MANILA, Philippines — Now that he has entered his 20s, Darren Espanto is increasingly taking charge of his career. He wants to do more — not just music but also projects beyond it like acting.
The singer is dreaming more big dreams and on his list are releasing music internationally and earning international recognition. And he’s looking and sounding different if not more mature, especially since returning from his hometown in Calgary, Alberta in Canada, where he spent most of the pandemic lockdown. Clearly, one of the country’s brightest young artists has grown up off the entertainment scene as much as on it.
Presently, fans are seeing the 20-year-old exploring and developing his hosting skills as the main host of TNT POP Show, a digital program where Darren gets to interact with other talented and driven kabataang Pinoy, and share some learnings with those still waiting for their breaks and pursuing their own dreams in showbiz and other fields.
Segments on the TNT POP Show also include Pop Idol to spotlight content creators utilizing their platform to spread “saya vibes” or positivity to their followers and Pop Trip for activities and games with surprise pop star guests.
With Adrianna So as co-host, Darren can be seen weekly on the online show live-streamed via the TNT microsite, TNT Facebook account and TNT YouTube on Saturdays at 5 p.m. (For details on the TNT POP Show, follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.)
Darren said of his hosting stint: “I am happy and excited to be hosting the TNT POP Show. Gaya din ng ilan, I pursued my dream to become a performer by joining different talent contests. I believe that more Kabataang Pinoy like me have what it takes to thrive in show business by sharing their talent and uplifting story.”
Meanwhile, The STAR had an e-mail interview with Darren to learn more about the newest developments in his career and life (a.k.a. entering adulthood, maturing as an artist and setting new showbiz goals).
What have you learned so far from your experience of hosting TNT Pop Show?
“Hosting the TNT Pop Show definitely taught me a lot and made me more confident. My hosting skills are becoming more natural for me now and less script-dependent, if I may say. I’d say I’m more comfortable now, too, when I interview our guests.”
What are your Top 3 pieces of advice to young people who are still waiting for their break in the entertainment industry?
“1. If you’re really aiming for something, FOCUS on it and never lose sight of it.
“2. Perseverance and hard work pay off. Success is not handed-over just like that. Keep yourself motivated and driven all the time. Have that spirit in you. Never give up. Oftentimes, second chances come in as a surprise and know that rejection and failure are normal.
“3. Stay humble and be grateful for all the little things in life. And don’t forget to keep the faith and always pray.”
What’s your biggest fear as a young artist and how do you deal with it?
“My biggest fear as a young artist is the unpredictability of the showbiz industry because many people come and go, and it’s scary to lose the trust of the people supporting me, and I’d say I’m fortunate to still be here after seven years.”
What are the challenges so far of having to transition from kiddie singer to a Darren that’s more mature in sound and image?
“The challenges of the transition from a kid to the Darren now would be my overall look and sound and how the new ‘Darren’ would be presented to the world. One major challenge I encountered then was puberty. It really made me very nervous.
“In terms of image, we had to think of ways to let people know that this isn’t ‘Darren from The Voice Kids’ anymore and I’d say we achieved our goal since I came back from Canada. Even my Darrenatics have noticed that my music videos, my photoshoots, and music are totally different from the ‘Darren’ they’ve seen and heard before.”
In our last interview (December 2020), you said that you plan to increasingly take charge of your music. How is it going so far?
“Since we last spoke I’ve released my newest single, Tama Na and it really marked a change in my music. I’d say I’ve been able to take charge of the music I want to release as well, since I’m a lot more vocal now with the things I want to do in my career. I’ve also been more active and participative in my growth and in my music’s creative process.”
Having achieved so much at 20, how do you stay grounded?
“Even before I entered showbiz, my parents taught me to have humility. It’s one of the things that has always stuck with me wherever I go. My family also doesn’t give me any special treatment so that definitely keeps me grounded.
“I pray a lot and whatever achievement I get is a product of a collective effort. My parents taught me to be thankful in everything. Achieving so much at this age is a wonderful blessing and gift from our Lord. Being grateful and being able to look-back makes you grounded as well.”
Who and what inspires you to make music nowadays?
“My inspiration to keep making music is my family and my Darrenatics. Seeing how happy and excited they are every time I have a new song or album makes me feel overjoyed. I’d say my goals in life have also kept me inspired because you’ve got to put in the work to make things happen and this is something I’ve always wanted ever since I was growing up. Also, when I write songs, my experiences in life also inspire me.”
What are your next goals for your showbiz career?
“My next goals for my showbiz career would be to release music internationally, to receive an international recognition, star in another movie or even a series and to stage more major concerts.”
Any new artists you hope to work or collaborate with?
“New artists I’d love to work with include Giveon and Pink Sweat$, who actually follows me on Instagram so that’s pretty cool! I am open to share my music and my craft in general to anyone that has the same passion and love for music as I do.”
You spent the (first) lockdown with your family in Canada, care to share some pandemic realizations as an artist (and person as well)?
“Spending a year in Canada during the lockdown made me realize that you should always be grateful for the little things in life and you should also look at the brighter side of every situation. There’s always a silver lining. Never take things for granted, and enjoy every minute of your life. Laugh more and love more. Don’t waste your time on things that are nonsense.
“It’s also taught me to be more independent since I’m the only one editing my videos, producing my own vocals for songs, and setting up for my online shows. You can’t always be dependent on other people and this pandemic has made me realize that as well. Lastly, nothing is permanent so be kind, be loving and be more giving.”