Rico Blanco to bring out surprises at Araneta concert: ‘I easily get tired of repetition’

Get ready to sing your hearts out to “214,” “Antukin,” “Your Universe,” and well—to Rico Blanco’s whole discography at his upcoming concert at the Araneta Coliseum, because there’s still so much more left for him to share. 

Weeks before the show, GMA News Online was able to catch up with Rico in a conversation about his thoughts and the thrill of his first solo gig at The Big Dome.

“Definitely there’s a lot of excitement,” he said in this exclusive interview. “I’m always more excited than I am nervous.” 

Asked for a hint about the setlist, Rico said, “I’m going to try to play all my hits and some non-hits also.”

He added that because this was his first solo show at the Araneta, he was looking forward to not having a time limit.

“I only really get to do long sets in bars, small bars. [Limitation] mo doon is iyong sound system, iyong lighting. It’s very intimate and very small lang. And so I think this is the first time I get the chance to have a long set in a stage like this, [and] of this caliber.”

Rico also said that this time around, he wanted the audience to enjoy the awesome jamming sessions in between songs. “Most of my fans just experience it in small bars, so I want to bring that vibe.”

And whenever he does his shows, the OPM legend enjoys the challenge of trying new things.

“I realized this is why I jumble things up all the time. I can easily just do my last show, do it in Araneta exactly the same, or whatever I did before. But it’s always new arrangements and trying new things,” said Rico.

“I think if you ask my fans who followed my concerts over the years, there’s always a new element each time and it’s a challenge,” he said.

“I don't know if I like challenging myself or if I’m doing it just so I’m always still excited and looking forward. Because I easily get tired of repetition,” he added.

“I was joking with my bandmates. I was joking that [we have] all these rehearsals to get it right, [then] by the time we get to the gig, I change it. Pinapilitan ko lagi.”

Aside from getting caught up in the energy of the crowd which brings up these changes, the artist enjoys the risks.

“I like the danger of trying things out for the first time and if it works, you capture it. People capture it,” he said.

“I like capturing a new idea, working and capturing it with everyone. I want gigs to be special whether it’s big or small. I want each gig to be special, unique. Also, [I] really like to create.”

Rico takes over The Big Dome on Sept. 11. Tickets are available via Ticketnet, with SVIP and VIP tickets already sold out. – RC, GMA News