After unraveling some secrets with his previous single, ‘Lihim,’ singer-songwriter Arthur Miguel is back in a new era with his five-track EP ‘MU.’ The 24-year-old wonder continues to bring his earnest and heart-tugging lyrics, but this time, in a new light.
The carrier single ‘Malabong Ugnayan’ featuring bedroom pop star Jikamarie is a phrase all too familiar with the Filipino audience—a relationship in limbo, with no clear status or intentions. ‘Palagi kayong na sa pagitan ng oo, hindi, at baka,’ Arthur shared. The collaborative track came as a quick and easy tag team for the duo. Arthur believed that Jikamarie’s R&B sound was perfect for the track. ‘I remember that it was finished before adding Jika to the song. The arrangements and the vocals are final. They’re ready to be mixed and mastered, but I felt that it’s not complete. It’s good, but something is missing. I realized that the song has an R&B vibe, and that’s when I thought of Jika,’ Arthur shared, making Jikamarie the final piece of the puzzle for the track. The EP also includes four B-side tracks—his recent release ‘Isaoras,’ ‘GHINOST,’ ‘Dati,’ and ‘Maling Panahon’—perfectly capturing his signature songwriting but in a different flavor.
Far from his guitar-driven acoustic pop sound, Arthur Miguel shares that the EP is a perfect playground to explore a new sound and incorporate different elements while still keeping his brand. While his previous full-length release, ‘Pasahili’ (Para sa Mga Hindi Pinili), explored the
pain of being unchosen or left behind, ‘MU’ now explores the possible hope and imminent heartbreak if a person forces themselves into a situation.
‘Most of the songs on the EP are upbeat but with “hugot” lyrics. I did it on purpose. One day, everyone will realize that no matter how hard and painful your situation is, you must dance to it,’ he said. To quote pop star Taylor Swift, he continued, ‘We’re happy, free, and confused at the same time. So accept the fact that you’re in crisis. It will make you cry a lot, but believe me, you’ll make it to the end and be happy and proud for it.’
‘I know you’ll recognize that the new songs differ greatly from my past releases. So far, I’m at my exploration stage, where I want to create something new. I want people to know that when you say, “Arthur Miguel,” it’s not only the mellow voices, the sad lyrics, and the sad songs,’ he emphasized.
Before his new EP, Arthur Miguel was busy with shows and music festivals, with his latest show being a unique morning set at the Circus Music Festival in Makati. When asked about his plans for the EP, he simply shared, ‘It can never be good without a live performance’—alluding to a series of shows for his fans soon. His previous gig series were intimate sets at select venues across Metro Manila.
Arthur Miguel hopes the EP can get his listeners through their fare of situationships. ‘”Malabong Ugnayan” can be painful or sweet, or they can make you happy, and if you’re lucky, maybe the person you are with ‘MU’ status is the right person for you. Very scary and tricky, but good luck!’
‘MU’ is now available on digital streaming platforms.
