The stripped-down OPM track marks the new direction of his upcoming EP, to be released soon
After the renewed popularity of his OPM hit “Randomantic” James Reid returns to his mellow pop roots with his new single, “Sandal,” released under Sony Music Entertainment and Careless. Featuring stripped-down acoustic elements and smooth vocals, “Sandal” captures the enchanting vibe of his earlier work while balancing broad appeal with artistic finesse.
Reid once again shows his talent for transforming simple romantic gestures into captivating music. With “Sandal,” he delivers another serenade that holds significant promise both commercially and artistically.
“I wanted to reconnect with my musical roots, blending elements of my past work with a fresh sound and new writing style,” shares the award-winning singer-songwriter and label executive. “It’s also been a long-time request from my fans. Most of the songs on my new EP are written in Filipino.”
The track was co-written by Reid and Luke April from the Davao-based hip-hop and R&B group Playertwo. Together, they aimed to create a song that provides comfort to anyone going through a difficult time. Reid elaborates in his press statement, “The idea is that love embodies both strength and vulnerability, and I will be your sanctuary.”
Reid adds, “This song holds personal meaning for me. I wrote it for my girlfriend when she was having a tough day. I wanted her to feel that no matter what she’s going through, she can always rely on me.”
Produced by Tim Marquez, known for his work with diverse Filipino artists like Ena Mori and Zild, “Sandal” builds on the initial concepts presented by Luke April, adding a slow dance vibe to align with Reid’s new musical direction. Marquez had previously collaborated with Reid on the piano ballad “Hurt Me Too.”
James Reid’s “Sandal” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless.
