By Robert Requintina
P-pop soloist Zela has dropped her first album, "Lockhart," under AQ Prime Music, during a grand launch held in Quezon City.
The Filipino-American artist said the album has 10 tracks, six of which were written by her. The theme of her first album is empowerment, as evidenced by the lead single "ACE," which means "activate confidence to empower."
"These days, I want to use my platform for women's empowerment. Not just women, but for everyone," said Zela during the media conference. "But I really want to be the voice of women."
On why she chose "Lockhart" as the title of her album, she said, "My name is Zeila Lockhart. So it came from my last name."
Zeila, 24, debuted with the single "Karma" in 2023. Later, Zeila was honored as the Philippines' Top Pop New Artist of the Year at the 8th P-Pop Awards in December 2023. In February, she was also one of two Filipino artists who performed at the Waterbomb Festival in Manila, along with P-pop boy group BILIB.
"The Waterbomb Festival was my first big stage. I haven't tried the festival in South Korea before. But what was memorable was meeting Jessi, the main act for the second day of the festival. She also talked to me. She said, 'You are so skinny.' That for me was memorable because I really wanted to meet her," she said.
Actor-entrepreneur RS Francisco, also of AQ Music, said Zela has the potential to make it big in the music scene.
RS recalled that the team was organizing the group BILIB at the time Zela came into the picture. "Sabi ko, yan ang piliin natin kasi may potential."
Regarding plans for Zela, RS stated that the team had met with them to discuss a possible investment in Zela's career. "It is still being explored, so we can't talk much yet about it. So we're trying to elevate her so that hindi lang siya dito sa Philippines, but also abroad."
Looking back, Zeila said she was on vacation in the Philippines when she auditioned for AQ Music. "And then I got in. Now I have been here almost three years."
On dream collaborations, Zeila picked Sarah Geronimo and SB19. "I did a cover of 'Gento.' Naisip ko yun gawin since I am a rapper. Favorite ko rin yung song na yun."
Zeila also revealed that she was both bullied in the US and in Manila.
"Some say I have an intimidating aura. Maarte raw ako because I speak in English. But I am used to it. I ignore them," she said. Instead of being focused on negativity, I concentrate on writing songs."
Zeila said she was thankful that she could do everything on her own: she can sing, dance, and write songs.
"I do everything on my own. I don't have any group members. So I rap and dance. I have backup dancers, but I sing alone. So I think that's one of my strengths," she added.
"Lockhart" under AQ Prime Music is now available to stream on various music platforms.
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