Rob Deniel takes retro pop to new heights

Rob Deniel is taking his betting on his preferred style of music with the release of his brand new single titled “Ang Pag-ibig.” Upon first listening to this tuneful, shimmering, mid-tempo track, it's easy to surmise what Rob Deniel's music direction is these days.

And that would be retro-pop.

Rob Deniel

Starting with “Ulap” with its solid 40 million streams, to its follow-up “Gabi” (7 million listens) to recent singles “Sinta” and “Kundiman” with its two and four million streams, respectively, Deniel likes his songs relaxed and having that throwback feel to it. And he does it again on “Ang Pag-ibig.”

Released last March 3, “Ang Pag-ibig” is the ninth solo single that 19-year-old Deniel has put out.

“It's all about catchy melodies for me, and songs from the past have that in abundance,” he said. “Maybe that's why I gravitate towards it.”

The 19-year-old singer-songwriter has been making music since he learned to play the guitar, and ever since, he has been honing his craft and refining his sound this past few years. And while his ear leans on the classics, he has always used modern-day methods in his music. Remember that he used to record songs on his mobile phone that eventually led to “Ulap” some three years ago, which in turn led him to be signed by the Vicor label, which was the original home of the same classics that Rob professes to love.

He brings that same sensibility to “Ang Pag-Ibig” wherein he brings classic pop sensibilities with modern production techniques. Composed and written by Rob, the song was recorded with the help of Awit-awarded producer/recording engineer Jean Paul Verona at the Viva Recording Studios with a mix by Verona and sound mastering by Leon Zervos.

The vibe is unmistakably retro, but simultaneously, it sounds so 2023.

“I've always loved the music of the past, but I also wanted to bring something new to the table,” says Deniel. “With 'Ang Pag-ibig,' I aim to capture the spirit of classic pop while also giving it a fresh twist.”

Sure enough, with recognizable hooks, and soulful performances from his falsettos, Deniel has struck a chord with young fans and longtime listeners alike.

Proof of it is the more than 90 million plus streams on Spotify and YouTube that Daniel has earned through nine singles. And to think that he can still be classified in the rising star category means that Deniel has much more to offer. It would be good to keep an eye and ear out for this ace.

The official music video for “Ang Pag-ibig” premiered last March 5 on Deniel's official YouTube channel. The music video features Karina Bautista as Rob's on-screen muse and is directed by Chris Kazin. The song is available on all music streaming platforms and is released by Vicor.

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Creative virtuoso Róisín Murphy announces her signing to the revered record label Ninja Tune. This announcement arrives hand-in-hand with Murphy's first new music since 2021, “CooCool,” produced by legendary electronic music auteur DJ Koze.

Róisín Murphy

Murphy once again subverts expectations and conquers new territories with the multi-dimensional, genre-melding, and alluringly soulful “CooCool.”The cumulative brainchild of Murphy and DJ Koze and their pan-international method of working together, piecing together mosaic-like components until their desired sentiment was achieved, the results are pretty delicious.

“Ostensibly a fragile little flower, yet it has great hidden strength at the roots. There's classic virtuosity and a lightness of touch, while DJ Koze's hyper-modern production makes it bounce and glide. It's a stupidly romantic little love poem. 'This thing is way beyond any kind of parody.' Everything in this song is true and playful. Can we fall in love and retain our sense of humor? 'Embrace your inner child!' Timeless, ageless, unavoidable love,” Murphy shares.

A multi-faceted singer, songwriter, producer, fashion icon, creative director, podcast host, and screen actor, Murphy's decorated and revered solo career has spanned 5 lauded albums, untouchable EP and single collaborations, breathtaking fashion pairings, Ibiza DJ sets, a podcast series and most recently an acting role (in 2022's Netflix's series 'The Bastard Son & The Devil).