Zild, one of the most promising songwriters of his generation, is back exciting first release under Island Records Philippines, “Isang Anghel,” is a song that draws on his deep knowledge of music, both local and international. He says that the Pixies influenced the song’s dynamics, with low-key verses and anthemic choruses, and he was also inspired by the work of Kitchie Nadal, Rivermaya, and the Eraserheads. Most of all, though, he says that it draws on a deeper and distinctly Filipino tradition of romantic lyricism dating all the way back to Jose Rizal.
This is Zild’s first release after signing with Island Records Philippines, a part of the world’s largest record company, Universal Music Group. Island aims to bring together the country’s most creative and innovative musicians, including One Click Straight, Fern., juan karlos, and Cheats. Island represents the vibrancy of Filipino music that is recognized both at home and across the region. By joining Island, Zild has an amplified voice for his creative and collaborative work.
As part of one of the Philippines’ hottest bands, IV of Spades, since 2014, Zild has built a reputation as a musician and a performer, proving how he and his bandmates heralded a new era in local music. He eventually branched out into a solo career that included releasing two albums and a few singles, continuing to gain respect from fellow musicians in the scene. His talent, craft, and collaborative spirit make him highly regarded in the music community.
Zild originally worked on “Isang Anghel” during the early years of the pandemic, and he is credited with all instruments and production. However, the song’s surprising composing credits came about because of a subconscious use of a guitar riff that bookends it, which turned out to be from a song by fellow Island act One Click Straight. He asked the band’s composers Tim and Sam Marquez if they could be credited as well, to which they agreed. The Marquez brothers also play for Zild when he performs live.
Zild originally composed “Isang Anghel” in English, but the original lyrics turned out to be “too corny” for him. Writing it in another language allowed him to highlight the very romantic theme of wanting to live for one’s lover—or not wanting to die for them. He says that this theme doesn’t appear too often in songs because it could come off as being too morbid. To paraphrase his comments, however, the song may be morbid, but it’s by someone in love.
“Isang Anghel” is a taste of Zild’s upcoming third album. Unlike his previous two albums, his aim is not to highlight a particular aesthetic but to celebrate the music community and the live music scene that has emerged since the worst days of the pandemic ended. He says that (among other things) the “pandemic kids,” as he calls them, relish the physicality of watching live music and are open to being exposed to various genres even in the same show. Making their own playlists is the key, Zild notes, where people choose to blend various genres, acts, and even eras.
With “Isang Anghel” dropping on major music streaming platforms on August 11, expect to hear someone whose unique creative voice stretches the boundaries of what we can say about love. In so doing, Zild’s first release for Island and UMG signals once more that he is a force to reckon with in local music.