Zack Tabudlo, the hit maker behind songs such as “Binibini” and “Nangangamba” is back with a collaboration with Moira Dela Torre, who is known for her memorable “Paubaya” and for also being the most streamed Filipina artist for 4 consecutive years. “Iba” is now released by Island Records Philippines on all music streaming platforms. Tabudlo wrote the music and lyrics.
Zack says that the song is about the feeling someone in a relationship has when they realize that they are unhappy with the love they thought destiny has given them. He says that the song is apt for Valentine’s Day because it reminds people that heartbreak is also part of the experience of love.
When Zack told Moira that he wanted to work with her on a song, she says that she was down for it. The two have been in touch for some time, exchanging messages and compliments on each other’s music, Zack adds. When he recorded the demo for “Iba”, Zack felt this would work as a collaboration, and her contrasting style, he says, makes this song different but “strong and powerful.”
Zack recorded his part of “Iba” and the instrumentation at his home studio, where he also mixed and mastered the final track. Due to COVID restrictions, however, Moira couldn’t join him in the studio, so
they arranged a virtual recording session over Zoom. Moira worked with Argee Guevarra (I Belong to the Zoo) as recording engineer while she was at her friend’s house in El Nido, Palawan.
Zack envisioned “Iba” as a song that evokes the sounds of H.E.R. and Ed Sheeran, which he characterizes as “soul, urban, and pop”. He says that this collaboration brings out a different side to Moira’s sound from her usual material. People should listen to this song, he says, because of the contrast between its sad heart-rending lyrics and a melody and beat one could bop to. Moira adds that this song can help release pent-up emotions and make its listeners feel better.