Meet the Pinoy artists who co-wrote BTS hits ‘Black Swan,’ ‘On’

Did you know that the BTS song “Black Swan” was co-written by two Filipino artists?

In Aubrey Carampel’s “24 Oras” report Wednesday, August Rigo and Vince Nantes shared that the song was created in collaboration with each other and other songwriters and producers.

“Vince started it off. He gave that great intro line on it, ‘do your thang,’ so yeah we just took it from there,” said August.

Released in January 2020, “Black Swan” was co-written and produced by Big Hit Entertainment producer Pdogg, BTS member RM, August and Vince, and American songwriter Clyde Kelly. 

The song is part of the album “Map Of The Soul: 7,” whose lead single “On” was also co-written by August.   

According to August and Vince, they landed the project through Brian Puspos, another Pinoy artist who also choreographs BTS’s performances.

Vince was born in the Philippines but was raised in Chicago. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he was able to work with artists such as Apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas, and met August.

August, meanwhile, was born and raised in Canada by Filipino parents. He started his music career in the United States in 2004 and had made songs for Justin Bieber, One Direction, Chris Brown and other K-Pop artists.

“It’s kinda cool to see someone from the home team swinging the bat and hitting the home run,” said Vince.

For the two songwriters, “Black Swan” reflected their own journeys.

“This song talks about almost giving up and breaking out of your shell,” said August.

Both of them said they wanted to be part of the local music industry. They recently collaborated on Filipina rapper Alex Bruce’s song “Go Crazy.”

“There’s some great music out there in the Philippines,” said August.

“I think the best way to give it back is to pay it forward,” added Vince. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News