To her, music is as essential as eating: it nourishes and ultimately replenishes the soul, so much so that at the height of being the most in-demand designer based in Manila and she had to choose between her passion for fashion and her love for music, she chose the latter. Like fine wine, Kate Torralba gets better with time as she unleashes melancholia (the music genre) peppered with pop-rock sensibilities and sprinkled with soul in an album that is making waves internationally: “Long Overdue.”While already known in the circuit as a no-nonsense musician, her career at the capital as an avant-garde designer of note has had to take a back seat as she took a very pregnant pause—only to give birth songs that captivate and send the listener back into the world feeling more alive. Her debut album took her on a journey from Manila to Los Angeles to Paris, but it is here in Cebu, her hometown, that the recording artist would like to launch it.
What inspired you to go for this?
I’ve always loved music. For a while I was comfortable playing other people’s music, doing covers, but it was always a secret dream to have my own. It wasn’t until 2008 that I got approached by Malek Lopez—he’s very known in the industry but so low-key. He’d come to a gig and say “Let’s work on you’re album together.” I was like, Omigosh! This respected producer wants to do an album with me! Yeah, sure! But at the back of my head, I’m not sure how it’s going to work out… you know my schedule. Besides, I wasn’t actually writing music that time… it’s something I didn’t embrace right away. The first few years—it didn’t come naturally, and it felt like a struggle trying to find buckets of time to go to the studio, and learn the whole recording process. But it all came together… real-life inspiring.
Did you have to sacrifice your so-called top designer status?
It wasn’t like a “I have to” … it just happened naturally. Three years ago, I had been trying to
record an album—unsuccessfuly. Then, in 2010, I decided—I was already very tired—to go on a break, like a sabbatical. And just when I decided to do that, I got a text from Joey Ayala and he told me about this songwriting camp that Ryan Cayabyab was organizing.
How was it?
It was serendipitous because it was at the camp that I realized my songwriting had a lot of
potential. Imagine getting the approval of Ryan Cayabyab, Gary V., Rico Blanco. That was the first time the music industry heard my stuff because in the past, I wouldn’t say if it was my song I’m singing in gigs. Maulaw ko. I wouldn’t say nga akoa. The best young songwriters and the heavyweights in the industry were there to listen to me. Oh, it was life-changing. I knew my life would be steered in a different direction. That’s actually where the head of MCA music Mr. Ricky Ilacad heard me sing my own songs, and he said, “I wanna hear more of your stuff.”
When you said you wanted to take a sabbatical, you didn’t plan for this to happen, right?
I just wanted to clear my mind. I was exhausted, kapoy na kaayo. Fashion really took over my life in a way that I never expected. It became my whole life.
What was the turning point?
The demands were too much: a store, a stocking line, a production. I didn’t have a life! Fashion just took over my life. I woke up one day and realized I was so tired. I didn’t want to get out of bed. Kapoy kaayo ko. Trabaho pa ni? Grabe kaayo. So I made a decision to disconnect first.
And music became your salve.
Oh, yeah. And I didn’t even expect it. I was just eager to go on a long vacation or something.
But you never really left music, have you?
I was doing gigs on the side because that was my outlet. But there wasn’t much time for it. I would
always seek it out. Sometimes I tell myself, “I really miss playing … ” Sa una, while I was in college, with Hard Candy, pirmi naay gig, we were touring. It was kinda interrupted. But the music has always been there since I was two years old. I just didn’t have the opportunity to focus. So I didn’t realize I was just waiting for this all my life… to make my own music, write, perform—and share because for the most part, this has been a gift. I had no idea this would bring me so much satisfaction and joy.
How many percent of this album is you, your life testimony?
It’s all born out of life experiences. They are not strictly autobiographical but it’s definitely a series of snapshots of the things I observed, or experienced myself, or experienced vicariously. And trials… If anything, that’s five years of my life. It’s very truthful, that’s what it is. That’s me. That’s who I am.
Was there a time when you felt like abandoning your role a designer?
There was a time I didn’t feel like doing it anymore but I still got calls. Whether or not I continue doing it, that’s already a huge part of who I am. I don’t think I can turn it away completely. I am now very selective so I can have more time to this. You know, it’s such a nice position to say “no” to this and “yes” to other projects. I just do short-term projects now. Like weddings and work for existing clients— people I already have established rapport with.
Since your album is like your own life journey, is this an affirmation that you have already arrived?
Oh, no. I have just begun.
Do you have a manager now?
I have no manager. I’d rather have a manager than a boyfriend.
How about a boyfriend?
No. (smiles) The piano is my boyfriend. It’s a different kind of joy.
You’re always known as an indie kind of a girl? Is this album with a worldwide release via iTunes an attempt to go mainstream?
No. It’s not an attempt at anything in particular. Lines are so blurred. I put this
together myself. What can be more indie than that? This is all me.
The music industry is having a difficult time. What’s your take on that?
That’s no secret. But the landscape is changing so quickly. If I had finished this in 2008, I wouldn’t imagine it will be on iTunes. The playing field is so different now. There is that market that honors the musician and knows the value of buying the album rather than ripping it online.
They say that the music industry will be a goner because of the Internet. There’s YouTube …
As long as there are fans, it won’t die. And as long as fans continue to empower the artists. I think YouTube is a great venue because it democratizes everything. And I think it’s an interesting platform. You just have to adapt. There will always be the business—even if you don’t buy an album, if you go to concerts. I mean, there is no substitute for that… the experience of catching your favorite musicians live. While you can see the video on YouTube, it’s not the same witnessing a performance before you.
Now that your music can be accessed through the Net, how do you position your music vis-à-vis other international artists?
Honestly, I’ve just been focused on improving my playing, and getting people to hear it. I haven’t really thought of the competing aspect of it internationally? Maybe I should? But I’d rather be caught up with the music. That’s why I’m here. Some people are so geared towards success that they miss the whole essence of it.
Name artists you’d like to collaborate with?
Fantasy lang, but who knows, right? I’d love to collaborate with Burt Bacharach. Old school man ko. Bruno Mars? I am a late discoverer of his songwriting. And then there is this Jewish girl band called Haim—three sisters who played with their parents growing up.I don’t know, but I really enjoy their vibe.
What are your musical influences while growing up?
I listened to everything, you know DYBU… I’m classically trained in piano. So Cecile Licad was my idol. Her virtuosity is inspiring. I also listened to a lot of Carpenters, Beatles, Nirvana, The Cure, grabe ka daghan. There’s Joni Mitchell, Elton John, and Tori Amos. She’s the reason why I picked up the
piano again because I gave up classical piano in high school when I discovered rock music. When I heard “Under The Pink” —that was mind-blowing for me, I mean the piano can be actually cool!
Have you witnessed Tori Amos perform live?
Yes! It was gift of the universe, though this guy Thomas, I really go to his gig. Then one day, he called and said “Hey, I’m opening for Tori Amos.” Mura lagi kog mabuang.
What are the top three songs you wish you wrote or recorded?
1. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
2. “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell
3. “A Song for You” written by Leon Russell recorded by The Carpenters
The biggest compliment about your music came from who and why do you value it?
The biggest compliment is when a person shows up at a gig and really listens and experiences the show. When they come up to me after the set and tell me they enjoyed it, that is my biggest satisfaction. One of my all-time highs was when Dionne Warwick herself came to watch me play with her band at Craft in Manila. She was supposed to drop by for just a song or two, but she ended up staying all night, laughing at my jokes and grooving to the music. It was so surreal! She gave me a hug after the set and said, “I really enjoyed you. Keep doing it the way you do it!” She even wrote it down when I saw her again so I wouldn’t forget.
Are you willing to give theater a try? Any particular role in a musical that you’d like to do?
I’m not one to shy away from a challenge although I think I’m more comfortable behind a piano and telling my own stories, singing my own songs. Funny because I was just chatting with my mentor Sir Ryan Cayabyab, and he told me that he really loves my song, “Pictures.” He says it is “so different and so brave a style.” He thinks I should do a one-woman musical, just me on the piano. His words exactly! Who am I to argue with The Maestro himself! I think I’m going to do it once the tour is over.
What elements of designing are like that of songwriting?
Design and music are just two different transmissions of my creativity. I do both with spontaneity, thought and emotion … and there’s a lot of attention to detail. I like applying texture and
color in both songwriting and fashion design. Recording, however, is incredibly daunting for me. I get stressed out!
How would you classify your music?
Some people say it’s indie pop. To some, it’s alternative. Others classify it as singer-songwriter. I like to joke that it’s “designer” pop! My musician friend Mike Villegas calls it “quirky, high-end pop.” He says that if the listener likes Regina Spektor, Tori Amos and Bjork, there’s a big chance they’ll like my
music, too.
As an emerging artist waiting to be heard for the first time abroad, how would you explain your
origins—an Asian first, a world-class artist second? Or a Cebuana first and a Filipino second?
I’ve been fortunate enough to do some shows in Europe and the US the past few years, and I find that what resonates with audiences abroad is when I say that I am Filipina. And then
I explain to them that I am from a beautiful little island called Cebu. For some reason, when I invite people to come visit our country, they really do! I should work for the Department of Tourism one day. Haha!
How OC (obsessive-compulsive) are you with your own music, on a scale of 1 to 10?
In terms of production, 10 times 5 = 50. Look at how it took me five years to finish and launch this project! In terms of playing, I think I could use a lot more practice, I’m a 5 or a 6, maybe? I don’t know.
How do you reward yourself after a day of hard work?
I have a nice meal, get a massage at home, cuddle with my dog Daisy
and go to sleep! Please follow Daisy on Instagram: @daily_daisy! She is so cute.
