On Cover: Zild

Manila, Philippines — Sasamahan ka... in the bustling heart of Quezon City, Zild stands out as an artist who embodies the power of connection through the form of music. With roots that intertwine family, personal experiences, and musical heroes and influences, he sees music not just as an art form but as a communal experience that unites people.

“Nakita ko yung dalawang world of music, which is church music at Tanduay Rock Fest. So nakita ko early age pa lang how music can unite people,” This early exposure shaped his belief in music as a connector, a theme he hopes to capture in his own songs. Zild's musical influences are as diverse as his experiences. He describes his sound as a blend of his father’s church music, his sister’s love for MYMP and MCR, and the favorites of his friends.

"Basically summary lang ako ng favorite music ng dad ko, ate ko, at mga best friend ko... sabi nga nila, parang rip-off pag isa lang pinaggayahan mo, pero pag tatlo na yung pinaggayahan mo, influence na yun,” he explains. This eclectic background allows him to create music that resonates on multiple levels, a fusion that creates a sound making it distinctly his own, reflecting the communal nature of music.

No digging deeply, he admits boredom is what mostly drives his creative process. “Boredom [ko], dun nadi-deal yung mga emotional things,” he says, revealing the unexpected source of inspiration that fuels his songwriting. He confronts his self-doubt on quality of creating too, reminding himself, “Pinaghirapan ko 'to lahat... hindi ako naging lazy, hindi ako naging complacent, wala akong inapakang tao... I worked hard and earned for it.” which helps him find confidence amidst uncertainty.

Limitations as Catalysts

For Zild, limitations serve as vital catalysts for creativity. “Limitation breeds creativity,” he asserts, sharing how constraints, whether in time or resources, push him to complete projects. An example he cites is when he experimented with Nintendo video game sounds for his first album, leading to a creative breakthrough that expanded his artistic horizons.

When it comes to balancing emotional instinct with rational thought, Zild navigates his songwriting with a blend of impulsivity and organization. “Sobrang emosyonal ako—impulsive pero pag dumadating na sa produksyon or finishing things, dun na pumapasok yung intellect,” he muses, allowing him to tap into spontaneity while also grounding his ideas in thoughtful execution.

Navigating the Industry Landscape

As an artist, Zild often feels the tension between his vision and the expectations of the music industry. “Dati gusto kong baguhin yung music industry, ang dami kong gustong patunayan. Gusto ko, yung gusto ko yung mangyari,” he reflects, acknowledging the frustrations of wanting to conform to an industry that can feel restrictive. Yet he also recognizes the freedom in uncertainty: “In reality hindi mo alam kung ano mangyayari o kung ano gusto ng tao ngayon... it means mas marami akong pwedeng gawing klaseng music.” He expresses his appreciation over how people now decide themselves what's good and what's not regardless of the genre, and don't depend on commercial branding of radios and televisions on what's currently hot.

His thoughts on media representation are particularly revealing: "Kailangan hindi ka lagi maapektuhan sa noise ng media or anything, kasi may chance ka mawala sa sarili mo—you lose yourself if you listen too much to what other people say, and if you lose yourself, mawawala na yung dating ikaw kung bakit ka nag-start gumawa ng music."

Art as a Reflection of Society

Zild believes that music serves as both a reflection and a tool for shaping reality. “Feeling ko subconsciously lahat ng artist, mirror kung ano nangyayari sa paligid,” he notes, highlighting how personal experiences and societal issues intertwine in his work. He addresses these themes with honesty, stating, “Hindi lang as an artist [but also] as a young person, a family member, as a friend, as a fellow Pinoy, pag may mga bagay na kailangan pag-usapan, para sa 'kin ay pag-usapan.”

He recognizes the profound impact of having a platform that comes with responsibilities and what music can do not only for himself but for his fans. "Dahil fan din ako ng music, alam ko yung feeling of being a fan... nakita ko sa mga naging idol or musical hero, they never took this for granted."

And the balance between personal fulfillment and societal responsibility is not so far off with each other. “Alamin mo muna kung ano yung dapat pag-usapan... hindi dahil napilitan ka lang or dahil yun yung uso," he explains, emphasizing the need for genuine expression without feeling pressured to conform to trends.

The Journey of Success

Zild’s definition of success has evolved over time. “Dati pag may nagpapa-picture sa LRT, yan ang definition of success,” he laughs, but now he sees success as the ability to create meaningful music, regardless of fame. “Feeling ko, magiging successful yung career ko pag na-survive ko lahat ng seasons as an artist.”

Reflecting on his journey, he recalls the struggles of forming a band and transitioning to a solo career: “Nagband ako dati, nabawasan. Di naman ako singer, napakanta. Tas di natuloy, tas kailangan ko mag-solo. Hindi naman ako masyadong singer-songwriter, pero ginawa ko pa rin kasi I love music.” This determination fuels his passion and commitment to his craft.

"It is what it is. Yung struggles, gamitin mo siyang fuel para sa bigger goal," Zild encourages.

Balancing Life and Art

To maintain balance, Zild treats his studio time like a job: “Para everyday talaga yun tini-treat ko siya na parang office.” A 10 to 5 limit, and he halts his work regardless of his eagerness to push through to keep his enthusiasm for the next day, having something to look forward to. This routine helps him manage his workaholic tendencies and a better mental health while ensuring he doesn’t lose sight of his personal life.

“Dati gusto kong sobrang dikit yung personal life at yung career, pero ngayon parang habang tumatagal, minsan dapat kilala mo yung sarili mo outside of your work,” he explains, sharing how family dinners and time with friends ground him. "Pag yung buong identity mo binase mo lang sa kung ano ginagawa mo, baka mabaliw ka kapag hindi mo na magawa."

As he looks to the future, Zild remains focused on his love for music and the connections it fosters. “I am Zild, I love music, I love friends, I love family,” he concludes with warmth, encapsulating the essence of an artist who thrives on community and authenticity that aspires to keep on creating music that feels real and meaningful—with a heart that speaks through music, full of passion and genuine expression.

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Artist ZILD Creative Director M FERRERAS Cover story JAS RICO Photographer NINOY DAYRIT DWIGHT LUNA Videographer NINOY DAYRIT Set Assistant ARNOLD COCHING Hair and Makeup SOFIA SY Produced by THE NEW HUE Special thanks to LOVELY QUINTO ASTBURY

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