With Original Pinoy Music marking another golden age, artists from various genres are coming out of the woodwork to make a name for themselves.
Among them is hip-hop artist Robledo Timido who is out to take fans on a wild ride as he struts his way to the music scene with his unique brand of hip-hop and rap.
The 19-year-old earned considerable notice prior with his singles " "Gusto Ko Sakin Ka Lang" and "Mapagdamot."
He finally launched his much-awaited debut record dubbed "Salbahe" last month at the Moon Club in Makati City.
In an intimate interview, Robledo shared what inspired "Salbahe."
"Nabuo siya dahil sa hit song ko na ‘Mapagdamot.’ ‘Yan ang naging inspiration. Tungkol ang album sa pagiging stuck sa toxic relationship. Ginawa ko itong album para sa healing process ko since sa music ko nai-express ‘yung sarili ko as an artist at wala rin naman akong matatakbuhan para sa kung anong nararamdaman ko. Ginawa ko siya para sa sarili ko,” Robledo said.
(The album was made because of my hit song 'Mapagdamot.' That was the inspiration. The album is about being stuck in a toxic relationship. I made this album for my healing process since my music expresses myself as an artist and I have nowhere to run for what I feel. I made it for myself)
"Salbahe" features the songs "Kasunduan," "Proseso," "Shot Glass," "Ms." Pambihira," "Style Mo Boo," "Laging Tag-ulan," “Kamusta,” and others.
Robledo maintained he gave his all to create the album.
"Kailangang mabusisi kang gumawa ng album. Hindi dapat basta-basta. Mataas ang standards ng music industry ngayon. Pinaglaanan ko talaga siya ng puso, dugo, at puyat. Thankful ako na may mga sumama sa akin sa paggawa ng album," he added.
(You have to be careful to make an album. It should not be taken lightly. The standards of today's music industry are high. I really gave my heart, blood and sleepless nights. I am thankful that there are people who joined me in making the album)
Early days
Growing up in a family of musicians, Robledo was so sure even at a young age that he was also going to tread the same path.
He discovered his knack for songwriting when he was 13.
“Na-develop siya back when I was high school. Trip lang namin kasama nung apat kong kaibigan. Ang cool nun. Sabi ko, try namin. ‘Yung trip na ‘yun, naging seryoso. Hindi na ako nag-explore ng ibang bagay. Dito ako nag-e-excel,” he said.
(My skills on songwriting was developed when I was in high school. It was just a fun trip with my four friends. That's cool. I said, we can try it. That trip became serious. I never explored anything else. This is where I excel)
His music is heavily influenced by the likes of Ron Henley, Loonie, and Shanti Dope.
"Pero pinaka-influence ko talaga is Ron Henley. Siya talaga ang nagbuo sa sound ko. Sa kanya ko rin nakuha kung paano himayin at paano siya magsulat ng song. Malaki siyang contribution sa akin as a musician,” he shared.
(My biggest influence is Ron Henley. He really developed my sound. I also learned from him how to sing and how to write a song. He is a big contribution to me as a musician)
The launch of "Salbahe" was attended by Robledo's family, friends, and REALWRLD Studios manager Ron David.
It is now available on Spotify and other music platforms.