In light of the elegiac tone reflected in social media circles these days, there are songs metamorphosing into healing music attuned to the somber times.
Caren Tevanny’s “Hiram,” released in March last year, is one classic example. Curiously it was dropped in digital stores just two days after the coronavirus situation was declared a pandemic. Thus, she had no inkling of the bitter narrative about to overtake the world.
She shared, “At that time when I released the track, iba pa ‘yung meaning ng song the way I interpreted it. But after the sudden turn of events, the song seemed to have chosen its own meaning in the context of what’s happening."
“Hiram” is a ballad featuring Caren’s soothing vocals, complementing the fact she’s dedicating the song to her mom. But as the pandemic prolonged the agony of the world, the song breathed its universal theme all the more.
For obvious reasons, given the restrictions on group activities, the completion of its official music video took a while to accomplish. But it looked worth the wait when it was uploaded on YouTube a few weeks back, as it pushed "Hiram's" mournful mood further. One viewer was prompted to say it’s a “very comforting song.”
Caren herself responded to those who positively commented, saying, “I hope that this video would remind us of the good memories we had with them,” referring to the dearly departed, especially those downed by the present difficult times.
Melody-wise, “Hiram” can take pride in its strongly smooth chorus. The final strain leaves listeners a couplet to hold on to: “Kahit pa nasasaktan, patuloy kang minamahal/ Sabihin mang nahihibang, patuloy kang hinihiram.”
Caren, backed by guitarist-singer James Mollo, drummer Mac Ty, and bassist Lui Rodriguez, plans to release new singles to beef up her track record of, so far, four digital singles, the other three being English tracks “Try,” “Serendipity,” and “Desire.”
With her personal fan base developed after being part of the hugely popular General Luna, many welcomed her solo career with open arms. She is said to be “ready to take the reigns by making use of the musical elements she immersed herself into to produce a more universal batch of songs.”
“Hiram” is a prime cut of what she intends to generate musically. Her trademark guitar expressions will always be there. But then she has added more than ever her own strong voice to drive her emotional messages right home.
Caren further explained, “Mas wholistic ‘yung approach ko this time around as I’m not merely focused on the technicalities of the sound or my guitar playing. Being on my own gave me room to be more experimental to some extent but approachable pa rin by most listeners yung musicality. Song is king, the lead (guitar) follows.”
Small wonder that “Hiram” features fine guitar licks in the instrumental part while keeping the whole thing standing firmly on the strength of its easily flowing melody and timely, or timeless, lyrics.