MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Manila-based 19-year-old artist Paco Pastor officially releases “Keep It Moving,” a single and music video out on September 4. The release marks Pastor’s debut under indie label Offshore Music.
Inspired by the act of moving forward despite the odds, Paco Pastor wrote “Keep It Moving” as his own rendition of the term “this too shall pass,” connecting his personal struggle from when he initially started to pursue his passion for creating music, refining his creative identity, and trying to garner listeners all on his own. “At the time, I wasn’t validated for my art in music at all, and I was just an independent creator. To be recognized by a label, have a manager willing to put up with my schedule, and have praise from people after I get off stage means so much,” the artist shared, feeling grateful.
This year, Paco Pastor signed with Offshore Music, an artist-run Philippine label, and joined Waddle House Manila, a local, newly launched artist management collective.
In “Keep It Moving,” the pop performer stayed true to the song’s message by using dancing as its central image, reflecting the feeling behind the track: “It’s a funky feeling that keeps you moving,” and that is precisely what Paco Pastor wants everyone to feel when listening to his music. “I was lost in the sauce,” he said of the song’s production, noting that he finished the track in an hour. “Because of how quick-paced the song is, I knew it had to be about dancing somehow. So instead of writing lyrics that spoke in a literal sense, I translated the feeling of resistance and persistence into lyrics about dancing.”
Right now, Paco Pastor is in the phase of finding his audience by putting his music out into the world through social media and live gigs. For this new track, he hopes it reaches listeners looking for a little optimism in their lives and that “Keep It Moving” leaves people feeling positivity against any looming despair and uncertainty.
Follow Paco Pastor on all social media platforms for gig updates. Stream “Keep It Moving” now on all digital streaming platforms!