Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Iñigo Pascual

There are plenty of options when it comes to new music, but someone who should be on everybody’s radar is Iñigo Pascual. The Filipino actor, singer, dancer, and heartthrob will make his debut in America this summer when he releases his highly-anticipated solo album. It will put him on the map as a global superstar. Pop Culturalist spoke with Iñigo about the exciting year ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Iñigo: As a kid, it was something that was always with me. Seeing my dad perform on TV, in movies, and on the stage sparked my interest. I loved trying out new things—I did Taekwondo, basketball, but music was something that never left me. All these other things would come and go, but I never got tired of music. I taught myself how to play the piano, guitar, and ukulele by watching YouTube videos and reading chord books. Music has just always been in my life; I never really discovered it because it’s always been part of my life and daily routine.

PC: You’re a singer, dancer, and actor. Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Iñigo: Definitely music! I learned to love acting when I did theatre in high school. I did three plays and was part of the choir. I began dancing when I started doing ASAP, a variety TV show, but it’s singing that I naturally gravitate towards.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you learned being a part of this industry?
Iñigo: Never compare yourself to anyone else and do things at your own pace. If it’s your time, it’s your time. As long as you’re doing things for your heart and you’re passionate about it, you shouldn’t feel bad doing it. You shouldn’t be embarrassed to do things that you want to try. Also, have patience!

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Options”. What was the inspiration behind the track?
Iñigo: I made this song in Los Angeles with Harv [producer] and Felicia [songwriter]. It’s the second track that we did, and it was a team effort. When I got to the States, I had a couple of songs. The creative process is completely different than it is in the Philippines.

We knew we wanted to make a song that made you want to dance. Once the brass hits in the chorus, it’s like, “Dun. Dun.”, but lyric-wise, it talks about someone who has options, until that special someone comes into their life, and then no one else matters.

PC: You’re releasing your debut solo album in America this August. What can fans expect from the release?
Iñigo: Honestly, even I don’t know what to expect! It’s new music and a new style for me. That’s definitely scary, but it’s also exciting. It’s time for us to step up the Philippine music scene. We have the power and capability to make our mark on a global scale.

PC: If you had to choose one song that best encompasses the album, what would it be and why?
Iñigo: That’s such a hard question! I love all the songs that were given to me. They’re beautifully written and produced. But, for a song that describes the whole album, it’d have to be one of my compositions. I guess “Ride” or “Catching Feelings”. “Ride” talks about a chill love.

PC: You’ve had tremendous success in your young career. Is there a particular moment that sticks out to you?
Iñigo: One of my favorite memories is when I sang my original song, “Dahil Sa’yo”, and the audience sang the lyrics back to me. I always sang covers, so I knew people would know those lyrics, but when they sang my words back to me, it was a joy that I’d never felt before. It was a very emotional moment for me. I also love hearing when people come up to me to tell me that the song was their first dance or audition song. It’s those moments that remind you why you do what you’re doing.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the rest of 2019?
Iñigo: I’ll be hard at work. I love being able to work; it’s an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to release music, and I’m grateful for everything that’s coming my way. This year, I hope to collaborate with more foreign artists and international acts, and hopefully do more shows abroad and tap into the international market.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Iñigo: SpongeBob SquarePants

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Iñigo: White Chicks

PC: Favorite book?
Iñigo: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Iñigo: Newsies! No, no, no, Les Misérables.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Iñigo: One Direction

PC: First album you bought?
Iñigo: Justin Bieber’s My World

PC: First concert you attended?
Iñigo: Black Eyed Peas

PC: An album that you changed your life and why?
Iñigo: Michael Jackson: The Essentials. I remember making videos of myself wearing my mom’s skinny jeans because I wanted to dress up like Michael. I learned all of his songs and watched his music videos. I was obsessed with Michael Jackson—he’s the King of Pop. I feel like everyone who wants to be a pop star, singer, or performer remembers the moment that they watched their idol perform for the first time.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Iñigo: Black Mirror

PC: Hidden talent?
Iñigo: I can bend my thumb, all the way around. I can also do a good Donald Duck impression.

To keep up with Iñigo, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Options” when it’s released on June 28.

Photo Credit: Andrei Suleik