For Unique, truth is something an artist owes himself. We mused at Rilke’s quote, “Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart. Confess whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write.” 

“This is especially true for me,” he reflects. “The true motivation for everything you do lies in being brutally honest with yourself.”

He admits that he considered quitting music on numerous occasions. But how could one walk away from his most vital avenue for self-expression? “I felt tired because I did everything repeatedly,” he confesses. “[But] I will only stop writing when I no longer have anything to say.” 

Unique follows a philosophy when it comes to releasing new material—to honour oneself and preserve the essence of the creative journey. 

“It’s all about balance,” he says. “I’d be hypocritical if I said I am indifferent to the validation of others. Every artist seeks recognition for both themselves and their works. However, the primary focus isn’t the audience or what they think. What holds utmost importance is the ability to unveil your art and the assurance that you find joy in the creative process.” 

Yes, Unique still feels the jitters. Despite gracing magazine covers, billboards, and television interviews, he reveals that he has never really grown accustomed to facing the audience.

“I always feel nervous, but it’s a good sign because that’s what you’re supposed to feel when you genuinely care about what you’re doing,” he tells Tatler. “Someone once told me I should worry more if I stop feeling nervous. And they’re right.”

See also: Any Name’s Okay on how it is like to be musicians in the industry today

Unique noticed a shift in the trend among musicians and their audiences, especially in the early days of COVID-19 when people relied on social media for entertainment. “I think TikTok was a big factor,” he explains.

He adds that the web offers a variety of songs, making consumers more discerning of the music they like and dislike. “I think we are more exposed to various genres and styles. Our choices are larger.”

The bad news, arguably, is how the internet fails to honour the art of slowing down. Today, the bane of an artist’s experience is the pressure to constantly release something new... something Unique would never succumb to. “I am beyond the feelings of pressure. I will not let myself release new material just because of it.”

Now in his early twenties, Unique describes how his music has matured through experience. “I think it ripened because of the things I tried when it came to songwriting. I believe this is how it is in any field; you become more refined when you do something consistently,” he says.

Daisy is more mellow compared to the artist’s earlier albums. He reckons it’s a reflection of his mental state at the moment. His latest record is a result of repeated meditation and trips outside the bustling streets of Manila. 

“I recorded Daisy in a more peaceful place. I meditated and sought more positive energy,” he discloses. “I still carry that peace today. That kind of process worked both for the album and my mental health.”

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The album greets its listeners with Haring Araw, a song that seems to uplift somebody who has been sulking in his “kuwartong kay dilim” (dark room) for too long.

“I’ve had a dark past, so I started writing Haring Araw because I wanted to transition towards the light,” he explains. “This also serves as my love letter to people who listened to my past two albums.” 

In the middle, the artist serenades with a track called Panahon, the song he is most enthusiastic about. “It’s about a relationship that is starting to lose its meaning. It has always been my dream to create that kind of love song,” he says. 

Finally, he zips the bag with Kabanata, revealing that it was the most challenging to write. “It’s about a person who sees himself as the bad guy. Leaving his partner is the only way for him to express his love—it’s messed up, really, but I saw it as a fitting end to Daisy. It’s a song that gives a sense of closure.” 

There are many ways in which a man reconciles his innermost feelings and creative pursuits. Daisy was Unique’s. We are free to interpret it as we see fit, but for the singer, this latest project is a heartfelt declaration of his love for poetry and the people who gave his music a chance. 

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