Gab Cabangon, son of Noel, releases 1st single 'Pieces'
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon, son of Noel Cabangon, steps into the spotlight with the release of "Pieces," his first official single as a solo artist.
The acoustic indie pop track delivers an inspiring message for anyone going through the process of grief, uncertainty, and depression.
Gab describes it as his "It’s Okay Not to Be Okay" — a reference to the popular K-drama — song, inviting listeners to embrace vulnerability while holding on to the hope of healing and brighter days ahead.
"I want this song to be the soundtrack for people to allow themselves to go through the process of sadness and grief without feeling judged and without feeling alone," Gab said.
"Part of the journey to fixing what may be broken is acknowledging the sadness and frustration that some things aren't okay, but also knowing there will always be someone or something to help you stand up again."
Originally penned as an anniversary gift to his then-girlfriend (now wife) during the pandemic, "Pieces" quickly evolved beyond a personal dedication.
When Gab began performing it during livestreams and gigs, the song resonated deeply with audiences, often moving listeners to tears. The experience affirmed his decision to bring the song into the studio and share it with a wider audience.
"It also helps that I'm in a place right now where I could really invest in my music and do it at a certain level that I can be proud of," Gab continued.
"I also found friends and people who I wanted to collaborate with to bring my song to life both from a music standpoint and a visual standpoint. They helped me achieve the vision for the song, and they helped me be a better artist and collaborator during the process."
After years of performing live (both solo and as the frontman of K.E.) and advocating for OPM, Gab admits that a shift in mindset allowed him to finally pursue recording as a solo artist.
He shared his hesitancy to release new music as a soloist and being content as a gigging artist, but the hunger and desire to record new music never left.
With "Pieces," the budding artist offers a soundtrack to listeners' life stories, exploring themes of love, healing, and resilience in a remarkably relatable way.
"Not to give away too much, but I'd like to think that it's the opening song to a letter that I'm writing for the people who are trying to learn to love again," Gab teased.
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