Freshman Leif Jomuad caught the attention of AHS students after singing One Direction’s hit song “Kiss You” during this year’s Singing Valentines. The video of Jomuad singing and playing guitar to students spread around the school quickly and had students wondering who this talented freshman was.
Q: What got you interested in playing music?
A: I actually started music when I was very young. I first started to play guitar when I was six years old. I sang too, but I wasn’t that interested in singing. There was a talent show that was held at my school back when I was in the Philippines and they were recruiting some performers. I raised my hand and said I was gonna play guitar although I had no experience. My grandma got me lessons as soon as she found out and I learned a song for two weeks. Then my journey as a musician went on from there.
Q: Do you play any other instruments?
A: I play cello in orchestra. I’ve been playing piano and taking lessons for about six or seven yers. I also picked up the drums and bass guitar in fourth grade.
Q: What artists are your musical inspiration and why?
A: As embarrassing as it sounds, I was in love with a lot of Disney pop songs growing up. I grew up listening to the Jonas Brothers. They were one of my biggest inspirations. I learned every song from them and memorized it. I was also a huge boy band addict growing up. I listened to a not of ‘N Sync, Backstreet Boys, A1, Westlife.. etc.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
A: I think it’s obvious that I am a One Direction fan. So they are on the top of my list. But I’m also interested in bands like Yellowcard and All Time Low.
Q: How did you feel from the reaction of AHS students after you sang in Singing Valentines?
A: I had no clue I was going to get that many requests, and to see their reactions surprised me even more. I’ve never wanted anything in my life more than to make people happy and smile and I was glad that I made a lot of people happy that day. The attention was crazy and I just want to thank those people who bought my song because it helped me to open myself up to AHS more.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the band you are in?
A: I am in three bands at the moment. My main band is called Afterdawn, and we are an alternative/hardcore band. I am the lead singer and guitarist. I’ve been with them for almost four years now. We got to play in Battle of the Bands at AHS and got third place when I was in seventh grade. I am also in The Hero Disease, which is a metal band here at AHS. I play bass and guitar as well as sing back up vocals. Lastly, I’ve started my own side project called Limitless. We are an alternative pop band. I started Limitless because I wanted to play the songs I’ve written and show the side of me that not a lot of people have seen.
Q: What advice would you give to a student wanting to sing?
A: They should do what they love and never stop. People should live their dreams. The music industry is a very hard business though, so people should still have a back-up plan that’s practical. That way at least you have somewhere to go. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t give up.
Q: Where do you hope music will take you in the future?
A: For now, my education is very important. I do want to go to a music college for musical theatre though because I do love to act. I’ve been acting for a couple years now. I am not counting on me making it in that business as an artist although it would be very sweet. It is very hard to make it in this business so I want to have something to fall back on. I do want to end up on Broadway one day.
