From Tolosa to the World: Dren Zabala’s Rise Through Resilience and Sound

At 23, Dren Zabala is stepping into the spotlight not only as a Filipino artist and producer from Leyte but as a powerful storyteller, using music as a bridge between personal trials and global aspirations. From karaoke shy kid to EP- launching innovator, Dren is bringing something raw and driven to the independent music scene.

MUSICAL BOUNDARIES DON'T EXIST HERE

Dren’s sound refuses to stay in one lane. While rooted in Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rap, his real signature lies in how he blends them. It’s not just genre-mixing—it’s emotion layering. “I want to provoke the supreme emotions within each and every listener,” he says. Whether through lyrics or production, he’s focused on depth—on leaving listeners with something that lingers long after the last beat.

FROM SILENCE TO STREAMS

One of the most gripping parts of Dren’s story is the voice he almost lost. After suffering a four-year battle with GERD, which severely affected his vocal abilities, his comeback wasn’t just personal—it was poetic. His debut EP “Te Amo”, dropped on May 23, 2025, hit 80,000 Spotify streams in under a week. What started as hidden karaoke sessions has turned into a global audience. “I never lost faith,” he reflects, and that belief fuels both his music and message.

VISUAL IMPACT WITH A THREE-SECOND RULE

For Dren, music is more than sound—it’s a visual experience. He follows what he calls the “three-second rule”: grab attention fast, but never compromise substance. He approaches music visuals with the same precision as his songwriting, designing visuals that stick without overwhelming. “Catchy but never violating,” he notes—a philosophy that matches his bold but grounded artistry.

LOOKING FORWARD WITH FAITH

Studying Music Production at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Dren is committed to pushing limits both artistically and academically. He’s not only building tracks—he’s building a future. While collaborations are on the horizon, what stands out is his loyalty to the community that’s been with him since the beginning. “My dream collab? With those who are walking this journey with me.”