Gabba Santiago, known as Gabba, is known for his instrumental rock prowess in different local bands, as well as his own solo venture. Last August, he released his single “Pockets”, which he describes as “an ode to everything that has happened since my debut album was released.”
This song utilizes two drums, a departure from his previous tracks. The repetitive synth at the beginning of the song symbolizes “something non-stop, like someone running or a train moving”. It also represents the way time moves quickly, especially for someone like Gabba who described how his career took off with all the opportunities he’s had the past year–ultimately leading to the creation of “Pockets.”
Having embarked on a tour to support his debut album Recollections from July to September 2023, representing the Philippines at the inaugural SXSW Sydney last October 2023, performing at Music Day Out in Singapore last January, and appearing at Wanderland 2024 last March, the past year had been eventful for Gabba.
And while these opportunities have been amazing, he wants to slow down, to remain grateful in spite of, and because of this fast-paced turn of events. “Pockets’ is my way of looking back at those moments, feeling grateful, and recognizing the value of the little ‘pockets’ of joy that came with them,” he said.
With everyone seemingly focusing on the grind and forgetting to enjoy the process, Gabba wants this as a reminder to stop and reflect on what it is that we are moving towards, what is moving past us, and remaining grateful all the same.
Gabba adopted his mononym to approach and steer a new direction for his artistic vision, one that allows him to explore all elements of music-making without restrictions and with a newfound appreciation.
On his solo venture, Gabba recontextualizes the merits of isolation, playing with more textures to his signature brisk guitar and drumming styles, and harvesting the organic ambience of places he’s been to. The result manifests in the same mettle of handiwork one would expect from his band ventures, if not more individualistic and wholly his.
In this partnership with PURVEYR, this single reminds us that it is a fact of life that we move forward no matter what we do. We cannot turn back time, no matter how much we want to. In doing so, we are able to ruminate on what it means for Filipino culture and Filipino creativity, and the growing community around us who have the same aspirations as us.
Similar to “Pockets”, one cannot stop time nor hinder the present from continuously existing. We have the option to stop and regret, or move forward to become a better version of ourselves. And for Gabba and this partnership with PURVEYR, it will always be the second.
