
Zack Tabudlo returns with "Naguguluhan," a heartfelt new single that showcases a deeper, more introspective side of the singer-songwriter. Known for his emotionally charged hits such as “Pano,” “Binibini,” and “Give Me Your Forever,” Zack Tabudlo takes a more refined approach this time, both in sound and storytelling, signaling his continued growth as an artist.
“I think it's a little bit of everything,” Zack described “Naguguluhan” in an online interview with the entertainment media, including GMANetwork.com.
“Parang it's like the different experiences that I went through throughout the years and stories from my friends. So, it's like a summary of emotions na nakuha ko. It's also perfect at the time na where I'm kind of messing around with the songs. Like the sound of these songs sounds a bit familiar with my current listeners, but at the same time, it's different kasi nandun yung bigat. Kaya mapi-feel n'yo rin yung weight ng music production in details.”
According to the 23-year-old singer-songwriter, he wrote “Naguguluhan” as a sort of offering to his Filipino fans while also producing songs for his project with his US label, Mercury.
“It was written in the middle of me making tracks in the US. I've been writing songs for the past year in the US. That's also because of my signing din with my US label, Mercury. In that year po, it's a time for me to think about my Filipino fans. Kasi, in my head and my team's mindset, parang inisiip ko palagi na what can I do to go back to my roots, which is the Filipino audience.
“'Naguguluhan' is one of those songs na I kind of need to go back to my Filipino audience, but at the same time, balance the new sound and direction na ginagawa namin.”
Zack mentioned that when people listen to his new track, some might think, “Oh, it sounds like Zack, but it's different na.”
It's a reflection of how far the former The Voice Kids hopeful has come, now writing with deeper emotion and maturity.
“I think before po it wasn't too deep for me when I was young. Kasi, most of the stories po that I heard when I was a teenager… in that moment, as a kid, I didn't know unrequited love in a very deep aspect as compared to now,” he explained.
He also admitted, “It also required a lot of maturity and growth for me to understand things. Kasi before, when I was at that moment, 'Ah, wala, parang puppy love lang 'yan. Ah, ganito lang siya. Ay, umasa ako, sulat ako ng songs.'
“Ngayon kasi, I go back to these stories, kahit simple nung pangyayari, medyo naiintndihan ko po siya in a more internal way, like deep po talaga. That's right, there's a lot of maturity rin po to really express these feelings nang totoo.”
Meanwhile, Zack also acknowledges his very supportive girlfriend, Abigail Alfonso, who encourages him to create more meaningful music--whether it's inspiring or hugot-type of songs.
He told GMANetwork.com, “In a way po, I think it helps po kasi my relationship with my girlfriend is very healthy. First girlfriend na official ko rin po talaga si Abby. So, in a way, it's a new experience for me writing songs like this. Pero at the same time, since my girlfriend po is very supportive po of everything I do and vice versa, I feel like it made my job easier din po because she's very open in things like this.
“It's also an advantage din po kasi she was born and raised in the US. So her thinking and mindset are very open. It's not like, 'Ay, kanino 'yan? Sa dati mong relasyon 'yan?' Wala po siyang ganun. She's more of 'Wow, ang ganda ng song, ang ganda ng art.'
“She believes in the craft, and she supports my music also. Every time I write songs like this, she knows it's for the art po.
In conclusion, Zack shared that writing music has become easier now that his perspectives have matured.
"With writing aspect, it's not hard because of my experience din po in writing my music. Ngayon po, medyo mas nailalabas ko ang feelings ko easily compared to like, three years ago or four years ago. Again, it's a big help that my girlfriend is supportive po," he ended.
Related gallery: IN PHOTOS: Zack Tabudlo and Sandiwa on the Playlist