Bailey May (MNS photo)
Starting out young in show business has it pros and cons. Whereas many of the young actors would sometimes trade playtime for childhood memories comprised of work and more work, getting their foot in the door early gives them a lot of exposure and opportunities to hone their craft.
These days, this young gun aims to make a mark in the entertainment industry. 13-year-old Bailey May, who most people know as the Fourth Big Placer on “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) 737,” has been enjoying his fair share of attention with his boy-next-door looks and affable persona.
The so-called Global Gwapito ng UK started his showbiz journey via social media, posting various videos of himself singing Sean Kingston and Ed Sheeran covers, among others.
Impressed with his abilities, singer-songwriter Jamie Rivera immediately offered the young man a record deal even before the teen made it on “PBB.”
“We asked if he’s interested in coming over to the Philippines and try show business here… and he said he wants to,” Jamie related.
The deal didn’t push through then. Instead, Bailey tried his luck inside the Big Brother house.
“It just so happens na ‘PBB’ was about to start na din at the time,” Jamie said.
The two reconnected some months after Bailey finished his stint on “PBB” and picked up where they left off: He recorded an album with Jamie as his producer.
Bailey’s eponymous debut CD under Star Music is now out in the market. It includes catchy tracks like “Can You Be My Girl,” “Boom Goes My Heart,” “Build Me Up, Buttercup,” “Gotta Win,” “Now We’re Together,” and the carrier single “Gusto Kita,” which was written by Jamie.
The opportunity to record his own album was “mindblowing” for Bailey.
The biggest challenge for him was to sing in Tagalog. “It was really hard but I learned line by line until it became easier,” he said. Apparently he practiced it with the help of some Daniel Padilla songs.
Bailey is confident teenagers like him would be able to relate to the album. “I just want them to know that they shouldn’t be shy to show who they really are,” he said.
Being on “PBB” not only introduced Bailey to a broader audience, it gave him the courage he needed as a performer.
“We had a lot of shows, we performed in front of people and it gave me confidence, and seeing the other housemates not afraid to sing, I think that inspired me a lot to not be shy,” he said.
Jamie has high hopes for Bailey’s singing career. Though she thinks he is still “a work in progress,” she noted, “We believe in Bailey 100 percent. We know that he could sing. I knew that we could train (him).”
The veteran singer could see herself in Bailey, recalling her early days when she struggled before eventually finding her voice and later earning the title Inspirational Diva.
“It is only though training, various experiences, that a singer will be able to reach the real potential of their voice and Bailey will get there, too,” she said.
“Bailey hasn’t reached his full potential yet because his voice is still changing. We believe that sooner or later, with more practice and experience, he’d be able to give more feelings to his songs and he’d be able to sing really well,” Jamie added.
Bailey hopes to be a “triple threat” – an artist that excels not only in singing but also in acting and dancing.
“Bailey” is now available in record bars nationwide and also on iTunes and Spotify.(MNS)