Filipino girl group KAIA has released a new song, “TANGA,” produced and composed by Zack Tabudlo. The track blends pop with a lightness and ’90s R&B flair, focusing on naive love and the relatable feeling of ignoring red flags in a relationship to hold on. The collaboration with Tabudlo was a dream come true for the five-piece Alphas. The song tells the story of choosing to ignore red flags in a relationship.
“At first, it was hard to believe that we were actually given the opportunity to work with him, especially since we’ve been fans of his music for so long,” the group shares in a collective statement. “From our trainee days and pre-debut era, we would sing along to his songs, and now, it feels surreal to have collaborated with him on TANGA. We’ve been preparing this song and keeping it a secret since last year, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you all soon.”
KAIA explains the rationale of interpreting a material that doubles as a cautionary tale. “When we first listened to the song, it made us feel less alone. It’s like a reminder that it’s okay to go through a phase where you feel ‘tanga’ in love, as long as you eventually find your way back. The contrast between the playful sound and the introspective lyrics makes the song even more special: it’s a journey of realizing your worth. And in the end, you see that the people who truly care for you, like your family and friends, have always been there to support you.”
Beyond lending his expertise as a songwriter and producer, Zack was integral in adding a unique dimension to KAIA’s well-roundedness, allowing them to showcase their range and versatility with a more nuanced approach.
According to the Walang Biruan phenoms, the award-winning chart-topper was very detail-oriented as a collaborator, pushing them to own their artistry in the recording booth, which, it turns out, was his home.
“The whole process felt so organic,” KAIA describes the collaborative process between them and Zack. “He encouraged us to be looser and freer in creating our own ad-libs and melodies. Zack also introduced us to new styles and techniques, which made the experience even more exciting. Seeing how he works and how effortlessly he brings a song to life was truly inspiring.”
With “TANGA” marking a pivot to an interesting sonic direction for the girl group, KAIA is currently gearing up for their upcoming EP, which they hint will feature “new styles, fresh vibes, and music that truly represents us.”
KAIA’s “TANGA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
