For artists who are used to the old way of gaining grounds in the music biz, the numbers game in digital space may actually serve as the push to keep them inspired making music, instead of sulking over lost times. 

Easy-listening fan-favorite Noel Cabangon takes the positive in having a strong presence in music platforms. This, as he comes out with a new single "H'wag Kang Mag-Alala," which drops today, Friday, Sept 15.

The song is his latest from Icons Music, a division of Widescope Entertainment, following "Kung Ako" that was released last March. 

As of this writing, the remarkable singer from the band Buklod has nearly 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and counting, while his signature hit "Kanlungan," already boasts of more than 12 million streams on the same famous platform. 

"These numbers are great," he noted. "In this time of stiff competition and the new generation of markets taking over, I am more than happy to have this number of streams. This gives me more encouragement to create and release more songs as long as I can and as long as there are those who want to listen to my music."

Noel has always wanted to put out his own compositions and his current label is giving him the creative freedom. Thanks to the trio of Widescope Entertainment bosses, namely,Vic de Vera (executive producer), Neil Gregorio (supervising producer), and Ebe Dancel (artist and repertoire). He got great help from producer/arranger/mixing engineer Marlon Barnuevo, and the musicians who played on the track: Gino Madrid (electric guitar), Janby Teodoro (bass), Jazz Nicolas (drums), Carlo Tuazon (violin 1), Chino David (violin 2), Rey Casey Concepcion (viola), Theodore Amper (cello), and Barnuevo himself (synths, programming). 

On working with Icons/Widescope, he shared, "I am happy that Ebe is involved. He is an artist himself and he knows what an artist wants. Now, we are trying to fill up the space in my new home, and I am grateful that they opened the door and let me in." 

According to Noel, "Hwag Kang Mag-alala" is not a promise but a lifetime assurance of a commitment to love and take care of your loved ones. He said that it's a reflection that "came at a time we were all experiencing isolation." That’s saying he transformed the lockdown days into an inspiration that brings wonderful joy. 

The track’s chorus should make listeners feel it’s inspired songwriting, with the words singing intensely on their own, “Aalayan ka, dadamayan ka/ Pagsisikapan ka sa habang panahon/ Ipaglalaban ka hanggang sa huling hininga/ Ito ang aking sumpa, tunay na pagsinta.”

"For me," Noel said, "being able to release a new work from my soul is more than special and a big hit. Songwriting is making art. Making art is to bear yourself out, and bearing yourself out is not that easy.” 

Most of Noel's current gigs are private. Some of those open to the public are his upcoming shows at My Bro’s Mustache in Quezon City on September 30 and Super Sam in BGC on Oct. 13. In addition, he will do a few shows in Australia in November.