26-year-old Sponge Cola frontman Yael Yuzon will be part of the impressive roster of Filipino songsmiths who will impart valuable lessons to 60 aspiring songwriters on November 14 to 18, 2010 in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.
The five-day workshop will be graced by no less than some of the country's highly respected composers like Ryan Cayabyab, Jim Paredes, Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Jay Durias, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Trina Belamide, Rico Blanco, Jay Durias, Jungee Marcelo, Jonathan Manalo, Chito Miranda, Joey Benin, and Gabby Alipe, among others.
During the press conference held last July 20 at the Arts In The City in Taguig City, 7101 Music Nation artistic director Ryan Cayabyab stressed that all of the chosen songwriting mentors are certified "hit makers," regardless of their age.
Yael, along with his Sponge Cola bandmates, were responsible for the hits such as "Jeepney," "Gemini," "Bitiw," "Pasubali," and "Puso."
"Actually I think 'yong sinisimulan pa lang 'yong idea, as in from the very start, parang na-mention na sa akin and I automatically said yes to it kasi I just really wanted to as a musician," Yael told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
The Ateneo de Manila University graduate said he puts particular emphasis on the words rather than the technical aspect of a material: "The technical aspect could be great and wow pero it doesn't mean anything if the message is lost somewhere. I started writing when I was twelve years old so medyo matagal ko nang ginagawa 'to and I've always wanted to share while at the same time learn from the new songwriters who will be joining."
Yael never enrolled or attended any songwriting workshop. But he took up piano lessons mainly to learn how to read chords. He considers his brother (Yan Yuzon of the band Pupil) and his father as early mentors.
"Basically that's it," smiled Yael. "I'm not really well versed when it comes to the technical aspects of constructing a song."
Being young and surrounded by veteran songwriters can be intimidating, but Yael feels more excited to be around seasoned composers in an idyllic setting.
"Ang theory ko naman kasi, kunwari, I think lahat ng songwriters may sari-sariling tricks up their sleeves na puwede nilang i-share. At may puwede ring matutunan kahit 'yong mga veteran songwriters. Lahat naman 'yan relative ideas and they're subjective. Hindi naman ako natatakot and kung may pressure man, siguro 'yong public speaking kasi ang tagal ko nang hindi ginagawa 'yon."
To apply and learn more about The 1st Elements National Songwriting Camp, log on to www.7101musicnation.com.ph.