KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so an old saying goes. In the case of KZ Tandingan, she was able to write a whole new song for her husband TJ Monterde when he went away for almost a month due to his concert tour.
During the media launch for her song “Dito Ka Lang” at the Academy of Rock Studio, Tandingan proudly showcased her love and pining for her husband while they were separated for what she said was their longest period apart since they started dating nine years ago.
According to the singer-songwriter, she felt like she lost direction in her life when Monterde left, that’s why she decided to redirect all her energy into writing for a new song. That was when she thought of the lyrics and sound for “Dito Ka Lang”.
“It’s about getting the love you think you don’t deserve. Parang feeling mo ‘ano bang ginawa ko to deserve this kind of love?’ And I hope for everybody to experience it,” she said.
“It is not about letting go,” she further said. “This song doesn’t talk about that. Sinasabi ko nga kay TJ, ‘Ngayon na kasal na tayo, wala ka nang choice.’”
Asia’s Soul Supreme likewise acknowledged an observation made by this writer that her “hugot” songs always give a seemingly danceable flair.
“Actually, I never thought about it until you asked me. Oo nga, ‘no? Kasi usually ay hugot ‘yung mga kanta ko even ‘yung “Labo”. ‘Yung “Imposible” mga pang-heartbroken ‘yung mga kanta, eh,” she said. (Yes. Because usually my songs are from the heart, even “Labo”. “Imposible” was for the heartbroken).
“‘Yung ‘Dito Ka Lang’ truly represents my season now, who I am right now at this momment. Masaya po ako, eh. (I am happy). What better way to share my happiness than through a song. We do not make a conscious decision to do something bright and you know, dancy, dancy to separate you,” she added.
A mix of soul, R&B, and rap music, the song was sent to the United States and was mixed by Grammy winner Jackie Boom and mastered by another Grammy winner Jett Galindo of The Bakery LA. Theo Martel handled the arrangement of the song that was produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.
Its music video, uploaded on ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel, stars Kobie Brown and Andi Abaya. EDV