Novelty singer-songwriter Eugene Layug, released his ‘anti-valentine’ track, ‘Maghihiwalay Din Kayo’ — a track that explores ‘bitter’ sentiments towards romantic stories set in a mix of OPM-pop and molded into a piece of novelty.
In an interview with Eugene, he shared why making people ‘feel good’ inspired him to curate this track, what makes this record his ‘funniest song’ to date, how the production of this track developed since it was first written in 2017, and more about Maghihiwalay Din Kayo as the ultimate ‘anti-valentine’ track.
TNH: Talk us through your newest single, Maghihiwalay Din Kayo. What can you share about the narrative of this track, and what is your inspiration behind it?
Eugene: Nasulat ko ‘tong song na ‘to way back 2017 pa, and I think this is one of my funniest song. Matagal ako gumawa ng kanta dahil pag sumusulat ako, matagal yung pag ko-concept ko ng mga bagay-bagay. Pero yung nag-trigger sa’kin para upuan ‘yung Mahihiwalay Din Kayo is yung madaling araw sa Cubao pauwi ako galing gig walang katao-tao puro bus, pero sa gilid may nakita akong naka-holding hands tapos bigla kong sinigaw sa utak ko na “maghihiwalay din kayo”. From then on, ‘di na nawala sa utak ko ‘yung punchline kaya ayun, nagawa ko yung kanta.
TNH: What made you decide to release an “anti-valentine” track?
Eugene: Gusto ko mangbasag ngayon nang mga tao haha pero in serious note, wala pa akong napapansin na kanta na sobrang bitter kaya ayun, happy to be the representative of “sugo ng mga bitter”
TNH: In terms of the sonic arrangement of this track, how would you describe its sound and vibe?
Eugene: Ever since pine-perform ko yung MDK [Maghihiwalay Din Kayo], nakikita ko na sumasayaw ‘yung mga tao kahit yung iba ‘di marunong, parang ako. I just want the song to feel good. Naaalala ko I was at my bestfriend’s house and nag ja-jam kami, and nagawa namin yung hook ng horns then ayun, naisabuhay sya ni Kenneth Reodica, ‘yung arranger ng kanta.
TNH: You always have your way of telling stories in a creative and antic yet sober manner. How would you describe your artistic approach in this latest single?
Eugene: Gano’n parin, matagal-tagal kong sasabihin ‘to sa lahat na pag gagawa ako ng kanta, ang reason ko mapatawa ka — no deep meaning, di ka mapapaisip, good vibes lang. Very novelty talaga sya pero since nag-evolve na talaga yung OPM, hinaluan ko sya ng elements na may pagka-POP.
TNH: What can you share about the creative journey of this track? What are some of the highlights along the process that added color to the production of Maghihiwalay Din Kayo?
Eugene: Sobrang fullfiling nang process ng song na ‘to dahil it takes years to produce and halo-halong utak ng tao, maraming version na nagawa pero dito kami bumagsak sa pinaka-una. Nakakatuwa dahil parang hindi lang ako yung nag-alaga sa kanta as anak ko. Nandyan din sina Boss K Kenneth, JB Brisenio, Sir Mark, and syempre the one and only, si Thyro Alfaro — philpop-coach ko s'ya way back 2018, kaya extra-special talaga.
TNH: Reflecting on your musical journey – as a busker and a recording artist, what kind of artist do you hope people see through this single?
Eugene: Sa single na ‘to makikita nila ‘yung tunay na ako — ‘yung makulit and novelty talaga. Palagi kong sinasabi na very open ako sa iba’t ibang genre, gawa nang ginagawa ko naman talaga ‘yun dati, pero naniniwala kasi ako na you have to be honest to your art, unahin mo kung sino ka.
Eugene Layug’s wit as a songwriter is illuminated in this track, highlighting his remarkable knack for connecting with his audience through feel-good records. The release was accompanied by a visualizer directed by Eugene himself.
You can keep streaming Maghihiway Din Kayo on all digital music platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. The official visualizer can be streamed on O/C Records YouTube channel.
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