Singer-songwriter Stef Monce, makes her debut release under O/C Records with “Dahil Ikaw Pa Rin,” a romantic record carrying a plot that speaks of longing and hope that springs from a past relationship experience.
A love song that captures that feeling of being stuck in the past, reminiscing and romanticizing the glory days, musing on how the relationship came to an end, and where such emotions will eventually wind up.
“The song depicts how the relationship was physical and emotional, being young and naive, but only romanticizing the good parts of the relationship, not fully realizing why it actually ended. The song ends on a hopeful yet uncertain note. Staying in this fantasy mindset even though we know full well it’s going to crash and burn,” Stef shares.
The record’s narrative highlights reflection on hope, longing, and glory days of the past, and ends with a striking conclusion revolving around optimistic aims despite the visions of a wavering path.
“I don’t have any references in terms of my lyrics ‘cause it all came from what I’ve experienced personally and how I am as a person or as a lover. I think I feel and love too much, and when I love a person, sometimes I forget about the bigger picture. And in this song, it’s not really about the relationship, but rather how I viewed it personally. I think if there are any, it’s probably the vulnerability of the lines that border a bit too much of hopefulness,” Stef reckons, talking about her process in writing this record.
“Dahil Ikaw Pa Rin” renders a mixture of pop-alternative tunes, significantly influenced by 80s tunes —bringing forth a sanguine tenor through its “dreamy but funky edge” structure.
Other creatives who pitched in its creative production include Chen Pangan, Tim Sison, and Kean Cipriano.
“Working with sir Kean, Chen, and Tim was such an honor ‘cause they’ve been in the industry for years, and I’m a newbie in the industry. I feel like I’m a sponge ‘cause I wanna absorb everything that they’re teaching me. And to be able to learn from them while working with them, that in itself, was such an amazing experience. And I can’t wait for more,” Stef shares.
As the track marks her debut release under a record label, Stef remarks that this single offers a work that introduces her authentic and genuine tone as an artist. To kick off, “Dahil Ikaw Pa Rin” presents the artist in her “most vulnerable state”—a significant picture of who Stef really is as an artist.
“Dahil Ikaw Pa Rin” is now available for streaming on digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.