Who doesn’t love an OPM artist who can do a bit of everything?
The Voice Kids Philippines alumnus Darren Espanto just dropped his second album “Ikaw Pa Rin”—the first one in eight years—and we can say, it’s truly a testament to the growth of a singer who’s been in the industry for 11 years.
In the album launch last July 4, hosted by MYX’s very own resident VJ Samm, he delivered D’ Total Performances for six out of 13 tracks from “Ikaw Pa Rin,” namely “Bibitaw Na,” Can’t Buy Me Love” teleserye single “Iyo,” “Paano Kung Tayo Nalang,” Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition eviction song “Paalam Muna Sandali,” “Di Makaramdam,” and “ANNAB.”
Following the album launch, the official music video for ANNAB—a certified fan favorite—was also released on July 4.
According to Espanto, this new album signifies a new era and a more mature side for him as a musician who has grown with the industry. “I used to be someone who didn’t want to sing his original songs [...] but as an artist you’re supposed to produce your own songs and content—I have that in my mind now,” he opened up.
He also shared that he’s now more hands-on and not afraid to experiment with his music, evidenced by the versatility of themes and genres in “Ikaw Pa Rin”—ranging from pop, ballad, to retro songs.
“I really like the songs on this album kasi ako yung nagsulat nung ibang kanta,” Espanto said.
In working on his latest album, the teen pop sensation mentioned that they did not realize how long had passed since his last album. However, he believed that this unexpected turnout was also a way for the fans to hear the difference in his voice from a 16-year-old to a 24-year-old musician.
As he embarks on his new era as an OPM artist, Espanto dedicates “Ikaw Pa Rin” to the Darrenatics who waited eight years for new music, to everyone who loves music, and to those who just want to listen to something easy to listen to.
In the near future, the young musician hopes to release a song internationally and host a concert where 80 percent of the setlist is composed of his original songs.
-
Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
