Teresa C. | 16 Aug 2000

The view from the 24th floor of Ritz Carlton Hotel boasted a breathtaking harbour, cars whizzing along the Benjamin Shears Bridge, and the well known skyscrapers of Shenton Way, all in one window. I was flabbergasted. But I was there for a different reason; to interview perhaps one of the best in music, David Pomeranz.

This is the man in charge of the fount of charmed melodies like "Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again ", "Got To Believe In Magic" and "King And Queen of Hearts", whose lyrical compositions have also found its way into the hearts of legends like Bette Midler, John Dever and Barry Manilow. But Pomeranz did not let success get into his head, for when I met him shortly after midday, there were no airs to be thrown, no attitudes to appease. Seated comfortably on an off white couch, with the ever enticing harbour view at the side, Pomeranz spoke passionately about his lifeworks, his compositions, and his wife.

Besides writing for pop legends, Pomeranz is also behind award-winning lyrics from the musicals "A Tale of Two Cities" , "The Princess and the Pea" and "Little Tramp", the latter for which he performed in. When asked about the differences in writing for both forms of music, Pomeranz became somewhat thoughtful.

"Pop is mainly about relationships; they are about three minutes long, very brief, precise, short. Theatre is different. It is long, can be in different forms." In theatre the words become stronger and more sophisticated, making the audience more aware of the lyrics and melodies. With a firm grasp in the industry, it was no wonder his latest release, "Born For You", achieved nine-time platinum status in the Philippines, where it was first released to the world. Most albums are released in Europe or in North America first before being released in Asia, but Pomeranz has a perfectly good reason for going against the norm.

"Born For You" was made specially for Asia. Globalisation is happening very rapidly in today's world, the rules are changing and possibilities are becoming wider." So it was not a surprise move on the management to make Asia the springboard this time round."

Perhaps one of the most noticeable singles on the album, "Undying Admiration" is a song dedicated to his wife. Evidently the inspiration for most of his songs, Pomeranz admits he never told his wife about the song until it was released. "In fact, one of the tracks, "Christmas Star", in my new album (which has yetbto be released by the way), was written when I imagined having to spend such a joyous occasion without her around. I thought of her not being there as a reality, and the words just came." Maybe that is how his songs come across to be so heartfelt and touching.

Featured as a bonus track on "Born For You" is "Singapore Girl", a single he wrote for the locals in this land. While in the initial stages of composing the lyrics of the song, Pomeranz analysed pictures of Singapore Airlines' mascots for inspiration. "We were very moved by the beauty of the Singapore Girls, and the emotions expressed in their eyes. So this is a song about their beauty."

He also worked with two Filipino singers, Sharon Cuneta and Ima Castro, in this album. At the Concert By the Bay, Pomeranz also got to sing with local songstress Tanya Chua, besides belting out some of his favourite hits. Working with Asians was a refreshing change for the American. "Asians are very artistic, spiritual people. Very expressive, their emotions run deeper."

Pomeranz, who described his music as "romantically honest", will continue his explorations into the East with Hong Kong and Malaysia next week. He will also release a Christmas album this year in the Philippines, although Singapore will only get wind of her copies next year. But fans of his, do not fret, for he may very well come down to hold a concert of his own. So while we await his next arrival, you can appease your temporary romantic cravings with "Born For You".