The Beat Manila’s Up-And-Coming: Singer & Multi-Instrumentalist Rob Deniel
The Beat Manila’s Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and to promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at mnl.editorial@thebeat.asia or slide through our DMs on Facebook or Instagram!
There are many artists who become overnight sensations, with virality often shaping the trajectory of their careers. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, aspiring musicians can feel pressured to chase views, streams, and follower counts, sometimes at the expense of the craft itself.
Rob Deniel, however, is the opposite. This rising OPM artist is living proof that slow and steady can still win the race. He began as a teenager with a guitar, writing songs, playing music, and sharing his work online, long before the spotlight found him. His journey wasn’t marked by instant virality, but by years of quiet persistence, experimentation, and a genuine love for music that allowed him to grow into the artist fans know today.
In our latest exclusive, Rob opens up about his creative process, what makes music-making deeply meaningful to him, and how he continues to find inspiration in the everyday. He also gave us a sneak peek into his upcoming concert and album, offering a glimpse of how his sound has evolved while staying true to the sincerity that has defined his work from the very beginning.
On Creating Honest Music
Rob’s brush with music first started back when he was a teenager. As a student, he revealed that his focus was on his studies and hanging out with friends, which mostly involved pulling out his guitar to jam with his band.
“It started for fun. I started enjoying playing the guitar while jamming with my friends or when we joined Battle of the Bands. It was really more of a hobby, and I never really thought about stepping into the music industry,” he told The Beat Manila.
Being part of a band was what first sparked Rob’s interest in songwriting. Back in 2018 and 2019, the local band scene was thriving, with acts like Ben&Ben, December Avenue, and IV of Spades dominating the airwaves. Even bands that are now household names, such as SB19, Over October, and One Click Straight, were making their mark during those years through debut EPs and early singles.
When the pandemic hit, however, Rob shared that his band naturally fell apart as restrictions made it impossible to meet and create together. Rather than letting this moment end his music journey, he chose to pivot. Rob dove headfirst into producing and songwriting on his own — a shift that not only kept his career alive, but ultimately deepened his passion for the craft and sharpened his voice as a solo artist.
As for why he never pursued getting the band back together afterwards, he simply answered, “I just enjoyed the process of being a solo musician — a multi-instrumentalist. I enjoyed playing drums, guitar, and piano, and making original music by myself. When my songs started getting attention, I also became known more as a solo artist, but during live performances, I would still have a band with me. That has never changed. I always treat them as part of my group, like we’re in a boy band.”
From early breakthroughs like “Miss Miss” and “Ang Pag-ibig” to the more recent fan-favorite “RomCom,” the song that catapulted him to viral sensation, the young songwriter has proven his ability to create songs that resonate with this generation of listeners. Most would describe his music as deeply personal, like pages straight out of someone’s diary. His sound has retro pop influences, drawing inspiration from classic songs from the 50s or 60s.
When asked what inspires him to write most, Rob expressed, “It’s like my journal. I do put in personal experiences, but there are also experiences from the people around me, like my friends. That’s why I enjoy it so much, because I never run out of ideas or stories for songs. I’m still so thrilled when it comes to songwriting.”
He also added that he takes inspiration from consuming media such as romantic films and television series. Sharing personal stories while making them relatable is something the singer has mastered when crafting songs. In fact, he revealed that it’s the easiest part.
“For example, I had this song about my dog who passed away, and I wrote about missing someone when I was really thinking about my dog at that time,” he explained. “I’m able to generalize my feelings so it could be dedicated to a person — like a partner, your mother, or loved one.”
“I always write songs with a lot of yearning. *laughs* Never nawala sa'kin 'yun (that has never disappeared),” he added when asked why he thinks his music is so relatable. “There’s always that constant yearning for love. I’m really that kind of person. I also think that as we grow older, we’re always looking for something — a missing piece that was present in the past. So I think that’s partly why many people enjoy old-sounding music. We always crave that feeling of nostalgia.”
As for what makes his music stand out, Rob puts importance on sharing his true self with his listeners and keeping that transparency, and letting it reflect through his songs. “I want to be always honest about what I want to express. I strive to remain consistent about that. Whatever I feel or think, I won’t be afraid to write it into a song. From all the years of writing music, I always ask myself if it’s honest. I also make it a mission to enjoy what I do, because if I enjoy making music, then I believe listeners will also enjoy the songs.”
Rob’s honesty has clearly resonated, cementing him as one of the most beloved voices of his generation. From soulful renditions of OPM classics like Ogie Alcasid’s “Nandito Ako” and “Ikaw Sana,” to his contributions to the “100 Awit Para Kay Stella” soundtrack, where tracks such as “Kumusta Na,” “Iisang Daan,” and “Simoy” climbed viral charts, Rob has consistently showcased both his versatility and wide-reaching appeal.
Last September 2025, he ranked as the Top #2 OPM Male Artist on Spotify, amassing more than 4.7 million monthly listeners. It’s a milestone that proves he’s more than a musician known for “yearning” anthems; he’s an artist whose work deeply resonates, inspiring listeners through sincerity, emotion, and craft.
On His Upcoming Concert and New Music
Fast forward to 2026 and fresh from his successful concert with Arthur Nery and Amiel Sol last December, Rob is taking the Araneta Coliseum stage once again for his first-ever major solo concert on Feb. 27, 2026.
When asked what he’s most excited about, the singer replied, “I’m excited to see everyone — the people I see at gigs, new faces, and to be together at such a big venue and to perform in front of all of them. I’m also excited for my band and to see us execute the new arrangements of the songs, from the popular ones to the new songs, which I’m so excited to perform for everyone.”
Rob promises a musical night filled with all his beloved hits and covers, but upgraded with new arrangements and production. During our interview, he also revealed more about his upcoming album, “Wander Boy,” which was released on Feb. 13.
“The songs are about different kinds of love, like heartbreak or being crazy about someone. It’s a mix of emotions, but the main theme is constantly seeking love or our journeys towards finding true love.”
Rob revealed that the album is composed of previously released tracks from 2023, newer releases in 2025, and unreleased songs, marking it as a culmination album that spans three years of music making.
“The process and preparations were long, especially when it came to arranging the music and finding songs that matched the concept of the album. It has the same sound as what I’ve previously released, as I felt that I’m not yet finished with that kind of sound, so we continued it here. But there are also new sounds which I think people will really like. We stayed in the studio for two weeks to finish the new batch of songs,” he shared with The Beat Manila.
He also shared that from all the songs on the album, “BAL” was the easiest to write and record with its acoustic and mostly stripped version, while the first track, “Pwede Ba Tayong Lumabas?” was the most challenging to create and execute.
With a major concert and new album on the horizon, things are only getting better from here. When asked about a lesson he has carried throughout his career and what advice he would give to aspiring musicians, he shared, “To be kind is what I’ve always brought with me. Be kind to everyone — the supporters, the people behind the scenes, the people who play for me. Because when you’re kind, everything else follows. Everyone will be happy, and that joy can be felt through the music.”
“Just enjoy,” he advised. “'Wag n'yo masayadong isipin yung mga mangyayari (Don’t think too much about what will happen). Don’t think about whether people will like it. Just focus on enjoying the process and being true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to express what you feel, especially if music is your biggest outlet. Keep it as your diary. Enjoy ka lang (Just enjoy), don’t overthink it.”
Before wrapping up, Rob also invited everyone to his upcoming show, and shared a special message for his fans: “Sa mga ROBBEARS ko at sa lahat ng nakikining ng music ko, maraming maraming salamat sa pag suporta. Kayo ang dahilan king bakit nakikita ako sa charts — malaking parte kayo nun (To my ROBBEARS and to everyone listening to my music, thank you so much for the support! You’re the reason why I can be seen on the charts — you’re a big part of that). Thank you for coming along my journey and my growth as an artist.”
Tickets to the “Rob Deniel Show” on Feb. 27, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum are now on sale. Prices are at P4,500 (VIP Standing), P3,700 (Patron), P3,200 (Lower Box), P2,200 (Upper Box), and 1,500 (General Admission). The show will also welcome special musical guests Janine Teñoso, Ashtine Olviga, Arthur Nerry, Amiel Sol, Adie, Pops Fernandez, and Ogie Alcasid.
You can buy your tickets here.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For updates on music releases and upcoming shows, follow Rob Deniel on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Listen to Rob Deniel on Spotify.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.
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