Behind the Music: Moira on the Songs that Inspired Her Artistry, Being a Musician in the Pandemic Era, and More

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In the latest feature from our “Behind the Music” series, Wish Artist of the Year Moira Dela Torre reveals the tracks that inspired her poetic, heart-piercing songwriting.

In this age when listeners are presented with an ocean of songs to consume, it takes more than a memorable track or two to stand out. Beyond infectious melodies and caption-worthy lyrics, the magic of music lies in the artist’s heart and honesty; that vulnerability and bravery to share a piece of themselves with the world.

In the OPM scene, we’re lucky to have musical acts who continue to make songs that do have something to tell. One such artist is Moira Dela Torre.

The struggles she faced are no secret to Filipinos. After opening up about her battles with anorexia and depression, we got to know the artist — and the person — behind the most heartwrenching OPM songs today a little bit better.

In this wide-ranging Q&A, we take a closer look at her artistry as she rounds up the songs that influenced her, her sources of songwriting inspiration, and the challenges of being a musician in the pandemic era. She also weighs in on the role of women in OPM and shares some news about her upcoming album.

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Can you name the songs that influenced or shaped your sound throughout the years?

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At The Foot Of The Cross by Kathryn Scott. The chords to this prompted me to write my very first song ever. I had only known the chords to this song (which was my favorite at the time). And while I strummed the chords to it, to my surprise, I started singing an entirely different song. I ended up writing “After Your Heart.”

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“Arithmetic” and “The Thief” by Brooke Fraser. Brooke Fraser was the first singer-songwriter to ever get me to write. To say I am heavily influenced by her would be an understatement.

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‘Cause if I add, if I subtract

If I give it all, try to take some back

I’ve forgotten the freedom that comes from the fact

That you are the sum

So you are the one I want

— Brooke Fraser, “Arithmetic”

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It is as if I knew you before we spoke

Do our hearts know something we don’t?

Conspiring, converging without giving us any say

— Brooke Fraser, “The Thief”

“Makita Kang Muli” by Ebe Dancel. For a really long time, the only Tagalog song I knew by heart was this song.

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Funny story: I didn’t know Sir Ebe by face when I joined Elements Songwriting Camp back in 2014 and I was put in his group. I had gotten very close to him and had gone to really admire him and respect him (while not really knowing what he had written) — until our last night when it was the mentors’ turn to sing for the campers. He sang this song and I was in shock and in tears.

I had to admit to him afterwards that it only occurred to me then that he was the writer and singer of the first Tagalog song I knew by heart. That was four days after getting close to him, lol! Sir Ebe is a legend. ❤️

“Jealous” by Labrinth. This painful, poetic style of songwriting is what actually inspired me to write poetically in Tagalog.

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You’re known for tracks that speak the language of the heart. Where do you get inspiration writing songs that resonate well with Filipino listeners?

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Whatever street, city, or barangay we come from, we’re all Filipinos who go through the same seasons in life — victory, joy, grief, regret, heartbreak.

A lot of times, people think that they need to be fixed. But really, they just need to feel understood. And as a friend who has been a shoulder to cry on, both literally and figuratively, I know writing songs that put to words emotions they feel no one else can understand, can be really comforting and make them feel less lonely.

Growing up, it was movie soundtracks like Mrs. Doubtfire’s that became my friend when I felt lonely. Now that I’ve grown up, I thought it was only fitting to make music for people who share the same seasons I once did.

[READ: Must-Watch Wishclusives from Moira Dela Torre]

You were recently named the Wish Artist of the Year during the 7th Wish Music Awards — coinciding in a pandemic that has dramatically changed life as we know it. How did the pandemic impact you as an artist? How does it feel to have your work listened to and recognized amid these uncertain times?

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During the pandemic, it was more of my responsibility to my band and my staff that filled my mind rather than my being an artist. All of a sudden it wasn’t a day-to-day thing anymore. It was more of a future thing. In the equation, there wasn’t just me and Jason [Hernandez] anymore to consider nor just our families but our band and their families; our glam team and their families; and our staff and their families as well.

As an artist, that’s what drove me to be more excellent with my craft. I wanted to do good. To do so much better… for them. I wanted to make sure we had a lot of work during the pandemic. Because every gig meant food on the table, money for modules, payment for rent, payment for mortgages — not just for us but for multiple families.

Don’t get me wrong, we were grateful pre-pandemic. But work didn’t come by as often during the pandemic. And while we were okay, I wanted to make sure everyone around me was, too. So we made projects that would give royalties to my sessionists; businesses that would give forced savings to my staff.

I understand the privilege that we have during this season and I do not take that lightly. But the pandemic has definitely challenged me to be a more responsible employer and a more excellent artist.

We’ve learned so much in the last two years and I have nothing but the deepest respect for those who have kept us all running through and through this entire pandemic. So to be recognized in a year when I was on a slight hiatus, fulfilling responsibilities — especially in these uncertain times — is really so humbling and so, so fulfilling. Thank you, Wish family, and Wishers.

They say that one of the hallmarks of a true artist is being able to collaborate with fellow artists. And you’ve certainly proven that you can do that with your collaborations with  Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben, I Belong to the Zoo, Nieman, IV of Spades, and December Avenue. How important is it for you to make music together with other artists? If given the chance, who would you like to collaborate with in your next musical offerings

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Growth is so important as an artist and collaboration helps boost that growth. I’ve learned so much from everyone that I’ve collaborated with and I owe a lot of my growth in the last five years to them.

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I definitely don’t plan on stopping but I do feel I need to take a break from it for now and focus on my Spring album — which will have collaborations for sure, but for the next tracks that I’ll be releasing, I think I’ll focus on solos for now. 🙂

Speaking of new songs — If there’s a genre and/or songwriting theme that you want to explore, which would it be and why?

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R&B and pop. Standard jazz, too, would be really fun. I’ve tried singing those genres before and I actually really enjoyed them. So I think it wouldn’t hurt to explore them a little more.

You’ve gone from being an indie act to becoming the most streamed Filipina artist today. How does it feel to be part of an industry where you can use your voice to touch people’s lives?

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It’s a whole lot of emotions in one. To be honest, it’s terrifying a lot of times. It’s heavy on the shoulders. Most times, I just feel undeserving. But all these emotions add up to me waking up every day feeling humbled, feeling thankful — and feeling all the more motivated to do my best.

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March is Women’s Month. How do you think Pinay musicians have helped shape the OPM scene? What are the roles that women play in helping the industry thrive?

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Filipinas in general, in every field, are dependable, responsible, strong, courageous people who have a LOT of heart to give. In the OPM scene alone, they have defied all odds and redefined OPM as we know it.

I remember when Ms. Lea Salonga made the news; when Mama Reg (Regine Velasquez) sold out concert arenas AND movie theaters as well as Ate Sarah G.

I remember when Ate Yeng won Pinoy Dream Academy, I was on my Lolo’s bed. And it was the first time when I felt my genre was represented on TV. It was the first time when I ever felt, as a kid who didn’t belt, that it was also possible for me.

It was the women of OPM who not only helped shape the OPM scene but actually made young artists like me feel brave. I think it’s that courage that the women of OPM have, that helps this industry thrive. ❤️

[READ: Filipiina Artists Reveal their Music Heroines]

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What’s a piece of advice you’d like to say to your younger singer-songwriter self and to other aspiring musicians?

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You may not be a belter, you may not look like the rest of them, you may feel different and weird and feel like you’re the odd one out at times — but, don’t worry. None of these are bad things. In fact, these are exactly the traits that are gonna help you make it.

Just keep doing you and stop comparing. You’re enough.

Read more features from our “Behind the Music” digital series:

• Keeping Up With Leanne & Naara’s Refreshing Sound
• Keiko Necesario on the Songs that Shaped Her Sound, New Album ‘Ready, Let Go’
• Gloc-9 Reveals Influences, Song He’s ‘Very Proud’ to Have Written, What Makes Rap Compelling