The Beat Manila’s Up-and-Coming Artist: Singer-Songwriter Patrick Magada

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 [email protected] or slide through our DMs on Facebook or Instagram!

Sometimes, the most beautiful things happen by accident. This is especially true for our latest Up-and-Coming Artist. Armed with nothing but a quirky sense of humor and an inkling for music production, he first penned a song that was supposed to be only for laughs. This later turned into a viral sensation, and little did he know, this whimsical creation would become the foundation of his musical journey.

While his viral song became a key moment in his budding career, Filipino-American singer-songwriter Patrick Magada’s beginnings in music go way back. Born to a mother with a magical voice, his passion for music dawned on him even at an early age. Fast forward to today, Patrick is making his way to becoming one of the industry’s exceptional crooners with his heartfelt tunes.

For this month’s feature, The Beat Asia had the chance to chat with the young singer, where he talked about his journey, his musical inspirations, his latest album “I Need a Change//I Need to Change,” and his “I’m Happier” tour, among others. Read on for more!

Hi, Patrick! Can you share with us what made you decide to pursue music?

Hey there! [When I was] around five or six years old, or maybe even earlier, my mom would take me to watch her sing. She had a band and went to gigs around Manila, Philippines. Eventually, in my hometown, Malabon, she became a lounge singer at a restaurant called Mary Jay.

Some nights, she would make me go up on stage, and I’d sing and try to echo how she performed. I still remember singing a request from an older gentleman and being handed a hundred pesos afterwards! In the dead of night, at random Manila bars, my passion for music was born.

Who are the artists you look up to and why?

In professional terms, I look up to artists all the way at the top: the Justin Biebers [and] the Katy Perrys of the world. Looking at where I am now, just starting out and making a name for myself, I’m learning about the difficulties and the sacrifices that you need to make to maintain that type of success, let alone even achieve a small percentage of it.

From a personal point [of view], I’m deeply inspired by the musicians that I’ve met along the way and [will] continue to rise alongside: Zyrille Zuño, YNISH, Paul Lagac, Mr. Blôô, Zynfinity, 157, Polaris., NICHIMI, Halcyon Nights, Mica Yui, Lylee, INFLAKE, AVOLY, and many more. These are my friends and the people [who] I continue to see hustling and going for the dream of success in the industry. Whenever they rise, I feel like I rise with them, too.

What accomplishments are you most proud of since entering the music industry?

My proudest moments stem from a song I wrote as a joke. It was a track called “Santa Cruz,” and it gained over 100,000 views on YouTube in just a couple [of] days. It went viral. My inbox received nonstop music-related emails for weeks, and the song eventually got picked up for a Bank of America commercial. I was a pretty bad producer at the time, so that song being well-liked by people really gave me confidence in my songwriting. It opened a whole bigger world for me as an artist.

Can you share us the story behind your new album, ‘I Need a Change//I Need to Change’ and your song, ‘I’m Happier?’

“I’m Happier” is 110% my favorite song that I’ve ever written, BUT it did come from heartbreak and A LOT of inner introspection. The whole “I Need A Change//I Need to Change” album is this massive journey of discovering and bringing to life your true and most authentic self, including the pain and sacrifice of doing so. My sexuality was one of the blocks that prevented me from living out my authenticity. Although my family and friends were accepting, there was always a [sense of] self-hatred that I couldn’t get rid of.

So, there I was in December of [2022], in the middle of Metro Manila, scrolling through dating apps and trying to find a date. Eventually, I met this guy. We were in a relationship, developed feelings, and I was hurt in the end. The lesson was: I never needed a girlfriend or boyfriend; I needed to learn to love myself. Happiness comes from inside.

Are there any festivals, whether local or international, that you dream of performing at?

When I visited the Philippines, my co-artist, YNISH, invited me to perform with her at Malofest in Malolos, Bulacan. The staff and the people there were very kind. It was a great overall experience. I’m hoping we become headliners there one of these days. Also, a long-time wish for me is definitely SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Are there any specific artists you're interested in collaborating with? Why?

Rob Thomas from the 90’s band Matchbox Twenty. I went to see this Disney movie called “Meet the Robinsons” when I was little. His song “Little Wonders” was the main theme for the flick. He’s basically the reason I started writing songs. I wanted to write something that made other people feel what I felt with his music.

What’s next for Patrick? Any upcoming gigs or song releases?

A lot of exciting stuff! The “I Need A Change//I Need To Change” album is finally out! [I] also have the “I’m Happier” Manila Tour [in] January and February of 2024, which I’m hoping can also help a couple of up-and-coming local artists to go up on stage and gain more confidence. There are so many possibilities, and I’m excited to share my art with those looking for a new voice. Thank you, guys, for your time!

Catch Patrick Magada at his “I’m Happier” tour on Feb. 3 at the Balcony House in Makati City! Get your tickets here.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To know more about Patrick Magada, follow him on Instagram and Facebook, or stream his music on Spotify or YouTube.