Isha Ponti displays ‘hugot side’ in debut album

Artist Isha Ponti has recorded 29 songs so far. Ten of them comprise her debut album titled “Likas,” which refers to a person’s innate ability in the vernacular. And what’s likas in Isha is her gift to write songs and interpret them.

Her publicity team describes the singer-songwriter’s project as “a collection of songs that reflects the realities of love, growth, healing and self-discovery.”

There are eight Tagalog tunes — Darating, Numero, Hinga, Kabanata, Halika, Gulong, Bakas and Mismo — and two English ditties, Riversky and Warmth.

“Ganun po talaga yung style ko (that’s really my style) when it comes to giving a title to a song,” said Isha about the idea behind the one-word track names and record title in a recent chat with this paper and another digital media platform. “Simple lang po, kasi ayoko pong pahirapan pa (I wanted the titles to be simple and easy to remember).”

The titles also represent the root words or fundamental ideas in the songs that she herself composed, as one could gather by following her train of thought. It’s also another sneak peek into how Isha creates a song from ground up.

As for what aspect of her artistry is being showcased in the album, she said, “Na mahugot ako sa mga kanta ko (that I can tap and evoke deep emotions in my songs), kasi nga yung sa mga contents po na ginagawa ko (because when it comes to the contents that I make) for my songs, talagang hina-highlight ko po yung lyrics (I really highlight the lyrics). Hugot talaga (they tug at one’s heartstrings).”

And it took four months for Isha to write and complete the 10 songs. Her first love and heartbreak became her inspiration to come up with the album. She displayed how dedicated and prolific she could be as an artist.

Isha, on the other hand, is an independent artist. Her works, including the album, have been released under the Isha Ponti Entertainment Production. The public and music enthusiasts can learn about them through traditional media and social media.

Before the album, Isha said she was not intentional enough to post about her songs, but when she started to be intentional and straightforward with her audience, the artist created spaces for engagement.

Isha applied knowledge gained from her multimedia courses in college to promote her music through TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

“And it’s effective so far po. Ang dami niyang engagement (there’s a lot of engagement),” shared she.

Asked what’s next for the emerging artist, she said that she would love to do a collab with Viva.

Again, Isha has established herself as an independent artist and belongs to that circle of creatives that carry on to produce song after song.

Somehow, during the brief interview, she gave her two cents on the advantages and disadvantages of being an indie singer-songwriter.

“Lahat pwede kong gawin (I can do everything),” said she. “I don’t have any restrictions. But when it comes to promoting songs, medyo mahirap kasi nga (it’s a bit tough since) I need connections.”

“You can write anything,” added she, meaning the topic may be about mundane activities such as sipping juice and an encounter with someone on a public transportation like jeepney.

Promoting her music also means gracing noontime and weekend variety shows and festivals, shared she. Road managers can help her with coordination.

“Kailangan talaga you sing everywhere. You have to sing everywhere, like on TV,” said she, who wants to reach small-screen audiences.

But with radio, the single Kabanata has received good airplay.

“All rights (are) reserved for my songs,” said Isha, “one hundred percent.”

But working with a known company plays a vital role in further promoting herself as an artist and her music.

If ever it happens, she would like to strike a balance and keep her artistry and identity as a singer-songwriter.

“I would like to work with Sarah Geronino, Janine Teñoso, Angela Ken, Maki and Aika,” said she. “Marami po akong fi-na-follow ngayon na independent artists din (I’ve also been following a lot of independent artists these days).”

Isha will have a special album launch titled “Isha Ponti: LIKAS” on June 20, 7 p.m. at VIVA Cafe, with special guests, according to her team.

“The event promises an intimate and memorable evening filled with live performances, storytelling, and the heartfelt music that defines the ‘Likas’ experience,” it adds.

For details, please follow Isha Ponti and Ponti Entertainment Production on their social media platforms.