Hiya, I’m Tamtax. Thanks for having me in the virtual RGM lounge. I’ll happily grab a coffee and settle in!
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us a bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
I’m from the Philippines and currently based in Metro Manila. Music has always been part of my life, but I first became known to a wider audience through online content and live performances.
I’m naturally quite shy and soft-spoken offstage, so music became the place where I could express the louder, more playful and more confident side of myself.
Over time, what began as something I loved doing developed into a serious goal: to build my own identity as a solo artist and release songs that people can enjoy, relate to and sing along with.
What’s the live music scene like in Metro Manila right now?
Metro Manila has a very active and diverse live music scene. You can find everything from intimate acoustic sets and bar gigs to large concerts, festivals and high-energy events built around pop, P-pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic music.
Filipino audiences are very engaged, especially when they feel a real connection with an artist. At the same time, it is competitive, so artists need more than a good song.
You have to be consistent, entertaining and willing to build a relationship with people both online and in person.
Anyone we should be looking out for, apart from you, of course?
There are many exciting independent Filipino artists coming through, especially artists who are blending pop with local language, humour and everyday Filipino experiences.
I would also say people should keep watching the P-pop scene because it continues to grow and become more confident in its own identity.
Rather than naming only one person, I would encourage listeners to explore emerging Filipino artists on streaming platforms and social media. There is a lot of talent here that deserves an international audience.
Do you think it’s easy to become a victim of our surroundings sometimes?
Yes, definitely. The people around us, the pressure to fit in and what we constantly see online can affect how we think about ourselves.
It is easy to start measuring your progress against somebody else’s highlight reel. I have learned that you need to listen to advice without allowing every opinion to control you.
Your surroundings can shape you, but they should not completely define you. Sometimes the most important thing is to step back, protect your peace and remember why you started.
What are your ambitions as a solo artist?
I want to build a long-term career with a clear identity of my own. I would love to release more original music, create memorable videos, perform on bigger stages and eventually reach listeners outside the Philippines as well.
I also want people to see both sides of me: the shy person they may meet offstage and the energetic performer who comes alive when the music starts.
More than chasing one viral moment, my ambition is to create a catalogue of songs and a community that can grow with me.
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
Facebook has played a major role in helping me connect with a broad Filipino audience, and I enjoy the immediate interaction during live content.
TikTok is also exciting because music, comedy and personality can come together very naturally there.
Each platform has a different energy, but I enjoy the ones where I can respond directly to people and where audiences can participate rather than simply watch.
We believe it’s essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to different audiences. What are your thoughts on that?
I agree that artists need to be visible across different platforms because each one reaches people in a different way. Facebook is strong for community and live interaction, Instagram is useful for visual storytelling, and X can be good for quick conversations and updates.
At the same time, I do not think an artist should post exactly the same thing everywhere or feel forced to be constantly online.
The goal should be to understand each audience, use the platform naturally and still leave enough time and energy for the actual music.
What’s your view on the music industry today?
The industry is more open than it used to be because independent artists can record, release and promote music without waiting for one traditional gatekeeper.
That is a big opportunity. The difficult part is that an enormous amount of music is released every day, attention moves very quickly and artists are often expected to be musicians, performers, content creators and marketers all at once.
Good music still matters, but consistency, identity, storytelling and a genuine connection with listeners matter just as much.
What are your thoughts on AI-generated music?
AI can be a useful creative tool when it helps artists explore ideas, organise a workflow or experiment with sounds. But I do not think it should replace the human experience behind a song.
The imperfections, emotions, memories and personality of the artist are often what make people connect with music.
I also think the industry needs clear rules about consent, copyright and the use of an artist’s voice or identity. Technology should support creativity, not erase or imitate people without permission.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
I have learned that consistency is more important than waiting to feel completely ready. You can keep improving forever, but at some point you have to release the song, perform it and allow people to react. I have also learned not to treat every comment as a final judgment.
Feedback can help, but an artist needs enough confidence to make decisions and keep moving.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
I listen to a mixture of upbeat pop, dance music, P-pop and songs with strong hooks that immediately lift your mood. I also pay attention to music that combines personality with humour because that is close to the world of “Charot.”
My playlist can move from energetic performance tracks to softer songs depending on the day, but catchy melodies are always the common factor.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
One of the most stressful things is when something technical goes wrong just as you are ready to perform. There have been moments when the sound or backing track did not behave as expected, but the audience was already watching, so I had to keep smiling and continue as if everything was part of the show. It feels terrible for a few seconds, but afterwards it becomes funny.
Those moments teach you that stage confidence is not about everything going perfectly; it is about recovering without letting the audience lose the energy.
Got any fun or funny stories from life on the road?
A funny part of travelling for performances is the difference between my offstage and onstage personality. Before a show, I can be very quiet in the vehicle and look as though I am conserving all my words and energy.
Then the music starts and I suddenly become a completely different person. People who meet me for the first time are sometimes surprised that the quiet girl they travelled with is the same person jumping around onstage.
I suppose my stage battery only switches on at the last minute!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes, I am currently promoting my song “Charot.” The word “charot” is a very Filipino expression that can mean “just kidding,” but it can also be used playfully when someone says something bold, teasing or slightly dramatic and then tries to take it back.
The song captures that fun, flirtatious energy. It is light, cheeky and designed to make people smile, dance and join in. It also reflects the playful side of my personality and the kind of lively connection I want to have with my audience.
What was the recording process like?
The process was energetic and very focused on getting the personality of the song right. With a track like “Charot,” it is not enough to sing the notes correctly.
The delivery needs attitude, timing and a sense that you are speaking directly to the listener. We worked on keeping the vocals playful and natural while making sure the hook remained strong and easy to remember. It was also important that the production supported the fun of the song without making it feel overly complicated.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Every artist can hear small things they might approach differently after living with a song for a while, but I would not change its central character. “Charot” is meant to feel spontaneous, playful and full of personality, and I think that comes through.
Rather than keep reopening a finished song, I prefer to take what I learned from it and apply that to the next release.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, watched my content, shared my performances and listened to “Charot.” I am still growing as a solo artist, and every listen, comment and message genuinely helps.
I hope people enjoy the song, create their own videos with it and allow themselves to have a little fun. Sometimes life is already serious enough—so dance, laugh and say “charot” once in a while!
Thanks for having me. It was lovely joining you in the virtual RGM lounge!
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