ROB DENIEL: SOUNDTRACKS FOR THE SENTIMENTAL

Rob Deniel’s music lives in the spaces between genre and emotion—equal parts rock, bedroom blues, indie-pop, and retro daydream. His breakout single "Ulap" didn’t just climb the charts; it quietly rewrote the rules for what OPM could sound like, racking up millions of streams and earning him a devoted following. Tracks like "Gabi," "Baby I Tried," and "Ang Rosas" further revealed his range, while newer releases such as "RomCom," "Miss Miss," and "Arrowmance" confirm what fans already know: Rob is no one-hit wonder—he’s a storyteller in constant evolution.

Fresh from a photo shoot session ahead of Ang Mutya ng Section E: OST Live in Concert this June 20 at the New Frontier Theater, we caught a different side of Rob—quiet but present, reflective but grounded. Off-camera, he opened up about the songwriting that shaped him, the vision guiding his next chapter, and the life lessons he’s collected along the way.

Let’s start with your songwriting—your lyrics often feel incredibly personal. When you're writing a song, where do you usually pull from first: your memories, emotions, or imagination?

A: It is a mixture of my imaginations and past experiences. For me blending all of them in writing my songs helped me expand this world inside my head. It generates creativity for me.

2. Can you tell us the story behind one of your favorite songs you've written—what was happening in your life at the time?

A: Sinta is one of my favorites, this song is also a fan favorite. It is a genuine song that talks about patiently waiting for the right person at the right time and accepting someone wholeheartedly without any hesitation.

3. Your music has this nostalgic, almost cinematic vibe that sets it apart. Who or what have been the biggest influences in shaping that signature sound?

A: Listening to my musical heroes definitely helped me create my own sound such as the Apo Hiking Society, Eheads, Itchyworms and Rico Blanco. But actually watching a lot of films and TV shows is a huge influence to me that it helped me a lot in terms of crafting this cinemtic romcom movie soundtrack vibe which I really like.

4. What does “success” in music look like to you now, and has that definition changed since you started?

A: At this point of my career, having to express my genuine self and touching other people’s lives through my music is the success for me. Yes as an artist it is definitely an amazing feeling to let myself express everything I want to express. But to inspire and touch other people’s lives is a different kind of fulfillment. It inspires me to create more.

5. Looking back on your journey so far, what has been one of the most affirming moments that made you think, “This is exactly where I’m meant to be”?

A: Performing at the big stages such as the Araneta Coliseum, New Frontier and other big festivals I performed on. Each time I perform at those big stages the more I realize that I am meant to be a performer and an entertainer. I really love how I turn in to this different version of myself that is more confident and extroverted than the offstage version of myself.

6. You’re performing in 'Ang Mutya ng Section E: OST Live in Concert’ soon. How does it feel to be part of a production that blends music and narrative in such a unique way?

A: It feels cool to perform in a very diverse crowd that not only appreciate the series but also appreciate OPM music. I’m also excited to introduce myself more to a wider audience that would help introduce other songs rather than the well known ones.

7. What kind of energy or message are you hoping people will take home from your live performance on June 20?

A: Rock N Roll energy. I want them to enjoy the music as much as they want. I also want them to feel inspired to love more and be the person they want themselves to be.

8. Let’s get real—when the spotlight’s off and the crowd is gone, what’s something people might not know about the version of Rob Deniel who’s just… Rob?

A: I’m just a chill, fun and clingy guy. I can get a bit quiet sometimes but I love listening to other people’s stories. I’m also a sucker for films and sports specifically basketball.

9. What’s one life lesson that your music career has taught you—something you carry with you, not just as an artist, but as a person?

A: There’s a right timing in everything. There’s no shortcut to success. Having the right amount of patience and eager to enjoy the process is a step to where you want to be. It is also important to make the people around you feel loved and cared about.

10. Lastly, for anyone who's loved your music from afar but hasn’t seen you live yet—why should they come to Ang Mutya ng Section E: OST Live in Concert at New Frontier Theater on June 20? What can they expect that they’ve never experienced before?

A: It will be worth every penny. If they are a fan of our music and the series, they will surely enjoy the concert. It is going to be a music festival like experience. Different artists, different songs, different feels.

Rob Deniel isn’t just making music—he’s building an emotional archive that feels like it belongs to all of us. As he steps into the spotlight at Ang Mutya ng Section E: OST Live in Concert, it’s clear that he’s not just performing—he’s sharing. And if his words have taught us anything, it’s that there’s always more to the story than what we hear in three minutes and a chorus. Catch Rob live this June 20 at New Frontier Theater and experience the songs, the stories, and the soul—up close and in full color.

Produced by BLNC team

Photography by Stephen Capuchino @stephencapuchino

Film by Ian Francisco @ianfranciscoph

Camera Operator: Adrian Alegre @unnecessaryfiles

AMIEL SOL

Grooming: Janell Capuchino @janellcapuchino

Hair: Kurt Andrei @its.krrtt

Styling: Dave Arden @daveardenstyleph

ROB DENIEL:

Grooming: Posh Torres @posh.torres

Styling: Rodel Briñas @rubrinas

shot at @zoomburst

Special Thanks:

Viva Records @viva_records,

Vicor Music @vivor_music,

Ivory Music @ivorymusicph,

Botejyu @botejyuphilippines