Daryl Ong, Bugoy Drilon arming themselves for inevitable career dip with online presence
Daryl Ong and Bugoy Drilon —PHOTOS BY KREATIVDEN
Show biz is a fickle world—that much Daryl Ong knows to be true.
Sooner or later, the pop-R&B singer said, the gigs will dry up and the lights will dim. That’s something he is bracing for as early as now. His future goal is to produce content and shows for young, up-and-coming artists. And he hopes to have made that transition by the time his singing career is no longer viable.
“The time will come when you will no longer be relevant. That’s what I’m readying myself for, so that even if the demand is no longer there, I can still be part of the future. I want to be part of the success of aspiring musicians by producing shows for them, putting my faith in them,” he said in a recent virtual conference hosted by Enteng the Dragon Productions.
Reflecting on his career Daryl, a finalist in the second season of reality talent search “The Voice of the Philippines,” now has a deeper appreciation for all the producers who gambled on him and his fellow artists.
“Producers take risks to bring us to different places and help us reach markets we have yet to tap. I’m thankful to them. That’s why I want to do the same should I become lucky enough to have the means for it. I want to pay it forward [and] help young artists whose talents I believe in,” he said.
Daryl, known for the hit ballad “It’s Not Easy Letting Go” and his viral YouTube covers that have racked millions of views, also stressed the importance of establishing an online presence amid people’s shifting preferences in music consumption.
Digital platforms
“I have been redirecting my focus to digital platforms. Because from my perspective, the audiences—the millennials and Gen Z fans in particular—lean toward digital platforms for their music. Someday, they will make up the mainstream audience. I’m trying to position myself online,” he said. Like Daryl, Bugoy Drilon has also been investing in his digital presence, producing his own music videos and online show concepts, including his live acoustic sessions on YouTube.
Bugoy, one of Daryl’s close friends and longtime collaborators, also plans to be more involved in the creative process and add more original hits under his belt.
“I’m now focusing on writing my own music. Back then, I just took what the label gave me and sang it the way I wanted to sing it. Now I’m involved in different aspects, like producing the beats. I want to be able to tell my own stories and experiences through music,” said Bugoy, who’s best known for the hit ballad “Paano Na Kaya.”
Bugoy, who rose to fame after finishing runner-up in the second season of “Pinoy Dream Academy,” is banking on the wealth of musical experiences he has racked up throughout the years.
“We have been through a lot. But as they say, you won’t learn or see the good if you don’t experience the bad. We experimented a lot when it came to incorporating R&B into different genres like pop, reggae and more. Now I believe we have a wider range because of those experiences,” he said.
Together, Daryl and Bugoy will headline a series of shows in the United States. Titled “Bad Boys of R&B,” the concert tour will make stops in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 13; San Leandro, California on Oct. 14; Oxnard City, California on Nov. 3; and Hollywood, California on Nov. 4.
While Daryl and Bugoy are no strangers to performing in the United States, this is their first time to do so as headliners.
“Usually, we go there as special guests [at] other artists’ concerts. This time, we’re the headliners so there’s a bit of pressure. But we’re grateful and excited more than anything,” Daryl said, adding that he and Bugoy will be given freedom to curate their sets.
Vocal chemistry
“We’re excited to sing the songs we want to sing. We will do All-4-One, James Ingram, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight… and put our own twist.”
The two musicians have nothing but good words for each other’s musical talent. By this time, Daryl and Bugoy practically have each other’s vocal nuances down pat.
“Daryl has a sharp ear. He knows the technical aspects of singing, the notes. We ask him to guide us with our harmonizing. He knows when I’m unable to hit a particular note. In cases like that, he will cover for me—saluhan kami. We switch parts,” Bugoy said. “The vocal chemistry is already in place. Kabisado na namin.”
Daryl, on the other hand, admires Bugoy’s instinctive singing. “He’s versatile and has a wide repertoire of styles. Harmonizing, blending are effortless with him,” he said
