GAT has got the voice
Among the new wave of P-pop acts, GAT stands out as one of the most vocal-forward boy bands—and they waste no time making that known in their debut single “Kakaiba.”
While it’s the marchlike beats and glitchy electronic pulses that welcome you, it’s the pop-R&B track’s intricate vocal arrangements that inevitably reel you in. And in a matter of seconds, the group stacks up layers of sweet falsettos, piercing head tones, and come-hither exhales—creating textured harmonies that bring out each member’s unique qualities.
Ethan’s impressive tenor and Hans’ dynamic delivery set the tone. Michael’s R&B proclivities add a soulful flair. Charles primarily raps, but holds his own with a bright tone that brings a youthful vibe. And while not as flashy as the others, Derick’s warm baritone provides much-needed contrast for a full-bodied sound.
Singing champs
Dare we say that this is GAT’s biggest strength and what could very well make them, well… kakaiba? Michael, one of the band’s chief songwriters and producers, couldn’t help but agree. “I’m super happy with how the vocal arrangement and our respective parts came out because they show off our character as a group and as individuals,” he tells Lifestyle Inquirer.
“We really played with the harmonies and runs,” Ethan adds. “Of course, we didn’t forget about the dancing, either.”
Listening to their previous covers and releases, it becomes immediately clear that vocal layering is one of the unifying threads of the group’s music production. It’s in the doo-wop inflected intro and choruses of “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit,” in the velvety interplay of “Rainbow,” and even in the chanted callouts of “Daleng Dale”—which made GAT a hit, especially among fans of romantic comedy series “Ang Mutya ng Section E.”
Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise from a band that has two former singing competition winners in its roster. Ethan won the Junior Vocalist Grand Champion of the World title at the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2015, while Hans was first runner-up in the TV5 talent search “Born to Be a Star.” Together, they help lead and drive home the song’s melodic peaks.
“If we know techniques that can help the others, we make sure to share our knowledge,” Hans says.
“I believe singing is where we really shine,” adds Ethan, who, like Hans, brings his contest-honed confidence and discipline—not only to the recording studio, but also to the stage. Dancing and singing live at the same time is one of the main hurdles for a pop idol. It’s difficult, they admit, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“That’s very important to us, so we practice real hard. Kahit hinihingal, we have to sing live. We want the audience to feel that energy,” Ethan stresses. “And that’s something we advocate for.”
Fruits of their hard work
Though all five members had creative input in writing “Kakaiba,” Michael, Hans, and Charles—together with the Swedish music team Kennel—mostly took the reins. In this infectious track that’s part dance bop and part harana, the boys sing of the “ecstasy of an intense infatuation.”
“Listening to the song makes you feel like you’re the main character… as if it was written for you,” says Michael, who has done voiceovers and other minor roles for Disney and Nickelodeon in the US in the past. “We want to embody the essence of OPM and harana, and make the listeners feel some sort of way.”
It’s already apparent which aspects of music and performing each member gravitates toward. But they’re not about to be boxed in by group designations—typical of idol groups. “We don’t want to limit ourselves, so we want to keep exploring,” Ethan says. “For instance, Charles is the best at rapping, which I don’t really do much of. I want to try that, too.”
Formed in mid-2024, GAT—which stands for “Gawang Atin ‘To”—waited for more than a year to release its debut single. The members underwent intensive training and initially opted to put out covers to build familiarity. But as luck would have it, they earned virality through the TikTok success of “Daleng Dale.” Ethan, Charles, Michael, and Derick also took on supporting roles in “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” perhaps to continue building hype for the fanbase they have built.
Now, they’re finally starting to see the fruits of their hard work. “We have been waiting for this day. Seeing how much we have all grown and how quickly we pick up choreography now makes me so proud,” Michael says. “We became brothers. We uplifted each other while we were in that waiting period. We have done a lot, but there’s still so much to learn.”
“All the practice and drills have paid off,” adds Ethan, who at one point feared that debuting was no longer in the cards for GAT. “I don’t usually believe in something unless it’s actually happening. And now it is. Pangarap lang namin ’to dati.”
Just how much have their careers changed in the past year? Their calendar holds the answers. “Dati wala kaming trabaho,” Ethan says, laughing. “Now we have so many gigs, we have started looking for an off day. But this is what we want—doing what we love.”
