Denin Sy goes mellow and melancholic in latest single

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos have a penchant for songs about love and romance. Singers and songwriters, as a response, explore with fondness such themes in different music genres.

In his latest single, Wag Mo Na Siyang Balikan, singer-architect Denin Sy goes mellow and melancholic and talks about a relationship on the verge of falling apart.

“Dahil uso yung mga breakup din, kaya OK itong song na ’to atsaka dahil sa segment ng ‘It’s Showtime,’ ‘EXpecially For You,’ parang na-isip ko rin na very timely na rin ang single na ‘to. (Since stories about breakups seem to be a fad in recent months and given the popularity of ‘It’s Showtime’’s dating game titled ‘EXpecially For You’ which features former lovers, I think the song is very timely),” said Denin in a brief chat with The STAR. “It talks about exes.”

The song presents the scenario when a former lover of a man or woman reappears — and old feelings have been reignited — and the conflict that may arise from it.

“Nagkakaroon ng parang Teams A, B, and C,” shared Denin. “There’s team rebound, there’s team ex, and there’s team confused. In (the latter) is the person who needs to make a choice (between his or her past love or present love). (I think) three groups of people can relate to the song.”

The singer-songwriter, who, according to his team, has also recorded and released “humorous but heartfelt,” “playful and feel-good” songs, said in a media statement that “I think most people have (gone through) such an experience and can relate (to) the song: A relationship that is on the brink of a breakup.”

“You plead with your beloved not to get back (into) that previous relationship and stay with you instead. But because you want to show that love means letting go, you think it’s wise to give your loved one the freedom to choose, but you feel foolish for doing it,” added he. “I hope people check out my tribute song for the broken-hearted.”

Denin described the song genre as “synth-pop,” which reminds one of the ‘80s songs that are mellow and melancholic, as one may put it.

Complementing the song is its music video featuring rising influencers Yuan Guinto and Vladia Disuanco, also known as Kyosu and Jaja, who graced the Kapamilya segment “EXpecially For You.”

Asked how Wag Mo Na Siyang Balikan came into being, Denin recalled that he had a co-writer in his friend Kenneth Abawag. The song was gradually developed and initially only had guitars and vocals. Then, another creative gave it a listen and encouraged him to pitch the song to a record label, but they never heard any feedback.

So, he temporarily put it in his treasure trove of songs. Last year, he had a gig and performed it out of the blue. Tim Dionela, another Pinoy artist, was also there and decided to produce it.

Wag Mo Na Siyang Balikan has a demo version, the pitch-to-record label version, and the final version, which is now available on streaming platforms including Spotify. Soon, Denin will share the song’s three different versions. He is elated about the journey the song has taken.

“Naririnig ko lang yung kanta masaya na ako (just listening to the song makes me happy),” said he. “I’m just hoping na maging OK yung song na ‘to (I hope it will do well). Meron naman akong mga songs na recorded na, parang siguro timing-timing na lang sa pag-release (I’ve already recorded songs, and I’ll be waiting for the right time to release them).”

As for his latest ditty, Denin will let it take its own course and hopes that many people will appreciate the tune and watch the music video.

For details on Denin and the song, Wag Mo Na Siyang Balikan, visit his social media channels.