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It’s hard to overlook singer-songwriter Anthony Meneses thanks to his height, complemented by his soothing voice. He has a singing voice that allows him to articulate exactly what the lovesick wants to say in a song. This gentle giant started doing open mics when he was 16 since he likes music so much. “I was doing open mics… I just wanted to perform and I usually perform as a session guitarist then, not as a main act,” Anthony shares. But it was when he decided to sing an original song at an open mic in QC that made him pursue singing. “I just loved the crowd,” he admits.
Though an admittedly timid guy, he ironically threw himself into a bunch of singing contests. Performing in front of people was nerve-wracking, but with every competition he pursued, he gained crucial realizations about his character. “My first competition was on Wishcovery Season 3. I just really want to sit and sing in that bus. For Idol Philippines, it was really unexpected that I would make it. Thankfully, I made it to the finals. Joining contests built my confidence and I discovered a new side of me as a musician,” shares Anthony.
He released several songs independently like “Padayon,””Kusapiling,” and the first version of “Paruparo.” When he was signed by Korean Entertainment label Abyss Company, he released “Embotido” and another version of “Paruparo” with Korean singer Kim Gyeol. He’s currently promoting his music and working on an upcoming EP, but Anthony took time for a quick chat with me. We talked about his beginnings as a musician, his famous musician uncle, the reality of being a signed artist, and how his decision to keep going led him to where he is now.
WHO’S YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC? WHO REALLY GOT YOU INSPIRED TO SING?
A: Actually, there are several people, but one in particular motivated me to pursue music. I recall meeting this guy on my 18th birthday. His name is Kuya Teban. He is a music director and pianist. He encouraged me to improve my singing and instrumental skills.
We did session music together. As I had previously said, I only played the guitar, but he continued to encourage me to sing, even when we were in church. Until I simply fell in love with the process. He’s one of the persons that helped me discover my passion for music.
Keith Martin, a singer and friend of his, became one of my influences as well.
IN YOUR FAMILY, ARE YOU GUYS MUSICALLY INCLINED?
A: Just a few. Actually, I only know of two people in our family who are professional musicians. One of them is my cousin, who performs theater and plays gigs. And the second is my uncle Buwi Meneses, the bassist for Parokya ni Edgar. They were close to my father. I was only a teenager when I found out they were my relatives. My father would often listen to Parokya ni Edgar CDs.
YOU’RE PART OF ASAP ACOUSTIC HEARTTHROB. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
A: After Idol Philippines, I didn’t expect to return to ABS-CBN. Some of us from that contest were each developing our own careers. Not everyone in the group was from Idol Philippines; others were from PBB. I believe it was Ms. Darla who brought us together, which I am grateful for. Our group is like The Jonas Brothers with a hint of One Direction.
DO YOU PLAY INSTRUMENTS IN THE GROUP?
A: Yes, actually. I started there as a pianist. I expressed that I wanted to be a guitarist because it is my forte, but they said it is different if I play the piano. So, I began playing the piano.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU GUYS HAVE IN COMMON?
A: We all came from different ABS-CBN shows, which I believe is good since it gives each individual a distinct identity. We’re glad we weren’t all from the same competition show. As I mentioned earlier, several are from PBB, yet they are very good vocalists. We appreciate the diversity of our group.
YOU’RE THE FIRST FILIPINO ARTIST THAT WAS SIGNED UNDER ABYSS COMPANY FROM SOUTH KOREA. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
A: Mateo and I were signed practically simultaneously although I was signed first under Label Sayu. That label merged with Abyss Company, so they absorbed me as their artist.
WAS THE FIRST SONG YOU RELEASED WITH ABYSS YOUR SONG “EMBOTIDO”?
A: Yes, but at first, I wanted to release “Embotido” independently. Just tease the music on Tiktok and see if it gets picked up. But then I realized I should just release it while I’m with Abyss to see what sort of reach they have and how they can help me market my music and myself as an artist. It turned out quite well. I enjoy the visuals they created to promote the song. They’re very good at visuals. I’m happy because this was also my first time releasing a song through a label.
HOW IS IT WORKING WITH AN INTERNATIONAL RECORD COMPANY?
A: From what I can tell on the business side, they’re really good at approaching the international market. They’re very hands-on when it comes to marketing their artists, including me, which I think is pretty standard for any record label. They take great care of me and my music, and they’re super specific about all the details.
YOU RELEASED A VERSION OF YOUR SONG “PARUPARO” BEFORE YOU HAD YOUR COLLABORATION WITH KIM GYEOL IN THE LATEST VERSION. HOW WAS IT WORKING ON THIS VERSION?
A: This one was a very fun project. We travel to Korea to work on the song. There was a language barrier, which made communication difficult, but we overcame it with the help of a translator and body language. I was with Sab Cerrado when we wrote the English verse, and Kim Gyeol wrote her Korean verse, but before we wrote our part, we rearranged the song to suit our voices. This version turned out really well, even if communication was a little tricky, but it was an unforgettable project. Music has no boundaries.
HOW IS IT WORKING WITH KIM GYEOL?
A: Working with her was a breeze. We took a listen to some of her songs so we could hear if her voice would sound good in the song. Turns out, she’s a good fit. After that, we saw each other in the studio, wrote some verses, and then recorded that version of “Paruparo.”
THE SONG IS A CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION. YOU’RE FILIPINO, SHE’S KOREAN. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR LISTENERS WOULD GET FROM THE SONG?
A: The title of the song is “Paruparo,” and I truly hope listeners feel those same butterflies when they hear it. With the first version, I wasn’t sure if that emotion was being successfully conveyed. But with this updated version, I’m confident that feeling is definitely being reciprocated.
YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA IS “PADAYON,” WHICH MEANS KEEP GOING. HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE YOUR MUSIC CAREER AND WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO YOU?
A: Keep going. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t persisted in working hard on my career. I got COVID twice while planning for auditions, some might see that as a sign to stop, but I took it as a challenge. Often, the only barrier is yourself; you just need to break through it to reach your goal.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST IN THE REMAINING MONTHS OF THIS YEAR?
A: For other people to discover the songs that really resonate with them. And more growth for me as an artist, what I can still do with my music.
Denise J. Mallabo 