by Aela Bracamonte
Zack Tabudlo showed that with his catchy debut single “Nangangamba” he is worthy to be a part of the Philippine subsidiary of renowned international music label, Island Records.
The song, with its suave and creative blend of pop and R&B elements joined together by his smooth vocals, was released on all digital platforms worldwide last Friday, August 7. You can give it a listen here.
“Nangangamba” is an absolute vibe. It tells an experience that many hopeless romantics can relate to: a failed romance attempt.
In a quick interview with the young singer-songwriter and producer himself, he shared to us the experience that brought inspiration to the writing of “Nangangamba”.
His emotions fueled him to write “Nangangamba”. It was a year ago, he recalls, that he was going through a situation where he liked a girl who was playing hard to get… and sometimes at the expense of playing too hard to get, we end up losing people who love us (or people who later on turn out to feel the same way).
Only at 18 years of age, he showed maturity in sending a message of practicing what you preach through the lyrics of his single: “Ito na ang pagkakataon / Wala nang pipigil sa’yo / ‘Wag ka nang mahiya/ Sabihin na ang totoo”. As a hopeless romantic herself, this hits deep.
Zack Tabudlo, a former contestant in “The Voice Kids” and coached by former Rivermaya frontman Bamboo Mañalac, has been signed by Island Records Philippines, the iconic Island Records’ first international division within Asia. This record company signed big artists such as U2, Katy Perry, and Bob Marley among others. Though this feat may be intimidating to some, Zack humbly took the opportunity and turned it into his motivation to better himself as an artist.
Keen to establish his solo career in the industry, Zack’s unique flavor in his music landed him a spot in several Spotify playlists including “Men of OPM”, “Philippines Viral 50”, and “OPM Says Chillax”. You may have probably heard his first single, “Stay Here”, that was released in 2018, and his subsequent release, “Mahal O Biro” that were both featured in multiple Spotify playlists as well.
The secret to Zack’s music? Taking the old school 90’s sound and fusing it with today’s beats. He describes the creative process that goes on behind the scenes of the making of his songs as “instantaneous” quoting “when something hits you [like an idea or a melody], and it feels right, I hit record. It’s instantaneous… almost amazing.”
Though he shared that international artists Shawn Mendes, John Mayer, and LANY, and local bands like Rivermaya are some artists that influence his music, he takes his influences and gives it his own unique twist. He even dropped a small hint that the songs he is developing right now have a different vibe and flavor than “Nangangamba”.
By interview’s end, Zack generously treated us to an impromptu live acoustic performance of the song giving it an even more heartfelt edge.
As he performed, his statement, “A world without music has no color. Music is what connects us, and it is one of the most beautiful things in this world” resonated even more.
It is undeniable that with his easy going personality, charming smile, and musical chops, Zack Tabudlo is going to make a name for himself in the local music scene and with Island Records Philippines’ help – beyond our shores.
You can follow Zack Tabudlo’s official social media accounts in the following links:
Facebook: @IamZackTabudlo
Snapchat: @zacktabudlo06
Instagram: @zack.tabudlo
Twitter: @zacktabudlo
You can follow Island Records PH official Instagram account here.
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