Arthur Nery puts health first ahead of Big Dome concert
The more popular he became, the bigger the demand for shows grew. And one thing Arthur Nery didn’t quite expect from the live music grind is that it can be as physically taxing as it is artistically challenging.
The singer-songwriter learned this the hard way after his series of shows in the United States and Canada last year.
“My body just about gave out. I didn’t know it would be that rigorous. After playing in one city, you pack your things up, sleep for three hours and travel to the next city. And then you do it all over again. My body wasn’t used to it,” he told Lifestyle in a recent interview.
If he wanted to continue singing for his fans, Nery knew he would have to make some necessary changes in his routine and the way he prepares for concerts. That’s especially true for big ones, like his first major solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 25.
For one, he has started working out. “I have been focusing on my health and well-being. I exercise and take vitamins, so that when I start rehearsing—and take the stage later on—I will have all the energy I need,” said Nery, who also makes sure to keep his mental health in check every so often.
“It was something I didn’t get to do in the lead-up to my concert two years ago at the New Frontier Theater,” added the self-confessed introvert. “I was consumed by anxiety and depression.”
Early riser
These days, the 27-year-old artist’s daily routine revolves around three things: rest, exercise and practice.
“I used to be a night owl. Oftentimes, I get hyperfocused when I write songs. I don’t realize that five hours have already passed, or that morning has come. But this year, I started waking up early. I believe that’s a good thing.
“After I get out of bed, I take a bath, eat and do some chores. I study my material, practice or write songs. If I have free time, I go play (the strategy video game) Dota to refresh my mind,” he said.
Like many singers, he keeps his voice in condition with the help of good ol’ salabat. And he makes sure to have it before he even utters a single word or sound. “I drink ginger tea with honey and lemon every morning before I talk and vocalize. I have my ways of warming up my voice. I just sing around the house throughout the day.”
Hailing from Cagayan de Oro, Nery used to work as a call center agent and made extra money singing at weddings and birthday parties. He also took on random gigs like serenading other people’s loved ones on special occasions.
Hitmakers
Now, he’s one of the biggest music artists of his generation.
On Spotify alone, he has six massive hits with more than 100 million streams—the three biggest of which are “Pagsamo,” “Isa Lang” and “Higa” with 233 million, 225 million and 196 million, respectively.
“Kinikilig pa rin po ako hanggang ngayon. I feel so happy that fans find my music relatable,” he said.
With such impressive numbers, he was named by Spotify as the third most-streamed Filipino artist of 2022. In 2023 he was fifth. And in both years, he shared the digital platform’s Top 5 list with Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben, Adie and Moira dela Torre—young artists that fans and colleagues alike think will carry the torch for OPM.
But despite his success, Nery refuses to let fame get to his head or let his colleagues’ expectations weigh him down.
“I feel that I’m starting to get more recognized, but it doesn’t really make me feel like I’m this or that,” he said. “I’m just Arthur. As much as I want to embody what other people think of me, I will always be a kid, just dreaming of becoming a performer.”
Nery is known for his smooth vocals and soulful R&B jams that vacillate between sensuous and romantic to wistful and longing. He rides those slinky, languid beats with a sweet, come-hither tone that sounds curiously comforting.
His recently released sophomore album, “II: The Second,” was cut from the same cloth as his debut album, “Letters Never Sent,” and features more or less the same vibe. Only this time, the instrumentation feels more elegant with a palpable touch of jazz. In the standout track, “O Ninanais,” for instance, sweet falsettos and soothing harmonies coalesce with tinkling pianos and buzzes of brass.
Staying true
“Every song in the new album represents a different feeling. There’s always that hint of sound that ties them with my past album or releases. I believe in staying true to what I love, and I can’t just hop on other genres for the sake of it,” said Nery, who intends to perform most, if not all, of the songs from the album at his upcoming concert presented by Viva Live (Visit ticketnet.com.ph).
While Nery has already performed at the Big Dome, this will be his first time doing so without coheadliners or supporting acts. So, yes, there’s pressure, he admitted, though not about whether or not he can pack the venue to the rafters.
“I just want to give people a good show, the kind that will have them thinking that it’s one for the books when they exit the doors. I just want to connect soul to soul with the fans and give them comfort through my music. I want a comfortable space for them,” he said.
“Of course, I also want my mom and dad to be proud of me.”
