?OVERWHELMING? is how former Hale front man Champ Lui-Pio describes his current project, a solo album titled ?Synergy? (PolyEast), which he?s been recording at Tracks Studio in Pasig for the past three months.

The Inquirer had an exclusive chat with the 28-year-old singer-songwriter at the studio, where he discussed the ongoing sessions, the circumstances that led to Hale?s breakup and getting an offer to become an actor.

How would you describe this solo album?
I don?t know what to call it. It has many elements ? It?s overwhelming because I worked with more than 30 musicians from different genres like soul (Julianne Tarroja), punk (Chris Padilla of Hilera), folk (Noel Cabangon), rock (Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar), rap (Gloc-9) ... The concept is to work with various musicians, that?s why it?s titled ?Synergy.? Monti Macalino of Mayonnaise, Ferdie Marquez and Angee Rozul are co-producers. Musically speaking, it?s probably the best album I've worked on.

Did you get right down to work after Hale broke up?
I wrote most of the songs late last year. Tapos na kasi yung ?Kundiman? (Hale?s fourth and last album) so these songs were just there, on standby. Early this year Hale took an indefinite leave, then broke up ... For the first time, I thought about what to do with my life.

What caused the breakup?
The chemistry was no longer there. Working together for six years ? nagkaron ng konting tension ? Hindi naman umabot sa confrontation ? It was just there and caused discomfort.

What did you argue about?
Music ? attitudes ? lahat naman may topak e. When you tour a lot, ?yun ang nagiging problema. I guess change caught up with us.

Which one had the rock-star attitude?
May [nagsabing] tanggalin na lang daw si Roll (Martinez, guitarist). But it didn?t feel right. Mas maganda buwagin na lang.

Are you happy now?
I?m super-happy. I feel that if I insisted on keeping the band intact, I?m gonna be miserable ? I have songs, a lot of friends willing to work with me ? So I decided to make an album about OPM, about the scene ?

Can you cite an example?
?Hanging Habagat? is about the winds of change. Hanging Habagat, ?yun ?yung mainit na hangin ... ?Yun ?yung gusto kong maging carrier single kasi it represents change. At the same time the song talks about empowering the listener, or me as the singer.

How will you promote the album when you have to perform with a band?
I have session musicians who will function as my band: Monti Macalino (guitar, vocals), Nico Tirona (drums) of Pitik, it?s an underground band, and his brother Nikki (bass).

Hale used to record in a home studio. How are you finding the process now?
It?s more complicated. Mas maraming tao ang may input, and you have to give them artistic freedom. Scheduling is tough ? one song at a time. There?s a different team per song, so it?s taking us longer than usual. But it?s worth it.

You were reportedly considering acting.
The guy who signed up Hale, Chris Sy, is now with Viva. When he heard of the split-up, he called to ask for a meeting. I trust this guy with my life. He offered me the option to become a ?multi-dimensional artist,? which basically meant I could try acting. I said if there was a good project for me, I could try it. It?s not like I?d pursue acting as a career ... I attended an acting workshop. I?m waiting for the right role or a good TV show.

What was your biggest problem while recording?
Controlling my diet. Ang lalakas kumain ng mga kasama ko.