schedule, everything. After all, this is what I came here [to the Philippines] for. The day I start to hate it is the day I check myself.
Coming from the US, what adjustments did you have to make, moving back to Manila?
I had to adjust pretty fast. It was like a crash course in Philippine culture. I had to learn how to speak Tagalog, and for me, that was one of the hardest things. I really had to work at it. I’m still learning.
But now, can you say that you still want to make showbusiness a career?
Oh definitely. I think that was pretty much clear from the beginning, because if I wasn’t serious about this or I didn’t think I had any chances of making it [in Manila], I wouldn’t have left the US to come here. People might not know it, but I gave up so much to come here. I already had jobs in the US; I even worked as a barista at Starbucks.
As far as my music is concerned, we had this group, and we were already doing our thing out there. But I gave that up to come here and join the [Star In A Million] contest. It was a risk, but it turned out to be worth it.
Do you think it’s important to take risks?
I’m not saying it will work for everybody, but it worked for me. I guess in a way, yeah, it’s important to take risks occasionally. You gotta go out on a limb and dream. See, if I didn’t take a risk, I probably wouldn’t be where I am now. I’d still be in the US, doing my thing out there. You have to go chase after your dream. You don’t just wait for it to happen to you.
If you could reduce your career philosophy into one statement, what would it be?
Dream big. I always think big. I like setting big goals for myself so that I can achieve more.
Who is the one person who has helped you most in your career?
It would probably be Jay-R. He’s my buddy, my brother, the one who encouraged me to come here in the first place. We have such a strong friendship. He supported me throughout the contest. He kept telling me, “You can do it.” The night of the contest, his words were stuck in my head, and they kept me going. It’s also helped that he was here first. I’ve learned so much [about Philippine showbiz] from him.
My family has also been very supportive. When I was in the contest, it was the most stressful week of my life. Fortunately my parents were there. They’re divorced, but they both came to Manila and were sitting together in the audience during the finals. It meant a llot to me to see them, and I think that was instrumental in helping me win the contest.
What advice could you give to young people who aspire to follow in your footsteps as a singer?
Dare. Dream. And dream big.
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