The Iconic Danish pop rock band Michael Learns to Rock (MLTR), composed of Jascha Richter, Mikkel Lentz, and Kåre Wanscher made a triumphant return to the Philippines on November 5, 2024. They held a Media Press Conference at the Conrad Manila Hotel and recalled a nostalgic journey through three decades of timeless hits and unforgettable memories.
30 YEARS OF SPECIAL CONNECTION
As they welcomed the press, Kare immediately shared that they had watched footage from their archives of their first visit to the Philippines in 1994, when they played ’25 Minutes’ in a club with a few hundred people. He said they were amazed because the Filipino audience was great and the best. He also emphasized that it had been 30 years since their first visit.
Jascha added that, since that day, Michael Learns to Rock had developed a special connection with Filipino fans for 30 years. Mikkel agreed, sharing that while watching the video, he thought they looked like small kids back then, and now they were mature men. He said it was good to be back because they had a long relationship with the people and the place – it felt like coming home and was natural. He also mentioned that the place was so different from before.
MEMORIES IN MANILA AND WHAT THEY PREPARED
When asked about their favorite memories in Manila since their last visit and how they felt coming back to hold another concert, Kare mentioned that they had played several times at the Araneta Coliseum, and it was always amazing. The Filipino audience was the best singers in the world—they could sing like nobody else, and the concert always became a karaoke party. But this time around, they would be performing in a new venue, and they were super excited.
Jascha shared that their concert would be a completely different show from the previous ones in their career, including visuals and playing the songs in a different way. The concert would also be the biggest show in terms of how they would interact with the audience, and they were so excited to see their fans in a venue they had never played in before.
Mikkel explained that when they had planned the tour, they had decided to try and give their audience a dream concert, focusing on their most famous songs, celebrating the hits, and trying to make the perfect setlist, which was also the first time. He jokingly added not to miss any song.
WHEN LIFE GETS ROUGH
They also shared their go-to songs for when life gets rough. Kare said that if he was feeling down, the best thing he could do was go on tour in the Philippines because he could meet a great audience, be himself again, and get into a great mood. Jascha joked that he didn’t actually listen to Michael Learns to Rock but preferred Anne Murray’s ‘You Needed Me.’
WHAT MAKES FILIPINOS SPECIAL?
They also shared why Filipinos are special. Kare said that Filipinos are the best singers, with the clearest and loudest voices. Mikkel mentioned that Filipinos are very musical. Whenever they traveled the world, they were often surprised to find Filipino bands playing in hotels, sometimes even performing their songs, which was beautiful. Jascha added that they were interested in experiencing different cultures, so he was excited to see everyone at their concert, as they always get a unique response from the Philippine crowd.
FAVORITE SONGS TO PERFORM LIVE
The host asked about their favorite songs to perform live, and Jascha responded, ‘The Actor,’ because there was a certain magic to it – a very special moment every time he played the song. Kare shared that he loved performing their very first single, ‘I Still Carry On,’ because it reminded him of the band’s beginnings, and hearing their first song on the radio and the charts made him a little emotional. Mikkel chose their latest single,
‘A Life To Remember,’ because it was fresh and new, and they had only played it 10 times in their lives, which was great. Jascha mentioned that they would perform their new song at the concert, but Mikkel joked that ‘The Actor’ would not be included in the setlist when the host asked.
SECRET TO TIMELESS SONG THAT RESONATES WITH ALL GENERATIONS
Since they were legends that young musicians looked up to, the host asked about their secrets to creating timeless songs that resonate with all generations. Kare said that they never tried to be trendy or up-to-date; they make music they love – music that people can feel.
Jascha offered his advice to young musicians: to go out and play for people, follow their dreams, take action, and make it happen. Mikkel shared his thoughts on seeing younger fans connect with the songs they made in the beginning, saying that it was a great honor that their music transcends generations.
ON CREATING NEW SONGS
When asked about how the band approaches creating a song, Kare said that when they work on new music, Jascha always starts as the songwriter, coming up with either a whole song or part of one. He then plays it for the other members, discusses it, and sometimes it ends up being recorded. He also shared that they sometimes record more music than the songs they actually release.
Jascha mentioned that, in the beginning, they would meet in the rehearsal room and practice their ideas. However, for the last 10 or 20 years, they’ve been sending files to each other and working separately. Once they have gathered everything, they finish the song in the studio. They don’t meet as often as they did in the beginning. Now, they use the internet and have Zoom meetings.
INSPIRATION FOR THEIR TIMELESS HITS
The members of Michael Learns to Rock shared the inspiration behind their timeless hits, such as ‘Sleeping Child.’ Mikkel explained that Jascha wrote ‘Sleeping Child’ after becoming a father and watching his child sleep. Some of their songs were inspired by their personal lives, while others were like fairytales. He also mentioned that ’25 Minutes’ was like a movie
MESSAGE TO FILIPINO FANS
In the final part of the press conference, the members of Michael Learns to Rock had the chance to share their message with their Filipino fans. Kare said that it was a very special time for them to come to the Philippines because, for them, music was about emotions and connections, and they felt a strong bond with the people in Manila and the whole Philippines.
He promised to bring the best show ever and expressed excitement about showing it to everyone, interacting with the crowd, and feeling the connection between them and their Filipino fans. Kare also added that he was looking forward to hearing the crowd sing along to their songs.
Jascha also shared that when they first came to the Philippines 30 years ago, it was also in November, so he wanted to celebrate 30 years of togetherness between Michael Learns to Rock and the Filipino fans who sing their songs. The press conference ended with a group photo of Jascha, Mikkel, and Kare.
Michael Learns To Rock in Manila was brought to us by CDM Entertainment.
