BALIWATMAY ZALTIC – “Mga Kapitbahay”
The Pagsanjan, Laguna-based indie music-maker who goes by the moniker Baliwatmay Zaltic has a self-released EP titled “Tao Po” available on Youtube and Twitter, among other digital platforms. Among the five electronic tracks on the EP, he picked “Mga Kapitbahay” to be the most memorable. He further explained, “Masasabi kong mas tumagos sa akin ang track na yon. Nagpapaalala siya sa akin na marami akong pwedeng ikuwento, at hindi ito maririnig ng ibang tao kung itatago ko lamang. Ang mga kwentong ito ang magsisilbing kalamansi sa sugat ng mga taong nakakatulog na sa mga nangyayaring injustice sa paligid natin.”
The Pinoy DJ also proudly declared, “Words, music, mastering, mixing, design ng album cover, ako po lahat. Pero kasalukuyan ko pong ipinapasa sa mga indie record label para sana mas maraming makarinig sa akin.”
AARON OBRA – “Alas Kwatro”
TikTok has dramatically impacted all of us during the lockdowns since 2020. One of the many talents who dominated the platform is 19-year-old budding singer Aaron Obra. Aaron recalled when he spent most of his time with his guitar weeks after the ECQ was announced. “Yung music po yung nag save ng quarantine ko,” he shared.
Moving forward, he shares his bedroom stories amidst the pandemic as he releases his first single, “Alas Kwatro.” ” Yung madaling araw is my most vulnerable time, that’s why I called it Alas Kwatro,” the young musician said. As the title implies, Aaron wrote the song during the wee hours and got inspired writing his story as he welcomed the dawn.
DREI RAÑA – “Wag Mong Paasahin”
After catching Covid-19 and taking a much-needed break from social media, singer/songwriter Drei Raña returns to the music scene stronger and better than ever. With his latest song, “Wag Mong Paasahin,” Drei takes another fresh approach with an upbeat and happy sound on a song that actually talks about a bad dating experience inspired by the story of his close friend.
“I chose a different arrangement to this song, not the usual instruments na ginagamit ko before,” Drei said. Wag Mong Paasahin will get your feet tapping and your voice humming along to the melody, carrying lyrics that is relatable to an era of online dating.
MARLO MORTEL – “Ready To Start”
Marlo released his previous single “Bituin” under the challenges of personal anxieties. With his latest single, “Ready to Start,” he revels in the pain of heartbreaks. “Ready To Start” begins raw, a piano ensemble that has the feel of going to a live performance, with a single spotlight on the performer. “This song is about people who have boundaries when it comes to falling in love and leXng them be loved,” Marlo said. “Siguro dahil sa mga past traumas or sa idea nila about love, but when they finally opened up to somebody because this person assured him or her na mahalaga siya, that person allowed them to fall in love.”
MEZZALUNA – “I Beg”
Following the success of her debut single, “In Situ,” the 20-year-old Indonesian singer-songwriter offers another peek into her personal life with her signature storytelling style. “I wrote this song based on a personal experience that I went through back in high school,” the alt-pop artist shares. “I was really in my feelings and made this song in about 10 minutes. The song was initially really short, but the bridge came along later, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.”
The ballad dives quickly into Mezzaluna’s sultry vocal delivery of disappointment and hopelessness. “I had the intention to create an arrangement worthy of a James Bond theme song,” says the Indonesian newcomer. “So my biggest inspiration for this track was Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ and Sam Smith’s ‘Writing’s on the Wall.”
RON MACAPAGAL – “Lilim”
Shortly after the release of his debut song “Bakit ‘Di Pagbigyan”, a more mature Ron comes back with a new single titled “Lilim” which directly translates to mean shade. This song describes an intimate relationship between grown lovers and how they find comfort in each other.
Ron garnered a lot of supporters during the promotion of “Bakit ‘Di Pagbigyan” and “Lilim” thus gaining a lot of recognition in the entertainment industry. He was awarded as “Outstanding New Male Recording Artist of the Year” in the 3rd Laguna Excellence Awards and was also nominated for “Best New Male TV Personality” in the 34th PMPC Star Awards for Television.
SIN SANTOS – “Vibe With Me”
Filipino/Australian Sin Santos makes a remarkable return for his first release of 2022 titled “Vibe With Me.” The song shows a side of Sin Santos that his growing and loyal following have not yet seen – switching his predominantly English songwriting skills to his native Tagalog tongue.
“Vibe With Me” shows the true diversity of Sin Santos’ artistry and how he has come to be one of the most promising global exports from the Philippines. With a soft bed of production assisting him, Sin Santos delivers melodic and consistent vocals throughout the offering of Vibe With Me – a trait that is common in his popular releases.