Francisco Martin Releases Music Video, Gets Candid About Filipino-American Heritage
Photo by Easton Schirra Reading Time: 3 minutes
American Idol fan favorite has released yet another single from his upcoming EP, Manic. This dreamy video features a great narrative to match the electronic pop tune.
American Idol season 18 alum Francisco Martin recently released a music video for upbeat tune “hate you to love myself.” Within the video, Francisco is seen running to an old love, only to be rejected. Even though it’s too late for the singer, the video isn’t necessarily sad. At the end, he’s admiring her from a far once again.
The theme of the music video fits perfect for the song, since it’s about the signer coming to terms with his past behavior. In a statement, Francisco acknowledged that he was as “terrible person to be around during 2021,” he noted that his anger and anxiety led him to the deep end.
Even though Francisco acknowledges himself as a “terrible person,” this song doesn’t ever have a sad feel. “Hate you to love myself” does a great job of being a reflective song, that maintains its energy. Although the singer noted that “the subject matter can be heavy at times,” the song is so strong because it never takes a somber turn.
“Hate you to love myself” is apart of Francisco’s upcoming EP, Manic. Ahead of this song’s release, he dropped “Nobody Listens To Me” and “KISSING ON A BALCONY.” The upcoming six track EP features personal reflections on mental health, relationships, angst, and human disconnection in the age of connection. Francisco hopes to make a personal connection with his fans through his vulnerable tunes. Manic is set to release on August 26.
Francisco Opens Up About His Filipino-American Heritage
This singer recently got candid in a OP-ED about his life as a Filipino-American. Even though he was born in California, having parents native to the Philippines has helped him embrace his heritage. Growing up, he had his family close by, as well as a large Filipino community. At each gathering, Francisco was the main attraction, with music. He grew up surrounded by music, since his father wanted to become a musician.
Around the age of eight, Francisco’s father gave him a drum kit. One instrument quickly turned into another. Once he learned drums, he taught himself guitar, piano, production, and even songwriting. At family gatherings, the singer would put on a show for house guests. Around the age of 15 or 16, he began in a family band with his father. Even though he talks highly of the experience and notes that his path in music was created early in life, he dropped it all to attend college.
How He Embraces His Heritage in Modern Day
Francisco went the college route because becoming a musician wasn’t “a worthy career.” At the time, there weren’t many people that looked like him in the limelight. In turn, he swayed away from his heritage for a period of time.
“I didn’t want to be a “Filipino-American” artist,” he wrote. “I shied away from Filipino press thinking I could get pigeonholed and that it could affect what I wanted to achieve in the mainstream market.”
He went on to explain that he used to use skin bleaching soaps and wore big sweatshirts to appear fair toned to the public. His desire to fit in on stage ultimately led to the social anxieties he’s known for.
Now, with artists like H.E.R. and Olivia Rodrigo, Francisco feels more comfortable embracing his Filipino heritage. In present day, he’s still battling his anxieties, while also finding ways to embrace his heritage. He is now eating more traditional Filipino foods and writing songs in ethnic communities.
