Zack Tabudlo’s song “Naguguluhan” has gained listeners with its portrayal of unrequited love and emotional confusion. During a recent press conference, Zack offered deep insights into the inspiration, creative process, and personal reflections behind the song, giving fans a rare glimpse into his artistic journey.
The Heartfelt Inspiration
Zack emphasized that “Naguguluhan” is rooted in authentic emotion, drawn from both his own experiences and stories from his friends. He explained, “It’s a summary of a lot of just unrequited love, like you said. It kind of, like, sums up emotions.” When asked if he personally went through the kind of heartache portrayed in the song, Zack responded, “I think it’s a little bit of everything. But, it’s like the different experiences I’ve went through throughout the years and the stories from my friends. So it’s sort of like a a summary of a lot of unrequited love.” He further shared, “It’s also perfect at the time right now where I’m kind of messing around with different sounds. So it’s like the sound of this song sounds a bit familiar with my current listeners, but at the same time, it’s different.”
“I think it’s a little bit of everything. But, it’s like the different experiences I’ve went through throughout the years and the stories from my friends. So it’s sort of like a a summary of a lot of unrequited love.”
This ability to blend personal experience with a desire for musical experimentation has become a hallmark of his craft, which he continues to develop.
Songwriting process
Interestingly, Zack doesn’t just draw from his own life; he also writes using his phone, recording voice memos whenever inspiration strikes. “Right now, I have to admit, I do use my phone a lot when it comes to writing songs. Before when I was young, I would use to to write in the journal. But, also, inconvenient in a way for me because notebooks. So what I do is I put up my phone idea I just recorded my voice memo, and then I hop in my studio,” he explained. This modern approach allows him to capture fleeting ideas instantly and revisit them during production, demonstrating how he seamlessly combines technology and artistry.
Crafting the music
Zack emphasizes the importance of both sound and visual presentation in his music. When asked if he envisioned how “Naguguluhan” would perform live, he replied, “Yes. Right now, actually, in terms of vision also, the the way we did everything was I’m very hands on. I was sort of directed also the the music video that came out.” The song’s production is a deliberate mix of familiarity and novelty for his audience. “It’s because of the music production I did also. It’s fantastic. It’s really fantastic,” critics noted, highlighting the layered soundscape that he crafted intentionally to evoke intensity.
He shared how the song’s structure enhances its theatricality, “If you listen with headphones or, like, good set of speakers, you’ll hear some music production and then all of a sudden, it just drops out.” This drop heightens the song’s emotional impact and creates a sense of drama that Zack visualizes beyond the studio—anticipating how it would explode on stage with theatrical flair. “The final part is like a mic drop blackout,” he said, admitting, “The way I look at it, you the creative process is there. Did you also envision how you will perform it live and all the theatrics that would make it more dramatic?”
Artistic growth
Zack’s songwriting has matured over the years, moving from less profound themes to more introspective storytelling. His experience writing “Naguguluhan” was influenced by both personal growth and a deeper understanding of love and emotional complexity. “It also required a lot of maturity and a lot of growth for me to understand things,” he reflected. The song itself, born in the midst of writing tracks in the US, was a response to his desire to reconnect with his Filipino roots while exploring new sounds influenced by Western indie artists. “Naguguluhan was written actually in the middle of me, making tracks in The US,” he revealed. The lyrics are a reflection of his own love experiences, “I treated a girl properly. I was a gentleman. I did everything that is supposed to be done by a by a partner, but, unfortunately, it didn’t work.”
Formula for Hits?
Through his interviews and music, Zack consistently emphasizes that there’s no “formula” for creating hits. “If there’s a formula, I feel like everyone can write hit songs,” he said. Instead, he believes authenticity and adaptability are key. “It’s how you know how to adapt to people. You know how to adapt to listeners. I think that’s the real deal when it comes to writing hit songs.” Authenticity, according to Zack, is what makes music resonate and endure. For Zack, the key to sustained success is being genuine in his craft and enjoying the process of creating music he believes in.
“If there’s a formula, I feel like everyone can write hit songs.”
Navigating fame
Zack’s perspective on fame is refreshingly grounded. “I don’t think it changed a lot,” he said about how his life has been affected since gaining recognition. While he’s aware of the public’s recognition of his songs, he remains the same “kid,” rooted in his family’s support and a content, peaceful lifestyle. He’s also mindful of balancing his personal and public life, revealing that what he shows publicly is a true reflection of who he is. “What I show in public is who I really am,” he shared.
Despite his busy schedule, Zack finds time for his hobbies, especially going to the gym—“almost a year and a half of me going to the gym,” he shared. When not immersed in music or fitness, he enjoys spending quality time with his girlfriend, shopping for studio gear, and maintaining a simple, authentic life.
Moving forward
Reflecting on his career’s trajectory, Zack describes his journey as a “roller coaster, like, there’s a lot of ups and downs.” He’s learned valuable lessons from the industry’s challenges and praises seasoned artists like Billy Crawford for their influence and mentorship. “Billy Crawford… has been such an inspiration and influence,” Zack said. Though he initially envisioned a path in film—“I took up the course of film production”—he now prioritizes his music career but remains open to exploring acting someday.
His rapid growth as an artist, even within just a few years, impresses many, including industry peers who observe his maturity and authentic sound. Zack humbly attributes his growth to his continuous learning and adaptability, and though he’s still discovering new pathways, his mind is open.
Moving forward, Zack remains committed to creating honest, heartfelt music. When asked about future projects, he teased, “We’re definitely cooking something up for the fans,” hinting at exciting plans without revealing too much.
