Sala draws inspiration from people’s stories when creating music

MANILA, Philippines — Creative inspiration comes from different sources.

For the Pinoy band Sala, it’s the people and their unique stories that serve as the basis for creating new music.

“Usually, our songs are inspired by the stories of other people,” said vocalist Neth Macam in a recent virtual press conference, which officially welcomed the collective to the AltG Records family, “and I feel (these stories) are not much talked about. I feel there has to be someone who will tell their stories.”

In the band’s latest single, Hi, Tita!, Neth, drummer-percussionist Fourth Dayag, guitarist-producer Rigil Kentaurus Borromeo, and bassist Ronald Villader present a common scenario wherein professionals and young people experience the pressure to get married and start a family.

Sala’s debut song with AltG Records is now available on digital platforms worldwide.

Regarding the word “tita” in the title, it refers to older female family members who are curious about one’s life milestones, such as weddings.

As Fourth put it in a statement, “It’s usually the ‘titas’ who are asking. They don’t understand why people nowadays are choosing to focus on their careers and personal growth before settling down.”

For his part, Neth shared, “We just want our listeners to know that they don’t have to give in to that pressure. You don’t have to rush anything, and there’s nothing wrong with choosing (your) career over your (romantic) relationship. Prioritize your priorities.”

Sala, during the online group interview, was also asked about the kind of music it would like to add to or contribute to Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

“I think it’s not to add, but ibalik (to bring back),” said Neth. “Yung songwriting na hindi lang basta love story, parang yung may kwento talaga (To go back to that songwriting that’s not just about a love story, but really has a story to tell).”

Sala says that keeping abreast of the latest trends in music matters, but the process of music production remains ‘a group thing.'

Fourth chimed in by saying that “music is universal, and I feel, like, if you use music to tell stories about different topics (that are not part of daily conversations), you use music for that. I think it has a more solid appeal to people. We would like to bring that back.”

It’s safe to say that a song for Sala should not only evoke feelings, but should also present a relatable story.

Hi, Tita! is the first of the many singles Sala is cooking up with AltG Records.

“Coming from the old school way of releasing songs (via) an album, I think it’s also a sign that things are really changing when it comes to the scope of music. I think people are more inclined to listen to you when you have something consistent to give,” said Fourth about the one-single-after-another approach. “People seem to look forward to something new from you.”

Such a new practice, added he, is “a very good thing,” and gives artists ample time to think about what songs to release next.

So, keeping abreast of the latest trends in music distribution and genres matters, but the process of music arrangement and production remains “a group thing,” said Sala.

“We make it a point to communicate with each other if we have, like, new ideas,” shared Fourth. “We pour them out in our group chats. Whenever we’re available, we convene.”

Beyond their creative lives, Sala members are busy with their businesses, like managing a studio and doing other music-related gigs.

“If we intend to do this as a career or for the rest of our lives, it’s more important that we stay healthy with everything,” said Fourth, adding, “We (also) hang out with our group of friends to keep us sane.”

This is how the Sala guys strike a balance between their personal and professional lives.

For more details on Sala and Hi, Tita!, visit www.gmanetwork.com.