Manila, Philippines — “I get to do my dream. I get to live my dream, which is music.” In the vibrant landscape of OPM, Ralph William Datoon, best known as Maki, stands out as an artist whose work transcends mere entertainment, painting the crowd a happy yellow. With soulful hits like ‘Dilaw’, ‘Kailan?’, ‘Saan?’, and ‘Namumula’, Maki has captivated us audiences not just with catchy beats, but with lyrics that reflect the intricacies of his heart and mind.
Through a series of candid interviews, Maki shares insights into his artistic journey, the power of music, and his aspirations for the future.
Music as a Mirror
For Maki, music is not just a career; it is an extension of his very being. "As an artist, marami akong binibigay, a piece of me, through my music," he shares. He emphasizes how his songs encapsulate his thoughts and feelings—elements of himself that he often struggles to express in everyday conversations, that all things left unsaid for him are better represented in his writings— the primary purpose of his music is laying his heart out. "Music is a reflection of my personality and also my life and my heart. Kung ano yung nakikita niyong lyrics doon, yun talaga nilalaman ng utak ko," he explains.
Maki believes that music serves as a bridge to the past, allowing listeners to revisit memories, both joyful and painful. "Gusto ko lang siguro ma-impart sa mga tao na, when they listen to my music, it brings them back to the good memories," he shares. He adds, "Or, kahit yung iba masakit, kahit yung iba, sobrang mahirap tanggapin na tapos na siya, at least you get to go back and then isipin mo na ah, ‘I survived this.’"
Music Heals
Maki passionately discusses music's ability to transcend barriers. "Music for me crosses all borders ng utak ko. Music is an extension of who I am," he states. He finds that making music allows him to express himself deeply while also helping him understand his own emotions. "And it’s reciprocal, for everyone. Yung mga bagay na hindi ko na-eexpress, nakukuha ko through music at nasasabi ko through music, kahit din hindi ako ang gumawa, the message is there," he reflects, emphasizing that music connects us by allowing us to see parts of ourselves reflected in others.
He recognizes that his songs give listeners a mirror to look at their own lives and feel understood. "Kahit tumanda na tayong lahat, I want my fans to know, I want the people to know na through my music may naka-intindi sa kanila or may nakakita sa kanila," he emphasizes. For Maki, success isn't just about his own achievements or success; it's about fostering a community where everyone feels seen and valued.
Growth
Reflecting on his artistic journey, Maki acknowledges that he didn't start as a polished artist. "Hindi naman kasi ako nag-start na sobrang galing ko," he admits. Yet, it is this very journey— filled with learning, growth, and inspiration from fellow artists—that shapes his music today. Each note and lyric is a testament to his development and a celebration of the influence of those who came before him— and he’s beyond thankful for his idols who inspired him to take the leap to his music career.
Because for Maki, music is not just a job nor a vocation; it’s his purpose. “Parang hindi ako si Maki nang walang music.”
Pressure Talks
Maki is no stranger to the struggles of being an artist, facing bullying, judgment and discrimination in the industry. "I grew up in a system where yung ginagawa ko, it's not everyone’s kind of life," he shares. The concept of change is often a double-edged sword for artists and the people’s understanding and acceptance (or lack thereof) of it.
But Maki stands firm in his belief that change is essential - not something to shy away from but to embrace. "Gusto kong i-expand or i-express na people should stop living in that fantasy where, okay, pag sikat na si Maki, ‘di na ako papansinin," he remarks. He believes that change should be embraced, as it often leads to a stronger sense of self than remain stagnant. "I wanna speak for everyone, especially my co-artists as well, na when we change, it's for the better."
Understanding his worth, Maki now stands firm against negativity and criticism. "Siyempre, kung hindi ko binago yung sarili ko at sad boy pa rin ako ng 2021, siyempre, nalulumbay ako ngayon," he reflects. "Pero now, I learned how to stand up for myself, at kung sino lang yung pagtutuonan ko ng pansin." This newfound resilience allows him to navigate the complexities of the music industry with a clearer vision of who he is, unapologetically and authentically regardless of comments. “I’m happy to see people change for the better for themselves or for others. My take is that people should also understand us, hindi yung kami palagi ang iintindi sa kanila.”
Planting Seeds
Maki envisions his career as a growing tree, where each branch represents new opportunities and experiences. "I want to build myself more as an artist," he expresses. “Growth is not a bad thing. Ako, I’m just planting my seeds in the industry.” He aspires to create music that reflects not only his journey but also the diverse stories of those around him. "Someday, lalabas din yung ibang branches," he predicts.
His admiration for new artists is clear as he shares, "Locally, I've been listening to a lot of new artists na I really think sobrang deserve nila yung talagang platform." He mentions artists like Frank Eli and ALYSON, saying, "I really love Frank Eli's music, if you guys know him. And also ALYSON, sobrang gagaling yung mga yun."
Maki also believes strongly in the power of collaboration within the music community. "I would love to expand more sa iba pang tao," he shares, emphasizing the importance of learning from others. He expresses excitement about merging musical styles with fellow artists, stating, "I wanna see kung ano mangyayari if we merge."
Visual Storytelling in Music
Maki's artistic vision extends beyond just sound; he aims to create a cohesive visual identity that perfectly complements his music. “When people think of my music, gusto ko rin na makita nila,” he emphasizes, underscoring the vital role aesthetics play in his work. Drawing from his roots as a visual artist, Maki expresses emotions not only through lyrics, but also through compelling visuals from his fun, colorful, and sometimes heartbreaking music videos.
He hopes to collaborate with esteemed artists and directors like Cho Gi-Seok and Shaira Luna. “I love representing myself through both music and visually,” he affirms, showcasing his commitment to delivering a comprehensive artistic experience. This devotion to visual storytelling elevates the emotional resonance of his music, inviting listeners to engage with his art on multiple sensory levels.
The ‘Maki’ Aesthetic
Maki envisions his music as an immersive environment where fans can see, hear, and feel the essence of his artistry. “This is my aesthetic, this is how I want people to experience my music,” he asserts confidently. By carefully curating a distinct visual style, he aims to create a lasting impact that truly resonates with audiences—transforming music into a fully immersive experience.
His excitement for platforms like Colors, which feature stunning performance videos, demonstrates his eagerness to reach a broader global community. "I really love it," he exclaims, noting how these channels amplify his message and foster connections with music enthusiasts worldwide.
For More Tomorrows
As Maki looks forward to the future, he aims to continue writing music that resonates with various life stages. "I want it to be a reflection of who I am also in my life," he asserts.
He envisions creating songs that speak to a range of experiences, wanting to connect with people going through different phases and experiences in life, mentioning, “I love to be inclusive. A representation of everyone. I get to write about people’s stories. Doon niyo rin halos nakikita yung growth ng artists. We learn from everything, sa sulat ng iba, sa movies, sa nararanasan nila,” and he jokes, “Malay niyo, someday, mayro’n na akong song about kasal.”
And to end...
“I'm really, really excited. Kung sino man or kung ano man yung mangyari in the future, I just know na my music will always be something na I want my fans, and myself, to be proud of.”
Maki's journey is proof that music isn't just a form of entertainment; it's a tool for his self-discovery, connection, and healing. His songs are more than just catchy tunes - they're a reflection of himself, a chronicle of his growth, and an invitation for us all to embrace our own authenticity.
As he looks ahead, Maki remains open to the twists and turns that lie in wait, ready to adapt and evolve with each new challenge that comes along his way. Whether it's collaborating with fresh faces or exploring uncharted genres, he approaches it all with a sense of curiosity and excitement.
As Maki continues to plant his seeds in the ever-changing landscape of OPM, one thing remains clear: his music will always be a mirror held up to society, reflecting our joys, sorrows, and everything in between. It's a legacy of his passion and love for music that will echo through the hearts of fans for generations to come.
Artist @clfnia_maki Creative Director @whatnowmargot @luminassance Photographer @jcmedia @iamv1n Cover story @luminassance
HMUA @myckeearcano Produced by @thenewhueph Special thanks to @astburyph
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