While you can’t blame music listeners for gauging an artist’s worth merely on the credit of a hit song, it pays for talents who have yet to score a breakthrough to rather focus on their track record. Looking at your own run and things you have achieved is one way of boosting your confidence while waiting for the big break.
Small wonder that your profile plays a key factor when you intend to seal a big gig regardless of whether you have a certified hit or not.
Besides, there’s really no formula in producing a hit tune. Yet, there is in beefing up one’s accomplishments. That is, by continuously performing live, recording tracks, and always keeping your act together. Each effort technically goes straight to your bucket checklist and keeps you move forward.
Three new songs that came off in digital formats last month are vying for the next big hit plum. But for the sake of this piece, focus is given on the acts behind them and what they have done so far.
First is “One Time Big Time” by alternative rock band Tanakuta, released under DNA Music.
DNA is associated with Star Music, which according to the band inked a “co-production deal” with them from which they released their first single “Sampung Taon” in 2017. Early last year, the group performed at OneMusicPH’s Be Discovered Live.
Formed in 2014, Tanakuta is composed of lead singer and guitarist Dalton Gamao, drummer Lancelot Mejia, bassist-vocalist Kutoy Atienza, and lead guitarist Edlord Negapatan.
The quartet won a couple of Battle of the Bands: Papi’s Grill Battle of the Bands (2015) and Yellow Room Music Philippines Battle of the Bands (2016). They were included in FHM’s 5 Underrated Bands in July 2017 while an award-giving body, NDM Music Awards, named their song Bitaw Best Alternative Song.
Second, we have the track “Stuck” (composed by Robster Evangelista) which is about “finding the one you would want to be stuck with the rest of your life.” It is sung by Cavite pride Myko Mañago, a three-time defending champ on It’s Showtime’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan.” He’s been singing since nine, influenced by the music of South Border. His YouTube vlogs are definitely a portal to his range and raw power as a singer.
Then there’s Ensayado, a mix of pop rock and retro by Jessa Mae Gabon who writes her own songs. Jessa is involved with Teatrong Mulat Ng Pilipinas, a theater group catering to children’s literature and Asian puppeteering. Her voice was honed by her work as vocal coach, professional back-up singer, and recording cover singer for several Karaoke discs.
Ensayado, arranged by topnotch player Jun Tamayo, is an upbeat ditty about facing one’s reservations.
Both Myko and Jessa are under RJA Productions and their songs distributed to streaming sites by Curve Entertainment.
Often we hear it’s not the destination but the journey. Same thing with a musician’s life cycle, it’s how far you can trace back.
