Singer-songwriter Unique Salonga releases new single, “Reality Checklist,” under O/C Records, on Friday, October 15.
Unique Salonga’s Reality Checklist is a song that mirrors the narrative of multimedia artist Jaime Pacena II’s art piece titled Reality Checklist — a painting that captures a complicated romantic story, exhibited in Pacena’s Ordinary Days solo exhibition in 2018.
“Sobrang na-hook ako sa isa niyang painting. May single bed sa gitna at may nakalagay na “YOU,” “ME” at “HIM” sa ilalim nito. Pinangalanan niya ‘tong “Reality Checklist.”
Gustong gusto ko ‘yung idea na na-execute niya sa simpleng paraan ang isang komplikadong sitwasyon ng pagkabigo,” says Unique.
Captivated by the hallmarks of Pacena’s artwork, Unique rendered his emotions into a song that chronicles the intense sadness he felt upon reflecting on the story of Pacena’s Reality Checklist. While he never planned to release this track to the public, for it denotes a personal narrative, he later decided to finally share such masterpiece as he envisions this track as a tool to accept the past and move towards a new journey in life.
He shares, “Nag-spark lahat noong bago ako umuwi galing sa solo exhibition niya. Nakapag-usap pa kami at nalaman ko na based pala ‘yung buong exhibition sa isang personal story niya noong 2017. Mas nag-increase ‘yung sakit na naramdaman ko sa piyesang ‘yon at simula no’n, hindi ko na siya makalimutan.”
Unique has proven his inimitable talent through the years, presenting songs anchored with distinct and powerful artistic expression — both in lyricism and sonic experimentation.
His previously released tracks include Sino, Midinight Sky, and Huwag Ka Sanang Magagalit, to name a few. In 2018, he released his debut album, Grandma, followed by the PANGALAN: album in 2020.
Talking about the lyrics and sonic arrangement of Reality Checklist, Unique took a minimalist approach in crafting this track.
He shares, “Na-discover ko rito na kailangan mong matutuhang ibigay kung ano lang ‘yung hinihingi ng kanta. Habang ginagawa ko ‘yung Reality Checklist, marami pa ‘kong sinubukang idagdag na instruments kasi akala ko, kulang pa siya. Pero sa bandang huli, tinanggal ko lang din lahat ng ‘yon kasi hindi talaga sila para doon. Hinihingi ng kanta ay ‘yung maluwag na espasyo. Kaya ‘yon ‘yung binigay ko.”
In this latest single, Reality Checklist, Unique’s fashionable and evocative way of expressing his music is exhibited — highlighting his profound emotions and “soft side” when it comes to telling stories about love.
Published under O/C Records, Reality Checklist is now available for streaming on all leading digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
ADVT
