Manila-based artist Paco Pastor has released “Keep It Moving,” his debut single and music video under Philippine indie label Offshore Music.
Released on September 4, the track introduces the 19-year-old artist as he begins a new chapter in his music career, following years of independently developing his sound, creative identity, and audience.
Pastor describes “Keep It Moving” as his own interpretation of the familiar idea that “this too shall pass.” The song draws from his experience of continuing to pursue music despite uncertainty and the challenge of building recognition as an independent creator.
“At the time, I wasn’t validated for my art in music at all, and I was just an independent creator,” Pastor shared.
Signing with Offshore Music and working with management collective Waddle House Manila has since given the young artist a different experience of being part of the music industry.
“To be recognized by a label, have a manager willing to put up with my schedule, and have praise from people after I get off stage means so much,” he added.
A song about moving forward
The message of “Keep It Moving” is reflected in its upbeat production and emphasis on dancing.
Pastor built the song around a funky, fast-paced sound, using dancing as a metaphor for persistence. Instead of directly writing about struggle, he translated the feeling of pushing through difficult moments into lyrics centered on movement.
“It’s a funky feeling that keeps you moving,” he said.
The track also came together quickly. Pastor recalled being deeply immersed in the production and finishing the song in about an hour.
“Because of how quick-paced the song is, I knew it had to be about dancing somehow,” he explained. “So instead of writing lyrics that spoke in a literal sense, I translated the feeling of resistance and persistence into lyrics about dancing.”
Paco Pastor begins a new chapter
Pastor signed with Offshore Music this year and also joined Waddle House Manila, a newly launched local artist management collective.
As he introduces his music to a wider audience, the 19-year-old artist continues to perform at live gigs and use social media to connect with potential listeners.
For “Keep It Moving,” Pastor hopes to reach people who may be looking for a little optimism while dealing with uncertainty or difficult moments.
Rather than presenting perseverance as a heavy or serious concept, the song approaches it through movement, energy, and the simple act of keeping going.
“Keep It Moving” is now available on digital streaming platforms.
The official music video is also part of the release, giving listeners a visual counterpart to the song’s dance-driven concept.
Follow Paco Pastor on social media for updates on his upcoming gigs and music.
