Vlad Bunoan

Miguel Escueta taps into public frustration in new album ‘Stand in the Fire’

Article (news)

Jude Cartalaba

<p>Music is rarely just about chords; it is about the climate in which it is born. </p><p>The latest album of pop-rock singer-songwriter Miguel Escueta, &quot;Stand in the Fire,&quot; echoes loud and clear as a timely call to arms — an anthemic piece of storytelling perfectly tuned to today’s turbulent times. It is a sonic space where collective resilience meets personal grit, capturing the public rage against the chaotic and often corruptive nature of contemporary Philippine politics, while demanding enlightened activism. </p><p>Yet, Escueta’s fire isn&#x27;t just political; it’s deeply personal.</p><p>&quot;The carrier single, &#x27;Stand in the Fire,&#x27; is an anthem about standing together for something a group collectively believes in,&quot; Escueta explained at the press launch held Tuesday, May 26. &quot;It’s a call to arms that can easily be applied to sports, corporate teams, relationships, and business.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177983905789419cb9881-5b60-4293-b2fe-4c5f0abb1acc.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>When asked if the track draws inspiration from the biblical reflection that gold is tested through fire, the entrepreneurial musician nods to the concept of endurance. For him, the song is a masterclass in holding the line, no matter how intense the heat becomes, to achieve a collective vision.</p><p>It is a philosophy he knows intimately outside the recording studio.</p><p>&quot;I relate that heavily to my coffee venture, Frank &amp; Dean Coffee,&quot; Escueta shared. </p><p>&quot;We started back in 2019, and then the pandemic hit. To make it through to where we are today? Building a company from scratch requires a lot of standing in the fire. Every day is a challenge. Honestly, building anything of substance or pursuing something creative forces you to endure the heat.&quot;</p><p>Remarkably, Escueta continues to juggle his responsibilities as both an independent entrepreneur and a restless creative, remaining vocal about his gratitude for being able to navigate both worlds without losing his artistic edge.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779839088917b6ac083c-5589-4993-9988-a15852132c8d.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The upcoming album serves as a definitive sonic portfolio, seamlessly blending nostalgia with fresh material. The tracklist features three previously released singles that fans will instantly recognize: &quot;Summer Dream,&quot; &quot;Pangako ng Bukas,&quot; and &quot;Bakit Ba Ganyan?&quot;</p><p>These are balanced by four brand-new tracks -- the title track, &quot;Handa,&quot; &quot;Honey My Love,&quot; and a raw, unplugged rendition of &quot;Summer Dream.&quot;</p><p>True to his collaborative spirit, he didn&#x27;t build this fortress alone. Aside from the sharp direction of co-producers David Lina and Juni Devecais, the album highlights a tight-knit circle of talent. Miguel’s brother, Mateo, stepped in on guitar, while his cousin, Paula Castillo, anchored the bass on &quot;Summer Dream.&quot; Adding further star power to the album is Hale frontman Champ Lui-Pio, who lends his distinct vocals to the powerful collaboration &quot;Pangako ng Bukas.&quot;</p><p>The album&#x27;s sonic textures were meticulously crafted in Manila&#x27;s notable independent spaces. The majority of the tracking was split between Big House Studios and Sunny Side Sound, with precise, minimal vocal and guitar overdubbing completed at Sound Weavers and Banana Rising Studios.</p><p>Escueta takes his hat off to his producers and trusted bandmates, David and Juni, for preserving the raw, live-energy essence of the tracks during production.</p><p>&quot;Stand in the Fire&quot; is scheduled to hit Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all major streaming platforms on May 29.</p><p>Escueta is officially managed by Arnold Vegafria&#x27;s ALV Talent Circuit.</p>

<p>Miguel Escueta channels resilience, creativity, and hustle in his new album “Stand in the Fire,” a blend of fresh tracks and earlier releases set to drop on May 29.</p>

Miguel Escueta channels resilience, creativity, and hustle in his new album “Stand in the Fire,” a blend of fresh tracks and earlier releases set to drop on May 29.