Like a global beacon for emotion, Diego Gonzalez transmits heartache and hope around the world from his makeshift bedroom studio just outside of Seattle, WA. The 17-year-old singer, songwriter, and artist pours raw feeling into a pair of cushion-less broken earbuds (with frayed wires) hooked up to a finnicky old iPhone. He’s quietly captivated listeners around the world with an otherworldly D.I.Y. vision of alternative pop rooted in echoes of R&B, ethereal melodies and enigmatic production.
He recently downloaded BandLab, messed with the presets, and cooked up what would be his viral breakout “You & I.” It gradually reacted on social media before gaining incredible traction in Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia and Malaysia (a long way from Seattle). Between the original and “Sped Up” version, it tallied north of 33 million Spotify streams and counting in less than year. Signing to Island Records, he joins forces with international phenomenon Zack Tabudlo on a very special 2023 duet of “You & I,” paving the way for more to come.
Zack Tabudlo began his music career at a young age, from being a solo act, joining a group, then a duo, to eventually carving his own path as a singer, songwriter, and producer. He has established himself as an artist with hits like “Binibini,” “Pano,” and “Give Me Your Forever” and collaborated with various artists globally with the likes of Johnny Orlando, James TW, Billkin, Tiara Andini and Yonnyboii. In 2022, he emerged as Spotify’s most streamed local artist in the Philippines next to Taylor Swift and BTS. Zack believes that keeping his feet on the ground means maintaining his footing as he continuously runs towards his dream–to conquer the world through music. Because for Zack Tabudlo, “music itself was the dream.”
After his breakout hit “You & I” gained incredible traction garnering over 35 million global streams, Diego Gonzalez joins forces with Filipino singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo on a very special duet version of “You and I.” The 17-year-old flexes his stunning vocal range as evocative verses practically melt into the spacious beat and loose guitar. Meanwhile, Zack counters with an equally smooth cameo, elevating the track to another level altogether. The remix is out now via Island Records.
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