Maki has been hitting it big with his latest single "Kahel na Langit," but even hitmakers aren’t immune to criticism.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN during the Vibe Live event, we got the chance to check in with Maki.
Photo credit: sonyphinc Instagram
“I'm really thrilled and honored to be a part of this event, especially with the Sony family na nabuo. Para sa akin it really means a lot that I get to represent a brand that is very very music centric and you know and uplifts people who love music even if you're an introvert or an extrovert like me,” he expressed.
The "Dilaw" hitmaker also teased what fans can expect from his upcoming album, Kolorcoaster.
“You know maraming expectations but it's really unexpected I can guarantee you guys na medyo unexpected tong album na 'to. Different from all of the songs I've recently released and I can't wait for you guys to hear it. It consists of 10 songs,” he shared.
However, with all the excitement also comes criticism, especially from those saying his songs sound the same.
“I don't think branding is different from songwriting. Kasi maybe it's because I have a solid branding that's why sinasabi nila sa akin yun. It's because I have the same timbre kumbaga pag kumakanta ako which is vibrant. And well, criticism is always there. Wala namang problema, you know,” Maki admitted.
Maki also clarified that criticism is fine as long as it’s constructive, which is very different from pure bashing.
“You can take it and take it and take it but hindi mo siya kailangan i-take sa heart especially when it's a constructive criticism, okay lang yun eh pero kung bashing lang, pure bashing, hindi mo kailangan i-take heart yun,” he said.
The hitmaker added that what matters most is how people appreciate his music and style.
“So if these people are criticizing me for the way I write songs, why is it effective? So I'm just really glad that a lot of people appreciate my songs and these kind of genres kasi it's not really common in the Philippines and I get to do what I want. That's why I'm really really happy kasi gusto ng mga tao yung mga kanta ko and that's what really matters to me And gusto ko din yung nire-release ko so no pressure at all,” he explained.
Maki also teased what else we can expect from him in the future.
“A lot of colors for sure. Marami akong binibigay na pressure sa sarili ko. But at the same time, I'm really, really glad to be here at the moment. Para sa akin, siguro mas marami pa akong ipapakita sa inyo visually. And yung pinaka-lore ng Kolorcoaster, maa-out na siya. And it's been years of building this story. It's been years of building this concept and ako para sa akin, I really enjoy what I'm doing as a musician and as an artist. I'm taking everything as if it's my last one.
"That's why this concept, I really want to solidify my branding. I want to solidify the story of Kolorcoaster which will be out ng September 19. So make sure to pre-save,” he said.