Lorenzo has been featured several times over on Mendira.net as he continues to inspire others. This indie-singer lives in Bacoor, Cavite and attends school at the Technological University of the Philippines in Manila. After school, he rushes to perform in other parts of the metropolis or nearby provinces where he is a constant crowd favorite.
“Isa’t kalahating oras akong bumibyahe dala-dala yung gitara ko simula Bacoor papuntang school. Sobrang sakit sa likod dahil nasa loob ng guitar bag ko yung ibang gamit na kakailanganin sa school”, says Lorenzo. His guitar bag is undoubtedly heavy with instrument, books, and clothes readily for a quick change from his school uniform, usually in a men’s room inside a mall.
One time, he had to travel for another hour and a half to reach a destination in Quezon City for a gig, not minding that he had not yet eaten lunch and a dislocated finger still in much pain.
Lorenzo or Carl Laurence Sarcos Miranda is not actually a working student. His passion for music and performing before a crowd are balanced by school life, both at the same time.
His parents can support him financially until he finishes his electrical engineering course, but are sometimes vocal on a contradicting perspective. “Literal akong solo artist eh. Solo sa pagpunta sa gigs, maswerte na kung may mayaya ako na sasama at manonood sa akin, solo sa pagsuporta sa passion ko dahil hindi naman gusto ng mga magulang ko yung ginagawa ko.” Understandably, his parents are just as protective to their son.
Nor is Lorenzo new to the local gig circuit. Admittedly, his everyday routine is not easy, but he remains committed to his craft giving it 100% attention and yet sets his focus on getting a college diploma.
His effort is commendable, especially on how he handles his time as a musician and a college student. One time, he arrived earlier than usual at a gig and had time to contemplate on life. “Ako pa lang yung artist na nasa venue na at inisip ko kung bakit nga ba ako nagtitiis sa ganito. Pagod, puyat, gutom, at sandamakmak na gastos. Hindi ko naman kasi hinihingi sa mga magulang ko yung perang ginagastos ko sa pamasahe at pangkain ko tuwing may gig ako. Iniipon ko yun mula sa allowance na binibigay sa akin”.
He does not even earn as much as an indie artist but his love for the craft is a clear calling. Or he would hit the street for busking which he knows won’t pull in that much cash. “Basta ang alam ko lang, wala man akong kinikita sa mga gigs ko, nakakatulong naman ako sa ibang tao. Ilang beneficiaries na din yung natulungan ko dahil sa pag-conduct ko ng mga benefit gigs. Ilang banda na din yung natulungan kong magkaroon ng exposure at ng lakas ng loob para magtanghal”.
Alternative rock is his clear cut genre of choice. At a young age, Lorenzo knew his calling was to be a singer. He was a member of a church choir and already playing the guitar by seventh grade. In 2018, Lorenzo ventured as a low-key solo artist. “Nabasa ko sa Bible na iba-iba nga pala ang “calling” sa atin. May mga tinawag upang magturo, magsalita sa harap ng maraming tao, maging pinuno. At ako, alam kong tinawag ako para lumikha ng mga musika na magbibigay ng inspirasyon sa ibang tao. Isa nga palang buhay na patotoo yung buhay ko.”
Lorenzo continues to improve his skill as a songwriter, polishing self-compositions of which – seven are of heart break entitled “Four”, “Ikaw Pa Rin”, “Di Pa Huli”, “Pagtulog”, “Gabing Malamig”, “Maling Pag-Ibig”, and “Paalam”, and one is about love “Pangako”.
His ambition to penetrate the music scene has its purpose. “Mahal ko ang musika at hindi ako titigil sa pagiging isang artist hangga’t nabubuhay ako. Kaya sa mga nagsasabi dyan na “banda lang yan”, “mga walang pinag- aralan yan kaya nagbanda na lang”, “madali lang naman magbanda”, i-try ninyo din munang magbanda para alam ninyo yung hirap bago nyo husgahan yung mga artist na walang ibang ginawa kundi magbigay ng inspirasyon at kulay sa buhay ng ibang tao.”
The Prince of Hugot Songs, as he is fondly called has this to say: “Kung may kakilala o kaibigan kayong mga artist, suportahan natin sila at lagi nating ipakita na naaappreciate natin yung mga art na ginagawa nila. And thank you so much Smile Kazu Production and Kemisthree na naging saksi sa struggles ko at hanggang ngayon ay patuloy akong sinusuportahan.”
Lorenzo already has a game plan for his singing career. A band named after him, Lorenzo PH, may not be too far behind. But he also has to focus double time on his studies so that soon, he may be able to help more aspiring artists. Earning a diploma and passing the licensure examination may be his greatest gift to his loved ones. In the future, he’s not just indie artist Lorenzo, but as Engineer Carl Laurence Miranda.
