Pop-rock singer-songwriter Miguel Escueta is making a quiet but meaningful return to music after a self-imposed hiatus that lasted several years. Now a father, husband, and entrepreneur, Escueta says he has no regrets about pausing his career at the height of his success.
“I truly believe my musical journey panned out as God planned it,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment in a recent interview. “No regrets at all.”
Escueta first rose to prominence in 2007 as part of the thriving alternative rock scene in the Philippines, releasing singles like “Falling Away,” “Isipin,” and “Now It Starts,” and albums under MCA Music Inc., including I AM M.E. (2007) and Now It Starts (2010). He also appeared regularly on GMA-7’s Sunday noontime show, Party Pilipinas.
He recalls milestones from his early career, such as releasing his first album as a fresh college graduate, opening for Kelly Clarkson at the Araneta Coliseum in 2009, and having songs licensed for U.S. TV shows.
In 2011, he joined indie label Sly Doggie Productions in Los Angeles, rebranding as The Morning Episodes. The project produced the album Never Felt So Alive and singles, including a collaboration with Solenn Heussaff, “Until the Sunrise” (2013).
Despite overseas exposure and college radio airplay, Escueta paused music in 2019 to focus on his family and launch Frank & Dean Coffee.
“Earlier this year, I just had to write. It was so therapeutic at the time. That’s when ‘Summer Dream’ was born, and it snowballed into recording and releasing more songs,” Escueta said, noting that his return to music came naturally.
Following that release, Escueta teamed up with longtime friend and Hale frontman Champ Lui-Pio to release “Pangako ng Bukas,” a single honoring mental health advocacy, timed with Mental Health Awareness Month in October. The song’s music video was directed by Gab Gucci with cinematography by Patrick Rodil.
Escueta’s new work nods to influences like Coldplay and Foo Fighters, infusing piano-driven melodies with heavier rock elements, including blazing guitar solos by his brother.
Despite returning to music, Escueta is not seeking fame or a full-time performing schedule. He recently re-signed with ALV Talent Circuit, his former management company, but says touring and heavy gig commitments remain secondary to his family and business priorities.
He is, however, open to licensing opportunities, curated shows, and composing for film and television.
“Worrying about what other people think can hold you back. That’s something I’ve learned to let go of as I’ve gotten older, which is why I focus on what truly matters. But that doesn’t mean I’m closing the door on performing. I’ll still play once in a while, because music will always be my passion,” he said.
Apart from releasing two new singles, Escueta is looking forward to creating new material, including renditions of classic songs, as well as composing soundtracks for film and television.
