Interview with Herbie (singer)

Herbie Concolis (Year 7 student at Carmel College), is a talented singer who enjoys sharing her singing skills with her community at cultural events, food festivals, fundraising events, and competitions. We had the opportunity to interview Herbie about her journey in singing:

So when did you start singing?

Herbie: I started singing roughly four to three years old in the philippines. My dad used to be part of a band; he was actually a lead singer there. So I was listening to his songs, and his genre is rock and metal, so I started singing his kind of songs. But over the years my genre changed so now I’m singing pop. The first song I sang when I was young was Come Together by the Beatles. I sang that with my dad. And then I just realised how much I love and enjoy singing. When I went to New Zealand, that’s when I asked my parents for proper voice lessons and they were so supportive and put me into voice lessons and piano lessons as well. After that, my voice improved during the years. Then I asked my mum, “do you think I can go to competitions and events?”.  My first time I sang on stage was in Glenfield Mall. There was a talent show there and I sang Fight Song by Rachel Platten. I got into the finals and sadly I couldn’t place but I’m still so happy I got in the finals because it was my first time to sing on stage so I'm very proud of myself.

What would you say is your best singing memory?

Herbie: I would have to say when I am singing with my family, it is really nice. We always do karaoke at night and it is always fun as we get to bond together as a family.

That’s nice. And what’s your favourite song to sing?

Herbie: I love to sing a particular song by Whitney Houston. The Greatest Love of All. It tells us to, before we learn to love other people, we should learn to love ourselves and spread love.

Sounds like a really cool song. And you were at the World Championships last year. So how was that?

Herbie: So I auditioned there and fortunately I got in. I was so proud of myself. So we flew there— there were many different countries in LA. There’s supposed to be 60 counties but there was half of it last year. There were so many different acts from around the world and they were so nice. Although I didn’t get to the finals I’m still so proud I got to go there, I was offered by one of the judges who happened to be a music producer based in LA to record songs that would be written only for me. But unfortunately I was not able to do it because we’d need to fly back again to LA and would have to pay all the expenses and my parents said just to continue my singing career here in New Zealand for now.

Did you make any friends there?

Herbie: Yes, I had a team and I was in Team New Zealand and I had many different friends in that team. 

That’s really nice. So what type of events do you normally perform at?

Herbie: I perform in fundraising events. Just months ago I performed in one. It was a Filipino event to raise money for children, mainly for children with disabilities in the Philippines who aren’t as fortunate as us, so we raised money to give them education.  I sang there to show my support for the event. I also sing at cultural events, I sing national anthems, and I sing in many concerts that my mum organises to put me in. 

I get to lead the choir and be able to perform at Carmel Day, and also during the culture night recently. I also got the chance to share the song “Isang lahi” which means ‘one race.’ I'm happy to share songs that are really meaningful and that love and respect is very important to share with everyone. I am glad that there are a lot of opportunities that I can share my talent in singing in school.

So how has your cultural identity, like coming from the Philippines, influenced your singing?

Herbie: I think that it’s my family in the Philippines who are always encouraging me. And ever since I went here, I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know how to speak English, but during the years I got to speak English and I’m also able to share my culture with how I sing, ‘cause I get to sing many Filipino songs and I get to share to other people who aren't Filipino. I am very happy and blessed for all these achievements but without my parents support, family and especially God I won’t be able to achieve  this. And of course to the people who believe in my talent. 

That's really cool. And you’ve won some awards— what type of awards have you got?

Herbie: I actually won an award on the Filipino Independence day. I won an award as a Filipino Kiwi Singer Rising Star. I also got first place in the First Philippine’s Got Talent here in NZ. I sang” I have Nothing" by Whitney Houston there. I won last year as a joint winner, I was one of the winners in the Sing out for Justice Aotearoa caritas. I sang “Hero” by Mariah Carey. Also in Starlight this year I got second place and I was so happy that I was able to place and be the winner for the singing category. There I sang “Greatest Love of All “ by Whitney Houston.

Have you ever made your own songs?

Herbie: I'm writing some now but I haven’t completely written a full one yet but I’m working towards it.

So with those, do you think you’re going to try to record them?

Herbie: I hope so if I get the chance to finish them then i would try and record them with my voice teacher.

That's actually so cool. Do you see yourself with a career in singing?

Herbie: I love singing, but I want to pursue a degree in health. I want to be a neurosurgeon. A neurosurgeon is someone who studies and operates the brain and I hope to study hard and achieve that dream. But of course I want to do singing still as partially one of my hobbies.

Wow. So what’s your favourite part of singing?

Herbie: Every time I go on stage I feel so happy when I see the audience  drawn to what I’m singing and also when I see them enjoying it. That makes me enjoy singing for them. I also enjoy that I get to express myself through the songs I am singing.

Do you ever get nervous before performing?

Herbie: All the time. When I'm on stage I get so nervous. But right before I step on stage I always make sure to pray to God that he will be with me when I sing and that I will do my very best.

And what do you think is your biggest ever achievement in singing?

Herbie: my biggest achievement in singing is when I win or place competitions and when I represent NZ in LA throughout my singing.

Once again thank you for this opportunity which I get to share my journey in singing and I am looking forward to more opportunities in the future.

Congratulations Herbie, for all your amazing achivements! We can't wait to see what you achieve next!