Getting by amid pandemic has pushed Sassa Dagdag’s creativity to the fore.

Because she had to record her latest song “Hulog Ni Bathala” at home with help from her brother, the artist had all the time to plan and perfect the singing.

“I’ve decided my audience is the Filipino,” she said in an interview. “That means I don’t complicate the singing to the point that Pinoys no longer find it ‘relatable.’ I don’t show off as singer because I know I have so much to learn.”

It’s a smart mindset. After all, the R&B singer is a three-chair turner and finalist on “The Voice Kids” in 2015. She was also a big favourite on another singing contest, “The Clash.” Surely, she could complicate the singing if she wants to but just doesn’t.

How does she rate herself from a scale of 1 to 10?

“Five, maybe six,” she said. “This pandemic gave me time to discover more about myself. Aside from singing and writing songs, I explored painting and drawing. I know there’s so much room to become better by gaining experience.”

Sassa is the type of artist who knows how to let go. Once she’s done with her part, she gives the producers free hand to do magic on the track.

Released under PolyEast Records, “Hulog Ni Bathala” is “a love song with a twist’ which shows off Sassa’s more mature side.

“The song is about thanking God for the people around you who inadvertently give the life lessons you need,” said the 17-year-old artist. “Sa unang pakinig mo sa kanta, you’d think it’s the same old love song, but at one point you’d realize it’s not.”

Surprisingly, Sassa rarely listens to her own songs once they’re released because she can be too critical of herself.

Sassa Dagdag

Sassa Dagdag

Does she fear for the future especially as the entertainment industry is hardest hit by the pandemic?

“I thought about it nung simula, na baka malabo na ang future for us. But I fought the fear with positive thinking. Kung hindi pwede ang mag-perform before an actual audience, then I’ll focus for now on my online audience. It’s better that way instead of risking getting the virus through gatherings.”

She continued: “The pandemic won’t be forever and there will come a time, hopefully soon, when everything will be okay again.”

In a time when many artists opt to release their music independently, Sassa is thankful she’s with a major label.

“Kasi when you’re with a label, things are easier kasi meron mga tao na tumutulong sa yo, to achieve what you want. They help me get my songs on the needed platforms, and they help me promote the songs.

“On my part, I look forward to promoting my songs before a live audience. I’ve been doing something different with my music, so I’m excited for people to hear that.”

Source: Manila Bulletin (https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2020/06/15/sassa-knows-her-audience-and-what-they-want/)