Actress and singer Belle Mariano is in her solemn era and we are all here for it
By definition, the word “solemn” is close to the words serious, steady, and sure. And it is only right that this is the word that Belle Mariano, who recently was given the title of Outstanding Asian Star by MEGA, conjuncts after Somber, the previous chapter of her whole “Somber and Solemn” journey.
RELATED: Belle Mariano’s Track For Your Every Somber Mood
Turning to the second part of her story, the EP featured five new tracks. If the feel of Somber gave us the thrill of curiosity, a musical accompaniment of sorts when you’re on a road trip, the new sound of And Solemn reflected tones of stability and certainty.
It only felt right for the jazzy arrangement and lyrics of “Walang Pake” to welcome us. Then came “Shot Me Right Through” and “Nobody Else,” two declarations of love that went from knowing who you want to going do-or-die for that person. Belle also injected a self-love anthem essential to growth, coming in the form of “I Choose Me.” Finally, the EP wrapped up with her collaboration with Ben&Ben called “Autumn,” a song that captures one’s intent to close the distance from another.
In an exclusive interview with MEGA Entertainment, the artist shared a few details on And Solemn, as well as future artists she would like to work with in the future.
Belle’s Solemn era
“When we were recording Somber, it was supposed to be [just one album],” the actress-artist revealed. “But then we decided to break it into two because I want to explain the storytelling sana. The Somber part is taking you through the ups and downs of life. But at the same time, after the sombers we go through, we eventually discover solemness,” she concluded. “Hopefully, it would explain one’s growth.”
Her producer status
For her two-part album, Belle involved herself not just as the voice behind the tracks, but also as a composer and producer. Talking about her experience, she shared, “Music has always been close to my heart. Actually, when I was first introduced to songwriting, I did it with amazing writers like Trisha Denise and Cesca. I learned so much from them and I can see myself doing this [more] in the future.”
Her next collaborations
Aside from working with the aforementioned composers, Belle had the chance to share her creative juices with Ben&Ben and KZ Tandingan as well. The actress joined the folk-pop band in their ballad, “Autumn.” Meanwhile, Tandingan wrote the track “Nobody Else.”
“It’s such an honor to be working with them. I’ve always been a fan of Ben&Ben, and I’ve always been vocal about that,” the Can’t Buy Me Love pointed out. “And to be able to work with Ms. KZ Tandingan, I’m really grateful. She writes amazing songs, and I listen to the songs na ginawa na niya dati.”
As for her dream artists to work with, her motto seemed to be go big or go home. “It would have to be Dilaw,” she answered for her dream Filipino collaboration. As for the international act? “Let’s go for Taylor Swift, because why not?” she said with a laugh.
Committed to the storytelling into this era of her music, Belle Mariano highlighted the importance of each track for the message she wanted to convey. “It wouldn’t be And Solemn without the other songs, kaya pakinggan niyo lahat!” she concluded.
Photography EXCEL PANLAQUE
Creative Chief PATRICK TY
Creative Direction GAL VENTURA
Art Direction VINCE CANLAPAN and JONES PALTENG
Styling ROKO ARCEO
Makeup JAKE GALVEZ
Hair RJ DELA CRUZ
Talent Coordination REINA LUNA
Ad and Promo Supervisor TYRA SANCHEZ
Special thanks to JONES PALTENG
