Arzen Rose Dulzura

EXCLUSIVE: Kyla talks about her love of upbeat, feel-good songs

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Known for timeless hits like “Hanggang Ngayon” and “Better Days,” Kyla has long been celebrated as the Philippines’ Queen of R&amp;B, captivating listeners with emotional ballads and heartfelt performances. But beyond the soulful anthems that defined her career, the singer revealed that she has always had a deep love for upbeat and feel good music.</p><p>In an exclusive interview with <strong>PUSH ABS-CBN</strong>, Kyla shared how her musical roots continue to shape the kind of songs she enjoys performing the most.</p><p>“I&#x27;ve always loved, because yung roots ko talaga is really R&amp;B, soul, and jazz. So, I tend to really go for songs that have more rhythm,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778300150769NEW THUMB - 2026-05-09T121753.539.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>While fans often request her signature ballads during live performances, Kyla admitted that she misses singing energetic R&amp;B tracks on stage.</p><p>“I do have a lot of tracks from before na mga R&amp;B, na mga upbeat, and I miss singing them live. Kasi ngayon, they would always just ask, the audience would always just ask for songs na mga slow, mga birit, I mean, there&#x27;s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, it&#x27;s just so refreshing to do something more upbeat and has rhythm. Naka-feel good, di ba? So, I miss that,” she expressed.</p><p>Returning to the music scene after seven years with her full-length album, <em>Next Episode,</em> Kyla said she enjoyed singing her new tracks. </p><p>“I&#x27;m just really happy now. In this album, <em>Next Episode</em>, I have more of those songs that have more rhythm and [are] upbeat,” Kyla told <strong>PUSH ABS-CBN.</strong></p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-13" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DX6S-wKE72Y/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A13%2C%22os%22%3A6419944.199999809%2C%22ls%22%3A77084.39999985695%2C%22le%22%3A77562.09999990463%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="548" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-13" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>During an intimate media conference, the singer also revealed that fans can look forward to a deluxe edition of the album that will feature additional tracks, including “Tulad ng Dati.”</p><p>“We actually started some of the songs in 2022. Medyo nadelay because siyempre we are getting back on our feet after the pandemic. I&#x27;m just really grateful natapos namin siya last year and we came up with a lot of beautiful songs. We made it even more special kasi we are going to release a deluxe version of the album with a few more tracks,” Kyla happily announced.</p><p>Aside from new music, Kyla teased an upcoming collaboration that she believes fans will find exciting. </p><p>“Hinahanap ko po ang perfect song and mayroong collaboration with some artist that I think you’ll find more exciting kasi ako I’m so excited,” she added.</p><p>Released under Star Music, <em>Next Episode</em> holds special meaning for the singer, as several songs were inspired by her personal experiences, including the title track and the previously released single “Back to Bliss.”</p><p>The album also has Kyla collaborating with respected local producers and composers, including Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music’s Head of Creatives, Content, and Operations.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F803997558891710%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/10/5/ph-queen-of-r-b-kyla-grateful-to-work-with-jonathan-manalo-in-new-album-next-episode-0936"><strong><u>READ: PH Queen of R&amp;B Kyla grateful to work with Jonathan Manalo in new album ‘Next Episode’</u></strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>In a previous interview, Kyla opened up about the emotional journey behind finally releasing an album filled with original tracks.</p><p>“Sobrang tagal kong inabangan ang album na ito. We really worked so hard for this album, the whole process and all of it, the recording, the songwriting. It&#x27;s been a journey. It’s been really, really great, itong <em>Next Episode</em>. I feel so relieved na finally maririnig niyo na ‘yung ilang years na namin ginawa na album,” Kyla told <strong>PUSH ABS-CBN.</strong></p><p>She also expressed pride in the album’s overall sound and artistry, adding: “Lahat ng songs talaga is really R&amp;B and everything is really written well, produced well, and arranged well. I just can say na I’m really proud of it. This one is special and different… Personal ito kasi it is the first time that I wrote something based on personal experiences.”</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/10/17/exclusive-kyla-reflects-on-25-year-journey-says-she-s-gutsy-enough-to-break-the-norm-1801"><strong><u>READ: EXCLUSIVE: Kyla reflects on 25-year journey, says she’s &#x27;gutsy enough to break the norm&#x27;</u></strong></a></div>

<p>Kyla announces deluxe version of ‘Next Episode’ album and upcoming concert.</p>