Why Taylor Swift Became the Unexpected Inspiration Behind Yeng Constantino’s Brave Choice
YENG CONSTANTINO – Singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino surprised fans after revealing that an international pop superstar played a key role in one of the most important decisions of her career.
Yeng Constantino recently shared how global pop icon Taylor Swift inspired her to make one of the bravest decisions of her music career: taking ownership of her own music catalog.
In an interview on MYX NOW, the singer-songwriter reflected on how Taylor Swift’s highly publicized fight to reclaim her master recordings left a lasting impact on her perspective as an artist. Yeng revealed that she had long been under a contract with Star Music, which handled her songs for several years.
“Meron akong contract with Star Music that sila ‘yung magha-handle ng songs ko for fifteen years, I think. Si Taylor Swift ‘to eh nung nakita namin na nilaban niya talaga na maging own niya ‘yung songs niya, [sabi ko] ang galing naman nun, ang brave nun. Pero hindi ko agad naisip na ah gusto ko ring gawin ‘yan,” she said.
It was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that Yeng began to seriously consider following a similar path. With live performances and television appearances put on hold, she found herself questioning the stability of her career and future in the industry.
“Pero nangyari ‘yung pandemic so nung pandemic, I think you also felt it na babalik pa kaya yung mundo sa dati? Magkakaroon pa kaya ng gigs, magkakaroon pa kaya ng normal na TV shows kung saan makikita pa rin ako that way katulad ng dati? And one of the things na talagang nakita ko is ‘yung potential of me owning my catalog,” she recalled.
However, the decision did not come easily. Yeng admitted that the hardest part was having to speak with her bosses at Star Music, whom she deeply respects and credits for helping build her career.
“I think ang pinakamahirap na part dun sa journey na ‘yun is to talk to my bosses kasi they’ve been so good to me. Sina Sir Jonathan (Manalo), sina Sir Roxy (Liquigan). Sobrang heartbreaking, as in umiiyak talaga ako nung nag-usap kami. Umiyak ako, [sabi ko] sorry po talaga, nagso-sorry ako that I had to do this, kailangan ko rin pong mag-isip for my future and also katulad nung mga nakikita ko nga sina Taylor parang it would be huge blessing financially for me kung hindi na bumalik ‘yung mundo sa dati,” she said.
Thankfully, Yeng shared that everything eventually fell into place. “Sa kabutihan naman Lord bumalik naman ‘yung mundo sa dati and here we are doing shows again, concerts, so doble-doble ‘yung blessings. Plus hindi naman ako nag-burn ng bridge with my bosses. We still see each other, we love each other… And they really understood kung saan ako nanggaling,” she remarked.
In 2023, Yeng released the EP Yeng REIMAGINED, featuring re-recorded versions of her past hits after finally owning her music catalog. Through this project, Yeng not only reclaimed her songs but also celebrated her journey as an artist, empowered, grateful, and inspired by courage, much like Taylor Swift herself.
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