In ‘Tabi!’, Dwta transforms pain into power
As music fans, it’s always a treat to see artists we admire evolve, try new concepts, and let the quirks of their personality and experiences color their songs. It’s like being witness to their growth—and being privy, to an extent, to their thoughts and feelings. This is especially true of artists who write their own songs. But while we have to admit not everything they write is anecdotal, it’s still very much an experience through their creative lens.
The same can be said for singer-songwriter Dwta, who has become known for her enchanting folk pop hits (“Padaba Taka,” “Santigwar”), and recently, her heartbreakingly reimagined takes on local nursery rhymes (“Sampung Mga Daliri,” “Kung Ikaw ay Masaya”).
For her most recent release—timed perfectly with her birthday last April 16—the Bicolana singer not only marked the start of a new year, but also ushered in a new era for her music.
Entitled “Tabi!”, the song carries her signature folk pop sensibilities, now punctuated with elements of country and grunge. The result is a track that carries a bolder and more confident voice compared to her past work—one with more edge, but still unmistakably Dwta.
While stemming from an experience that was once difficult for her to open up about, “Tabi!” reflects how Dwta is now someone stepping into her power—and stepping away from those who only bring pain and conflict. Even the music video, co-directed by Dwta with long-time music video director Elyandre Dagli (who’s also directed her “Santigwar” and “Padaba Taka” music videos), shows this movement.
In a virtual call with Lifestyle Inquirer, Dwta shared about the creative process behind her latest single.
It’s been mentioned that this song is about coming back to yourself and also making space for a newer, stronger version of you. What was the inspiration for the song? Were there specific instances or events that shaped the creation of it?
‘Yong “Tabi!” kasi, past experience siya na sensitive topic for me talaga. Nagulat na lang ako na nakapagsulat ako ng kanta na very personal sa akin and natapos ko siya. Kasi nakakapagsulat naman ako ng mga love song, sad songs, heartbreak songs, pero iba ‘yong topic ng “Tabi!”, iba para sa akin.
And usually ‘yong mga topics ng katulad ng “Tabi!” is mga hindi ko kayang pag-usapan sa mga tao. Pero masaya ako na nalabas ko siya through music.
Do you think na merong parang healing na nag-udyok para malabas mo na siya?
Parang oo. Di ko lang maamin sa sarili ko, pero oo. Pero nagiging parte na siya ng healing process ko.
The more I listen to the song, the more I get that the message can apply to many situations.
Yes!
Nabanggit mo rin na “Tabi!” is both an exploration of a newer side of you, but also there’s a part that you’re reconnecting with your past. What exactly does that mean or entail for you at this period of your life and career?
Sa tingin ko, kung ‘yong nangyari sa past ko, kaya ko na harapin ngayon, what more ‘yong mga mangyayari pa sa future? So parang mas malakas na Dwta—mas kaya na niyang ipaglaban ‘yong sarili niya.
Let’s talk about the visuals for this. Tell us more about the concept or storyline that you made for the music video. And also I found it really interesting na ‘yong last scene, ‘yong lahat ng babae sila ‘yong nagfa-fight back.
‘Yong music video, one take siya.
Parang kuwento siya kung paano ako nagbago. Parang no’ng napunta na ako sa Manila, gano’n ‘yong mga na-experience ko. Parang naging… ewan ko, may kapalit din ‘yong pagkakaro’n ng magandang career. So marami ring kaguluhan sa utak ko and sa paligid ko na nangyayari. So gano’n din ‘yong nangyayari sa story ng music video.
‘Yong music video rin na ‘yon, para siyang women empowerment. Sa last part, makikita mo puro babae kami, pinapakita do’n na sinu-support namin ang isa’t isa.
And diba siyempre maraming naging issue ngayon tungkol sa mga kababaihan. Nakakatuwa rin na makikita sa music video na “tabi!” “Tumabi kayo!” Hindi namin kailangan ng mga lalaki para lang ipakita [ang pagiging] malakas. ‘Yong pagiging babae, malakas (din) kami, kaya naming gawin ‘yong kaya niyong gawin.
Diba sa last part magko-close ‘yong gate. Pahiwatig [siya] na may boundaries ‘yong mga kababaihan.
With the release of this new single, “Tabi!”, what’s next? What can fans expect soon?
Pagdating sa songs, mas going back to my roots. Kung paano ako nagsimula, ‘yong pagiging probinsyana experience ko sa Bicol and pagpunta ko ng Manila. Ayon ‘yong ma-e-expect nila sakin. Napansin ko rin kasi na sa mga past releases and past sulat ko, parang lumalayo na ako sa roots ko. Kung paano rin ako magsulat, nag-iba na rin siya. Gusto ko balikan kung paano ko nasulat ‘yong “Santigwar,” ‘yong “Padaba Taka.” Mas stronger din talaga and mas confident na Dwta.
