Music as therapy

MANILA,Philippines — She learned to sing first before she even learned how to speak. At three years old, she was able to belt out Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All.

“My dad taught me that even before I learned the alphabet song,” discloses singer-songwriter Red Tan, now a certified recording artist based in the United Kingdom. “At nine, my parents enrolled me to a voice session with Ryan Cayabyab. I started singing professionally in hotel lounges when I was 16.”

After winning medals from the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in California in 2018, Red thought about auditioning in Broadway musicals in New York. However, an opportunity to study musical theater in West End (London) came, so that was where her international music career started.

In the UK, Red was under the tutelage of such acclaimed celebrity coaches as Tim English, resident director of Aladdin, Lion King and other West End musicals, as well as master vocal trainers Chris Johnson, Jamie Read and Leon Haynes.

With music influences such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Beyoncé, Spice Girls, Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa, Red dauntlessly pursued the challenge of being an independent artist away from home. “It gives me the freedom to fly back to Manila every two months to spend time with my son,” she grants.

Music did not only serve as a means of entertainment for Red. More importantly, it also became a therapy. For her, music is a “salvation” personally. She had to go through life’s battles and music was what uplifted her in those trying times.

“I would like music to be a salvation to my fans and supporters, as well,” Red maintains. “Especially to those who are ignored, misjudged and rejected, to those suffering from mental health issues and to those who are fighting their own battles.”

When Red’s husband passed away two years ago, she started stringing words and melodies together. “I started to put into writing all my sentiments and that helped me shut down the world and focus on what’s right ahead. Writing, singing and listening to music are great ways to strengthen my coping skills.”

It was not surprising that Red, a young single mom and widow, will turn to music for her emotional healing. Her parents are both musically inclined. Her dad was a member of a national choir and her mom is a piano virtuoso.

A graduate of Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts from University of Santo Tomas (UST), Red was admirably juggling time between her studies and performing in hotel lounges. She joined Star in a Million Season 2 and Philippine Idol. After graduation, she started traveling to different countries to sing.

Admittedly, music helped Red battle anxiety and depression. “Challenges, rejection, criticism and mental health setbacks” became her inspiration when she was writing the inspirational anthem of her life, Don’t You Dare. The empowering song became her debut single, released in August this year.

With Don’t You Dare, Red wants to inspire all single moms out there, to whom she dedicates her debut single. “I want to send a message across and remind them how beautiful, worthy and important they are,” she insists. “As cliché as it may sound, I dream that my music would lessen suicidal incidents and help a lot of people as much as it has helped me in my healing process and in gaining back my strength, confidence and wisdom.”

Early this month, the electro-pop artist released her second single, Don’t Let Go on Spotify and other digital streaming platforms. The music video premiered last Oct. 13, on the second death anniversary of Red’s husband.