Shifting from rock to ballads has paid off for Mark Carpio

Mark Carpio

Mark Carpio started his music career at the age of 28—which, by local show biz standards, is already quite late. But as he sees it, pursuing one’s dreams isn’t a race.

“I realized that starting your journey when you’re young or later in life has its own advantages. Of course, when you start early, you’re probably much further along in your career by now. But starting late has advantages, too. It gives you a more mature perspective,” he told the Inquirer in a virtual conference announcing his partnership with Viva Records.

Mark, now 33, started singing when he was 4 and writing songs at 12. But instead of diving straight into the music industry, he opted to prioritize his studies and complete his business-related degrees.

“I thought I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my goal because I was swamped with work,” recalled the singer-songwriter, who became known for his hit ballad “Hiling” in 2016.

And Mark’s educational background did have an impact on his approach to his music career. “You have a business perspective, too. You have an insight on what the people want and what you can do,” related Mark, who holds degrees in entrepreneurship, real estate and a master’s in business administration.

Case in point: While Mark can write music for different genres, from pop to alternative rock, he went the ballad route, because he had observed that there weren’t a lot of new, upcoming balladeers four years ago.

His decision paid off. “Hiling” was a huge success across different digital platforms at a time when streaming was still gathering steam in the country. The song has so far logged over 64 million streams on Spotify and over 27 million on YouTube.

“I never expected to get to where I am now. I just wanted people to hear the song … I just wanted to hear my songs on the radio—that’s it. And it so happened that I released the song when Spotify and YouTube were starting to become the more popular platforms. I’m very thankful. It’s a humbling experience,” he said.

It was the song that “kickstarted everything.” “Back then, I was still unsure of which genre to focus on because I can write rock songs, English songs, alternative songs. But when ‘Hiling’ became a hit, it dawned on me that being a balladeer is truly the right direction for me,” said Mark, who used to be part of an underground rock band called Midj.

His other hits include “Kay Tagal” and “Ako na Lang Sana,” and a revival of “Don’t Know What to Do (Don’t Know What to Say),” which have likewise pulled in eight-digit streaming figures. “I enjoy composing original songs, but I also grew up loving the songs my father listened to. And I want to bridge the gap between younger and older listeners,” he said.

Now, as a Viva recording artist, his new goal is to come up with songs that can be used as themes for the company’s films or shows. “I have been recently inspired by songs used in Korean dramas. I’m working on new songs, including a duet. I also plan to do a cover of Kenny Rogers’ ‘Through the Years,’” said Mark, who hopes to work with Sarah Geronimo.

Mark juggles his music career and duties in his family’s real estate company. But despite that, the singer-songwriter sees himself staying on the scene for years to come. “You have to go beyond the usual hours and sacrifice personal time and leisure,” he said. “I’m in it for the long haul. My motivation is passion and goes beyond money.”