Cover Billboard Philippines awardee and singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre
Billboard Philippines awardee and singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre
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Singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre shares how her love and passion for music remain steadfast despite the challenges in the music industry
Being in the industry, with millions of people listening and taking refuge in singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre’s songs, is a dream come true. Her rise to fame was brought by the lyrics and melody of her music, which many could easily relate to. Even today, she remains in disbelief at all that she has achieved, as well as the love and support she continues to receive from listeners around the world.
The Billboard Philippines awardee shared that her early exposure to music led her to the career she has today. “I was born into a musical family. My mum’s a worship leader, and my dad’s a pastor. My mum and my tita (aunt) are in musical theatre. As for me, I grew up a Playshop Kid in Trumpets, so I can say that I was very exposed to music at the age of six or seven,” says Dela Torre.
Above Dela Torre’s love and passion for music started when she was only six or seven years old
Dela Torre’s love and passion for music started when she was only six or seven years old
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Apart from singing, she also writes her own songs, a talent she discovered at a young age. She recalls, “In terms of finding my own musicality and love for songwriting, which I think I identified most with, it wasn’t until I was 11 or 12 when I discovered Limewire, and I was brought to a whole new world of music.”
It was not in her plans to make music her career, but it all came naturally. For some who might not know, Dela Torre was first seen on the hit singing competition The Voice of the Philippines, where she blind-auditioned with Bamboo Mañalac’s Hallelujah. The singer may not have won the competition, but that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams.
Read more: Strumming his way to the top: Mike Hanopol and his impact on Filipino music
When Dela Torre interpreted Libertine Amistoso’s Titibo-Tibo in the multimedia songwriting and music video competition Himig Handog, people began to take notice. The admiration and support she received left her in shock. From there, her album Malaya was born, followed by several albums with hit songs, including Tagpuan, Babalik Sa’yo, Malaya, and Before It Sinks In.
Like most musicians in the Philippines, the singer worked hard to succeed. Part of the path to success involves hiccups and hurdles one must be ready to take on. Dela Torre faced an enormous obstacle that she continues to battle today: the public eye. As expected, there are so many voices in the music industry, and filtering what to accept and ignore is easier said than done.
But at the same time, I learned that my ‘no’ can end at no. I don’t need to give reasons for it, and I don’t owe anyone anything. I can live my life and have my boundaries. I can be unapologetic. There should be that balance
“There are so many things to navigate and so many things that I’m learning as a human being. But because a lot of eyes were on me, I was often told I wasn’t doing things right, until I realised there were just too many voices surrounding me. The hardest part was learning how to filter it all while wanting to cater to everyone and not invalidate anyone’s thoughts or opinions,” says Dela Torre. “At the end of the day, you want to be teachable, you want to stay humble, and you want to learn from everyone. But at the same time, I learned that my ‘no’ can end at no. I don’t need to give reasons for it, and I don’t owe anyone anything. I can live my life and have my boundaries. I can be unapologetic. There should be that balance,” she stresses.
See also: How faith and soul shaped the voice of Filipino balladeer Basil Valdez
Above Dela Torre’s discography has over 2 billion streams on Spotify
Dela Torre’s discography has over 2 billion streams on Spotify
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Despite the disadvantages of being in the music industry, the songwriter sees composition and singing as her haven. But with great passion comes greater responsibility. In high confidence, she shared a flaw in the Philippine music scene that she hopes to help alleviate. Dela Torre dreams of prompt compensation for local artists, as this is a lapse in the system that has been present for years.
“I think it’s starting to happen actually. I love that we’re starting to celebrate our own [music and artists]. My dream would be that we learn how to take care of our music industry better, that we would know how to celebrate each other better,” Dela Torre concludes.
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Credits
Photography: Shaira Luna
Hair: Brent Sales
Styling: Ica Villanueva
Make-Up: Theresa Padin
Make-up Assistant: Ehdz Matubang
