KZ Tandingan and her husband, TJ Monterde, believe that Visayan Pop (VisPop) would be the future of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) if given a chance.
“Definitely yes ‘pag given a chance. Feeling ko, talagang kayang makipag-compete. Kasi andami-daming mga artists from Mindanao and Visayas who were amazing singer-songwriters na naghihintay lang na magkaro’n ng opportunity,” believed KZ during the virtual media conference for the release of their respective songs, Dodong and Inday, Tuesday, August 3.
For TJ, he believes that breaking Filipinos’ “regionalistic” mindset would give Vispop to really thrive in Philippine music.
“Marami nang Visaya songs na na-release, maraming naging hit. I think, personally, makakapag-breakthrough lang s’ya, yung Bisaya songs that we keep on producing, if we take out the regionalistic mindset. Parang nakulong s’ya sa laging regional eh.”
KZ also lauded how producers from Visayas and Mindanao create music, describing it as being close to an international level of quality.
“I mean hindi nga lang amazing singer-songwriters, even producers. Na ‘pag pinakinggan n’yo yung quality, ng pag-produce nila ng mga tracks—wala pang vocals ‘to ha—just producing the track na kakantahan mo, p’wede s’yang nando’n sa international level ng quality,” she added.
However, Vispop had no chance to become popular due to its reach. According to KZ, musicians living in Luzon have the advantage since every Filipino can understand Tagalog. Unlike Bisaya, there were only a few who can really comprehend.
“Kasi s’yempre tayong nandito sa Luzon, sa totoo lang, mas malawak ang platform natin eh. And the reason being is lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas nakakaintindi ng Filipino. But hindi lahat nakakaintindi ng Bisayas, ng Ilokona, ng Ilonggo, and other languages in the Philippines.”
TJ and KZ’s latest songs, Inday and Dodong, respectively, were both Bisaya. Inday will be the third Bisaya song of TJ whilst Dodong is KZ’s first.
The couple released these songs to “open a door” for VisMin singer-songwriters and producers to have the opportunity that they have been waiting for—be recognized.
“So naghihintay lang talaga sila ng pagkakataon. At yun ang isa sa mga reason why we’re trying to do this. We are trying to open a door na hindi mas’yadong napapansin dati na p’wede nating i-explore, na p’wede nating ipakita hindi lang sa buong Pilipinas kundi p’wede nating ipakita sa buong mundo.” KZ explained.
Catch KZ’s Dodong and TJ’s Inday, out now on music streaming platforms, and make sure to check out the “Simula” playlist on YouTube.
The newest playlist of the Bisaya couple also includes their collaboration Can’t Wait To Say I Do, which the couple launched after they got married in 2020, as well as the titular track Simula.
Catch the music video of their songs which will be available on August 7, 7 p.m., via Star Music’s and PolyEast Records’ YouTube channel.
