In our latest Wish Connect roundup, we recount our conversations with established acts like Ebe Dancel, Monty Macalino, and Jay R to up-and-comers like Chiquerella and Kurei — and give a glimpse of how artists stay creative and connected while the world continues to battle Covid-19.
Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, esteemed singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel shared how this period of isolation can take a toll on one’s mental health.
“For a lot of us, the world seemed to come to a halt… There will be hard days, but I think, sometimes, it’s okay to acknowledge that you’re not okay because when you do accept it, you start to take action,” he said, further emphasizing the importance of praying, reaching out to people we trust, and in believing that someone will be there to listen — as how he conveys with his recently unveiled Wishclusive performance of “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak.”
READ: The Itchyworms Make Noise For Mental Health Awareness With ‘The Silence’
Dancel — who was able to hold a sold-out concert and release an album prior to the lockdown — also noted that this period should instead be used to learn new things to help us keep busy.
“I think it’s never too late to learn a new skill or if you’re already, let’s say a musician or a lawyer, you keep reading… Now that I have time, I do acknowledge that there are still things to be learned even if I’ve been doing music for a little more than 20 years now,” he relayed.
Along the same lines, multi-talented artist EA Guzman also admitted that the quarantine has given him more time to be more reflective. Apart from using the stay-at-home order to bond with his family, he’s also spending his time thinking “how to improve [his] craft as an actor, a singer, and as a role model to the youth.”
While Guzman is one of those personalities who had to adjust to the limitations brought forth by Covid-19, fashion photographer-turned-singer Kurei revealed that staying indoors has actually been her kind of lifestyle even pre-pandemic — she’s mostly at home when there’s no schedule for recording sessions, gigs, and photoshoots. But just the same, she shared the same sentiment about taking the time to “reflect on what [we] really want to do” and “realize the things we want to pursue.”
On a lighter note, recently wed singer-songwriter couple Jay R and Mica said that they make good use of social media to keep themselves busy and entertained while staying connected with fans even while in quarantine.
“Since artists aren’t allowed to be out and do their shows and concerts and everything, that’s the best that we can do right now. It’s just staying connected online. And it’s been pretty fun for us. We stay creative, we help each other shoot each other, and it’s just fun,” Mica shared during their Wish Connect guesting.
Meanwhile, sisters Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina Cercado of girl group 4th Impact — best known for their fifth-place finish at 2015 The X Factor UK — maximize their time by improving their vocal skills, practicing their choreographies, and even working out together.
Now more than ever, musicians are embracing the role of releasing tracks to offer relief as we all brave through these challenging times. Acoustic-pop act Migz Haleco, for instance, has dropped “Liwanag” — a song that reminds everyone that hope is never too far away.
“I went through tough times before and there came a point wherein I wasn’t able to see the good things around me — that they’ve been really there all along,” he shared.
Pop-wave outfit Brisom also graced the online show and talked about their latest release, “Choose.” Speaking about the song’s intent, vocalist Brian Sombrero said that they want to be of help to those who are experiencing depression.
The influx of songs during the pandemic is proof of the artists’ relentless commitment to their craft. For Chiquerella vocalist Chique Sabonsolin, it only goes to show how musicians can be resourceful enough to produce and release works despite technical limitations.
“It’s amazing how musicians continue to make music for their listeners,” she quipped, gratified by the fact that even quarantined in their respective homes, artists can still record.
Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise, in fact, revealed during his Wish Connect gig that fans can anticipate more releases from the band.
Macalino and company have recently unveiled new works featuring Argee Guerrero of I Belong To The Zoo and Raymund Marasigan. These efforts serve as a glimpse of what he hopes would be the theme for their next album: A compilation of collaborations with their favorites from the industry.
When asked about the relevance of music especially during these times, he pointed out that music is something that uplifts — not only for the listener but for the creator as well.
Sharing a story about their song “Paraan,” Macalino — who also serves as a judge in Wish 107.5’s singing-songwriting competition Wishcovery — said: “I was depressed when I wrote ‘Paraan,’ and when I was able to finish it, all my sadness went away.”
Speaking on Wish Connect, OPM act Davey Langit meanwhile shared some tips when composing songs.
“My mantra when it comes to songwriting is to write either a song that hasn’t been done yet or a song whose approach and style hasn’t been recently used. Do not be afraid to go against the grain… Find your strength as a songwriter,” he imparted, also noting that songwriters are, first and foremost, storytellers.
Never miss the latest from Wish Connect. Catch the online radio, hosted by DJ Ray Holiday, DJ Faye, DJ Alice, DJ Adam, and DJ Jenie, LIVE on our official Facebook page — Mondays through Fridays at 7 p.m. PHT. Stay tuned via our social media pages for updates.
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