apl.de.ap to aspiring musicians: 'Keep going, don't be scared'

Allan Pineda Lindo never gave up. 

 

He was born and raised in Sapang Bato in Angeles, Pampanga. His family planted rice, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, and corn for food. There were days when they went hungry. But those days did not last long. When Allan turned 14, he moved to the United States after he was adopted by lawyer Joe Ben Hudgens. At 41, a book about his life story was published. The world knows him best as musician apl.de.ap, which means Allan Pineda Lindo of Angeles, Pampanga. 

 

Every chance he got, apl.de.ap never failed to mention his humble days in Sapang Bato and the people who helped him achieve international fame. During the launch of the children's book "What's Ap? The Life Story of apl.de.ap," the Black Eyed Peas member said that he hopes young dreamers—especially aspiring musicians like him—will be inspired by his story. 

 

"In music, there's always something new. You just gotta keep going," he told reporters at the book launch in Makati City on Tuesday. 

 

But working hard is not the only key to success in the music industry, apl.de.ap said. It's also important to be true to yourself. 

 

"Be yourself and huwag silang matakot—pushing the envelope and breaking down the barriers and coming out with new sounds," he said. 

 

"Don't be scared of coming out with original content," he added. 

 

He added that musicians should also be willing to perform in front of a crowd. 

 

"You gotta do lots of live shows. That works in the business now," he said. 

 

Looking for upcoming young rapper 

 

Speaking as a producer, apl.de.ap said that he is open to work in any genre of music, not just hiphop, rap, or R&B. The artist is more important. 

 

"It's the artist. I kind of like to see their aura or how much they want it. If they are truly dedicated, the charisma, and they have to love doing live shows. Those are the things I look for," he said. 

 

apl.de.ap founded music management label BMBX Entertainment focusing on Southeast Asian artists. 

 

When asked if he's open to collaborate with GMA Network artist Julie Ann San Jose, apl.de.ap exclaimed, "Sure!" 

 

"Any artist, I'd like to work with... that captures my ear. If I see what I like, it doesn't matter [which network you're from]," he explained. 

 

apl.de.ap also admitted that he is searching for a specific talent to add to his label's roster of artists. 

 

"But I'm looking for the upcoming young rapper... I'm looking at a few kids I've encountered," he said. —Trisha Macas/AT, GMA News