Article by Deina Ida Blancaflor (@disblancaflor)
Photos by Eunick Nobe (@Eunickorn)
Graphics by Verna Sevilla
In the onset of the summer and the cool season officially coming to a close, we’re always on the lookout for the freshest music out there. After all, we’re daydreaming of relaxing days at the beach now, sipping fresh juice underneath coconut trees with our bestest of friends. And what’s better to go with this dreamy scenery than new music to accompany the new season that’s upon us?
VINCED is like a cool breeze these hot summer days–his half-cool, half-warm voice sends a chill down your spine while also tugging warmly at your heartstrings. Give this lad a quick listen, and you’ll understand what I’m saying.
https://www.facebook.com/wimartsandmusic/videos/356969941373433/
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Almost always, we get a peek into someone’s personality through their music. But knowing the artist on a much deeper level will make you appreciate even more what you’re hearing, and realizing that VINCED is just like us—a twentysomething college undergrad going through life day by day—makes him and his music even more relatable and striking.
We got to talk to the young talent, and here’s what we found out about him.
Vincent Dalida, better known as VINCED, is a third year Music Production major at the College of Saint Benilde. His first encounter with music was as early as seven years old–a church and school choir baby. From then on, he has ventured from group choir to learning various musical instruments and, eventually, performing solo during school fairs and junior-senior promenades. VINCED is best known for his soulful covers of famous pop, RnB, and hip-hop songs.
Yet his journey as an artist isn’t all sunshines and rainbows. In fact, choosing his degree program was a struggle in itself. Coming from a family of doctors, he was almost swayed to take up medicine in college. Yet, at the most convenient and perfect of times, aka fourth year high school, his feelings turned into words and was paired with tunes and melodies, which led him ultimately to songwriting. This was the moment he knew he had to stir away from the sciences and take up music.
“I didn’t want to go do something that isn’t my passion; I’d rather be happy than waste my time doing something I don’t really love, so yeah, I decided to take music prod,” he happily shares.
At present, VINCED has done multiple covers but has recently released his EP titled VINCED as well. His songwriting and style is majorly influenced by artists such as Queens, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, Frank Ocean, and other mainstream pop, hip-hop, trap, and RnB artists today. It’s interesting to see casual, every day situations such as the feeling of a relationship falling apart, going home drunk on a Thursday night (alluding to his song Hemady which you can listen to here), and even as simple as what he wears be the inspiration for his songs and beautifully translate into music.
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Pursuing music is an every day battle, and VINCED is unapologetic in admitting that there are down times and days when he feels like giving up. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, always go back to your why. He urges, “You have to fight it. You have to let your heart grow bigger than your head. You have to fight it even if you feel like it’s not going anywhere. Remember that you’ve worked so hard for this and, if in the end, you’re gonna give it up, it’s gonna be a waste of time, effort, energy, and love. Lalo na yung love.”
“I think I love my music more than anything in the world. Stay passionate and keep that flame alive,” VINCED adds.
As for writing and producing music, VINCED gave a few tips for artists just starting out. Check out our infographic below:
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VINCED is the first featured artist for When In Manila’s Sidewalk Sessions, a passion project aiming to give indie artists a spotlight and stage to share their music. Know any more bedroom artists out there? Comment them below and who knows, they just might be the next face for our Sidewalk Sessions series.
For more of VINCED music:
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/vincedofficial
Spotify:
www.spotify.com/VINCED
Instagram:
@vincentdalida
Soundcloud:
www.soundcloud.com/VINCEDOfficial
