“Salamat nga sa musika, natagpuan kita bigla.”
It’s been 9 months since the release of Zild’s Superpower, and on the sunny afternoon of May 11–Mother’s Day–some panikids and a few members of the press gathered at Street Kohi, a cozy cafe in Quezon City, for the intimate vinyl launch of Superpower. The event was low-key, curated for a small group, creating a warm, personal space that echoed the spirit of the whole album. Zild, known for his raw lyricism and genre-blending sound, treated the crowd to stripped-down acoustic renditions of Matalino Street and Dilim. Though he jokingly calls writing love songs “cringe,” he admitted these two tracks—both navigating the highs and lows of love—are among his favorites to perform.
Zild opens his latest album with Superpower, a track steeped in themes of love and affection. Much of the album delves into the emotional intricacies of romance and relationships. But in the final track, Kaibigan 2023, Zild shifts gears. The song stands out as a heartfelt tribute to friendship, recognizing those who stayed by his side through his lowest and most challenging moments.
“Ito pala ’yong snapshot ng buhay ko noong time na ginagawa ko ’yon. Tapos minsan makikita mo na parang nag-iba na ’yong mga pananaw mo—kasi ginawa ko siya (the songs) years ago. So ngayon, kapag binabalikan ko, ay iba na ’yong pananaw ko sa bagay na ’yon… pero ’yon ang beauty ng ganon, kasi na-capture ko kung sino ako noong time na ’yon,” Zild shared when asked how he reflects on the album post-release.
Zild continues to push the boundaries of his genre and artistry. A standout moment comes in I.N.A.S. (I’m Not A Superman), where he experiments with rapping for the first time—a bold move that signals his evolving sound. The album, as a whole, serves as a time capsule, capturing the different phases of who he was during its creation. Zild also shared a behind-the-scenes trivia about the album: it originally had 20 tracks, but during the creative process, it was trimmed down to just 10. He hinted that fans may not have heard the last of those unreleased songs, expressing hope that he’ll be able to release them someday.
With the vinyl release of the album coinciding with Mother’s Day, Zild took a moment to acknowledge one of his biggest supporters—his mom. He described her as a classic “stage mom,” but in the best way: present, encouraging, and deeply involved. Their bond, he shared, is rooted in what he called “bestfriend core.” A charming example of this can be heard in the track Lunes Na Naman, where the line “Zild, gising na!” is actually voiced by his own mother.
Finally, when asked what’s next for him, Zild responded with enthusiasm: “Nakakaexcite kasi mahal ko pa rin ’yong music. So, what’s next for Zild ay magmu-music pa din ako.” His answer reflects not just a career path, but a deep and enduring love for the craft that continues to define him.