If given the choice, every recording artist or songwriter witnessing his work being properly rendered as a record release wants to have full creative control over his material. That should make a lot more sense if the person in question has the credibility to give justice to a composition’s interpretation.
Thyro Alfaro is a name in the mainstream music business who has the reputation and the output to boast with. This guy has written hits for big-name stars, entered winning entries in nationwide songfests, and is known around the music circle as among the best in his chosen genre of pop infused with R&B.
Thus, his first solo EP Bagong Buhay Volume 1 under his own label Diwang Records is a much-awaited feat. No question he was on top of the proceedings. It meant listeners were assured of good quality results. Hear it to believe. You can start with “Sariling Wika,” the funky-sounding new tune about how sad it is that “sometimes relationships die a natural death.”
Proof of how good Thyro is, you’d find yourself immersed into the music that the key line, “Ang nagpapaalam na puso ay may sariling wika/ Di na kailangan sabihin pa,” passes by without ever bothering you. Primarily, the mark of a good song rests on how the tune alone can carry the whole thing. It’s a great plus that Thyro writes conversational poetry well.
On cue, Thyro promises to be a hands-on label master. He argued, “I’ve been kind of behind the scenes for most of my career. I love the studio more than I love the stage. This will put me in my element, with my work more focused and curated.”
He noted, “My vision for Diwang is for it to be a collaborative label. Yes, I have the creative control, but I want to ensure that all the moves done will have the artist’s creative vision in mind. The goal is to make being with Diwang feel like being in a barkada. Work would not feel like work. Songwriting will be fun. Production will be fun.”
When I asked how he managed to gather a star-studded line-up for a choir section featured on one of the EP songs, “Ginto,” he quipped, revealing his pick-up line, “Tatawagan ko silang mga friends ko and I’d directly ask, ‘mahal mo ba ako?”
Bagong Buhay Volume 1 is a seven-song package featuring top-notch musicians, arrangers, and producers collaborating with Thyro, including recording scene luminaries Marvin Querido, Bobby Velasco, and Teddy Katigbak.
The smooth ballad “Loving You Good” has Paolo Banaga and Johann Mendoza on board while the groovy “Wankatank” brings in Jungee Marcelo into the plot.
For his label’s name, Thyro revealed it’s just a shortening of “Daddy ni Wiwang,” pertaining to him and the nickname he and his wife gave their daughter. It may also mean “to celebrate,” as in “magdiwang.”
Besides, there’s reason to rejoice as we’re promised with even better half to complete the two-part Bagong Buhay album.
