It's David Foster - finally
The hitmaking producer brings another array of pop music's top talents to Bangkok next month
It was unfortunate that David Foster had to cancel his concert in Bangkok last October due to the flooding. But he is coming back, this time with a new list of friends and his repertoire of hits.
The Canadian producer and songwriter might be noted for discovering the world’s top acts like Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Charice and the late Whitney Houston, and producing too many well-known talents to name, but he is also a fine musician in his own right.
Before becoming a producer, Foster was a keyboardist for the pop group Skylark, discovered by Eirik Wangberg. The band’s song “Wildflower” was a Top 10 hit in 1973. Together with Jay Graydon he formed the band Airplay, whose album of the same name is often labelled the most important within the West Coast AOR (album-oriented rock) genre.
But that’s not what he’s delivering in the “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends” concert. In between writing and producing a stunning number of hits throughout the last four decades, the 16-time Grammy winner and three-time Oscar nominee returns with what may be his greatest role yet.
“Hit Man” has Foster shining in his role as ringmaster, bringing together a staggering line-up of talent, with performances by Seal, Donna Summer, Martina McBride, Charice, Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Bolton, Jackie Evancho, Chaka Khan and more.
A household name throughout Asia, Foster tours the region annually to sold-out arenas.
He gave us an e-mail interview.
What are you up to now?
I’ve just finished putting the finishing touches to the Rod Stewart Christmas album. It includes lots of standards, plus a new song I wrote with Rod and my daughter Amy. I’m also finishing Andrea Bocelli’s second “Amore” album and a TV special to support that.
What’s cooking at Verve Music Group?
Well, I’ve been at Verve for nine months now. The recent signing that has got me most excited is Dirty Loops – millions of hits on YouTube – they are the future of jazz. I found them on YouTube. I fell in love with them. We’re going to bring the world Dirty Loops.
Which qualifications do you look for in an artist to make him or her successful?
My motto at Verve is to be “the home of the voice”. I like people who sing great. Look at my singers – Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Celine, Streisand.
How do you balance mainstream music marketing and the artist’s creative vision?
It’s always a struggle to find this balance. When they’re a new artist, they do what I want. When they become successful, they want to go in their own direction, so it’s creating a balance. Michael Bublé is a perfect example – he knows who he is and doesn’t leave his lane.
As a scout and successful producer, do you think we still need producers and physical products when people can upload, promote themselves and become famous on YouTube?
I think we’ll always need producers and songwriters. We won’t need CDs as new formats come along.
What trends do you see in pop music in the near future?
I’ve said for the last five years that the next superstar could be from Asia. There are two billion Asians – we have Jessica Sanchez, Charice, big Korean artists. It’s just a matter of time before they break through in the rest of the world.
How do you feel about the name “Hit Man”?
It’s a great play on words and very relevant to me. I’ve provided myself to be a hitman.
Who are your friends this time?
Paul Young – iconic, great songs, great singers. Babyface – my friend for many years and is a great singer, producer, writer. Chaka Kahn – an icon and one of the greatest singers in the world – I’m a huge fan and she blows the roof off, a dynamite entertainer. Hayley – beautiful young voice and still very young. Great natural ability and very profound.
If you could choose anyone to be in your friends list, who would it be?
If there is one person I would love to work with it’s Sting. I love his voice and bass playing and my dream to work with him. I also love Stevie Wonder. The list is endless.
Anything you’d like to say to the Thai fans?
I can’t wait to come back to Thailand – sorry I missed it last year. I will be coming into the audience to see if you can sing. Can’t wait to see you!
Hit him up
_ David Foster and Friends performat Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani on November 5 at 8.30pm.
_ Seats cost Bt1,000 to Bt4,000. Call (02) 262 3456 or check www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.
