What do composers do when they get stuck in a rut and can’t seem to find their muse—their constant source of inspiration and wellspring for musical creativity?

Kris Lawrence credits his 13-year-old daughter Katie for pulling him out of a slump and inspiring his latest single, ‘Nobody.’

Visibly refreshed after a two-month-long U.S. sortie, the country’s undisputed Prince of R&B admits that his latest labor of love took a bit of coaxing after a short dry spell.

He recounts, “It was the first song I wrote in five years. When I was in the studio in L.A., I had writer’s block kaagad. I felt rusty.”

“I needed inspiration, so I thought about Katie and how she makes me feel. Right away, my pen wouldn’t stop. I wrote the song in 1.5 hours. Yes, it’s definitely about her.”

And just like the Beatles, Kris got by with a bit of help from his friends, including Grammy-Award winning songwriter, Britain’s Got Talent alumnus, and the artist behind the hit song, “Statue.”

He proudly adds, “Lil Eddie helped me with wordplay and put the ‘sauce’ on it in the 2nd studio version.”

He also credits Nico Blitz, an L.A.-based Fil-Am DJ from REAL 92.3, for providing him with the solid backdrop groove for the tune.

Kris, who catapulted to fame when he won the second season of the Search for Star in A Million reality singing competition in 2006, and subsequently earned his OPM royalty title through his hit songs “Kung Malaya Lang Ako” and “When I See Your Smile,” admits that a ‘less is more’ approach is the best telltale sign of his songwriting maturity.

He muses, “I think that biggest growth for me as a songwriter is learning how to write with honesty. When I was younger, it was all about proving myself, showing what I could do with melodies and runs.”

“Over the years, I’ve realized that it’s less about impressing people and more about expressing what’s real.”

“My songs now come from lived experiences – from love, fatherhood, faith, even pain – and I feel that makes them resonate deeper. I’m still evolving, but I’m grateful that my journey has allowed me to find more authenticity in my music.”

Despite the setbacks and limitations brought about by the evolving music industry, Kris remains optimistic.

He elaborates, “The landscape has definitely changed. Before, it was all about radio and mall tours, and those were fun because you’d really feel the crowd’s energy in person. Now, a big part of it is digital: streaming platforms, social media, and creating content that connects with listeners wherever they are.”

“But I don’t think live shows will ever disappear. Nothing replaces that human connection. So, for me, it’s about balance—reaching people online while still giving them moments face-to-face where the music feels alive.”

Kris’ recent U.S trip turned out to be a productive working gig. He shares, “I was on a 12-city tour with Nina, had four solo concerts, recorded four new songs, and shot three music videos.”

He adds excitedly, “I’ll be going back to the States on October 7 to receive an award in Las Vegas as one of the top 100 most influential Filipinos in the world, and a show with Kuh Ledesma on October 10.”

Released under the Homeworkz label, ‘Nobody’ is slated for release on Oct. 10 via Kris’ Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook platforms. (Contributed by Tinnie Esguerra)