Filipino-Canadian artist Pino teased the deluxe version of his EP “‘02” in an interview with Music Geek. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter-producer released R&B tracks “Pendulum,” “Can’t Leave Alone (feat. Avenoir & Maz B),” and “Perceive.”
During the interview, Pino traced his interest in music back to childhood, recalling how he would dance to Michael Jackson’s songs.
“As soon as I got into high school, I started experimenting in music. From there, I decided to go all in,” he shared.
The artist described his music as “nostalgic with a hint of modernity,” blending old-school and contemporary R&B.
He named Michael Jackson and Aaliyah as musicians who shaped his sound in terms of aesthetic and soundscape. Partynextdoor, Drake, and The Weeknd also influenced his music.
Filipino influence was deeply ingrained in Pino, who revealed that he grew up in a Filipino household and spent his childhood singing karaoke in the basement. In particular, he named the R&B classic “So Sick” by Ne-Yo as his go-to karaoke song. He also named Jay R and South Border as his dream Filipino collaborators, explaining his deeply embedded R&B roots.
When asked what music means to him, he described it as the perfect outlet and an audio diary.
“It heals, it definitely helps people go through hardships and everything else, as it captures every emotion. Music is a gift and a blessing,” he added.
He revealed that he often writes from experience rather than fiction. For instance, he would compose a song about relationships, either centered on heartbreak or yearning for a woman.
Discussing his EP, “‘02,” he explained that besides being titled after his birth year, he also paid tribute to early 2000s music, reflecting his appreciation for the era and its nostalgia.
Further appreciating nostalgia, Pino noted that the sound of early 2000s R&B continues to resonate with listeners across generations, appealing to young listeners eager to experience the era while rekindling memories for those who grew up with it.
Pino shared that “Can’t Leave Alone (feat. Avenoir & Maz B)” stands out for him since it was the first collaborative track he made with his friends Avenoir and Maz B. He recalled working on the song in his basement, starting with a Neptunes-inspired beat, and producing it the same night after completing the demo.
“The production, vocals, and writing, we all played an equal part,” with Pino on the drums and arrangements, Avenoir on the keyboard, and Maz B on the guitar. “In terms of vocals, we bounced off each other’s ideas and found which flow was the best,” he explained.
Following this, he highlighted the lyrics “Love you in front of the entire world. Girl, I’d never let this go,” noting how it transitions seamlessly into the pre-chorus.
When asked about another credited artist listed on the track, Pino revealed that “86” is a group they plan to launch, teasing new music soon. Aside from this, he noted that finding the right collaborators has been a learning process, which he fortunately found within the R&B collective Trnsprnt.
Another noteworthy track for Pino was “One Call (feat. Norah’s World).” The artist explained that it best represents him currently, capturing his vocal tone and production style. He also noted that it’s one of the songs he suggests when people want to hear his music.
Pino considers “‘02” as a deeply fulfilling project in his career. “It’s refined, and it shows the mastery of the music I started off doing.”
Ultimately, he also imparted advice to musicians striving to get their music heard, emphasizing that consistency, drive, and inspiration are essential for navigating the industry. Thoughtfully, he added that learning to advocate for themselves and their music is just as important.
Pino announced a B-side to his EP, promising more 2000s-inspired nostalgia with accompanying music videos.
