P-pop group GAT’s debut single reflects who they are as artists

September 23 ------ After doing some music covers, the P-pop boy group GAT got to finally drop a song they can proudly call their own and one that truly reflects them as artists. They were very hands-on in churning out Kakaiba, from penning the lyrics to recording the track. It is produced by The Kennel, an international music publishing, production, and management company based in Sweden, and singer-songwriter and composer Kylu Garcia.

GAT, comprised of singer-actors Ethan David, Charles Law, Michael Keith, Derick Ong, and Hans Paronda, previously did a cover of Daleng Dale, Huwag Ka Nang Humirit by James Reid, Marikit by Juan Caoile and Kyleswish, and Rainbow by South Border. Daleng Dale is the original soundtrack to the hit Viva One series “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” in which Ethan, Charles, Michael, and Derick were part of the cast. “This is the song (Kakaiba) that we could really express who we are. We’re super thankful to our production team that gave us ideas and collaborated with us,” beamed Michael. “The fact that we’re so involved in the music process really allowed us to express ourselves as artists.”

Charles echoed the same sentiment, saying, “The reason why we’re very happy with this single is because the song really shows who we are. We all have input in the song. We’re super thankful to all the people who supported us. Kakaiba really shows who we are. We worked hard on writing the song.” Hans recalled that they spent 12 to 14 hours in a lock-in setting to compose the song. They were ecstatic that their hard work had come to fruition. “I’m super happy and grateful.” Derick was also elated that they released a song that is “really our own,” but at the same time, felt pressured. He explained, “Our previous song (a cover) is, in a way, meron siyang pathway that we followed. Ito po talagang amin. Kaya sobrang ma-ano sa feeling that it’s all out there.”

The message that they hoped to convey through the ditty is that they want listeners to feel like “you’re the main character of a soundtrack,” especially their fans, collectively known as TAGs (Together Always, GAT), said Michael. “We’re talking about this one person in the song, and then siyempre kakaiba sila na kahit sino po they will feel like the song is made for them. And it ties back to our previous (released songs), we’re talking about how we wanted to embody the Original Pilipino Music during that time,” he went on. “We’re singing a song for them (and) we made them feel a certain way, so that’s the goal of the song. And siyempre with GAT din as a young, fresh P-pop group, we want to (create) that type of song.”

Along with the release of the single, they also launched a signature perfume line under Viva Beauty called GAT Eau De Parfum, which embodies their “journey towards grit, growth, and greatness.” GAT Eau De Parfum’s signature scent was handpicked by the P-Pop group themselves. The rising quintet has kept their feet on the ground amid the success and a string of opportunities that have come their way since they were formed in 2024. “Amidst all that happened, we always remind ourselves to be humble enough to appreciate all the good things,” asserted Ethan. “This was just our dream before. We didn’t have work before, but now we have.”

They are glad that they get to do what they love, which is singing and dancing. “At the end of the day, we’re fun guys. Nag-bo-bonding po kami lagi. We don’t really think about stress because we love what we’re doing,” continued Ethan. “It’s always the passion. We’re happy with Viva. They gave us plenty of work and entrusted us. Sa dami po ng nangarap, they chose us.”

Source: philstar.com