Darren Espanto on growing up, deepening artistic interests, and embracing new experiences.
A Blessed Start
Many fans know Darren Espanto as a child star who sang on The Voice, captured the hearts of millions, and signed on as one of ABS-CBN Star Magic’s ace singers. What few realize is that even national acclaim didn’t immediately cancel out Darren’s nerves. He recalls performing in 2015, to Christ’s personal representative on Earth— the Holy Pope.
“I remember rehearsing the song ‘Tell the World of His Love’ everyday for a week!” He exclaims during a Zoom interview, “but when it was show time the nerves came over me and I (turned to my coach Ms. Jaime Rivera and) go ‘paano po ulit ung first line?’” It was an early experience on being a chosen one which he considers a blessing— as from then on it was to his first solo concert in SM Mall of Asia, singing the APEC Summit theme song with Ryan Cayabyab, and opening to the likes of Selena Gomez and Jesse James— “A memory I’ll always cherish forever,” gushes the 20-year-old crooner, before adding another mind-blowing experience for him. “I sang A Whole New World for Aladdin!” he says, referring to his duet with Morisette, “I thought it was going be one of the special covers – but it was the official version by Disney!”
It’s an apt memory to bring up, as he leaves the teenage years and enter into the wholley new world of adulthood.
The Right Tim(e/ing)
If Darren could choose a point in time that marked his turning a page on his life, he would say “March 15, 2020.” Describing this shift as a combination of growth as an evolution into a more grown-up look and sound, combined with physical/visual changes, he promises fans that there’s plenty more to love other than his Voice Kids version. “It’s a new era (for me), I don’t want to get boxed into one genre.” Venturing into alternative, urban pop sounds with a more modern take for his latest album— he also includes collaborations with Zach Tabudlo, and Gary Valenciano. “It’s more mature, but not in the same way,” he shares.
Launching his album and new style in the post-pandemic world of Covid, Darren admits that it hasn’t been easy— especially for the entertainment industry. “I’m still grateful to perform live on a stage in a studio though,” he says, coming from a work-from-home set-up, “people will always need music in their lives, which is why artists are still creating, and trying to spread a bit of positivity.” Darren considers himself “really lucky to be working in the midst of the pandemic.” For him, music is a passion he can’t see himself not doing.
And his advice to aspiring musicians? “We all have our own timelines. It’ll come!” He insists that pursuing dreams involves stepping out of comfort zones. “And don’t hesitate because people won’t accept your music. Just do what you love— if its meant for you, it’ll come, but work hard.”
Interestingly, with regards to him growing up and being boxed in by some in terms of artistry, his new single seems to sum it up nicely— “Tama Na.”
—
Follow him on his socials:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bfmbDex1nJ_ZBpBKlX3Ow
FB & IG: @darrenespanto
—alike.com.ph
REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES. WE COVER PERSONALITIES WHO ARE WORTHY OF MAKING THE HEADLINES. PROFILES, LIFESTYLE, CULTURE, ARTS, LITERATURE, ENTERTAINMENT—TELLING STORIES THAT MAKE US FEEL AND CELEBRATE LIFE. WE ARE ALIKE. FOR STORY PITCHES, PERSONAL ESSAY, LITERARY, AND ART SUBMISSIONS: EDITORIAL@ALIKE.COM.PH
