Argel MDR, a Filipino-Canadian singer/songwriter from Surrey, Canada, has swiftly made his mark in the music world. He was a Top 10 finalist in CBC’s Toyota Searchlight 2021 and won the Music Category at the 2022 Surrey Art and Business Awards. His move from the Philippines to Canada at 15 shaped his passion, drawing inspiration from Sam Smith, One Republic, and Original Pinoy Music (OPM). Argel aims to empower fellow immigrants and Filipino youth through his music and stage performances, advocating for representation and anti-racism work. His single ‘Sail Away’ was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Philippines playlist, and he received a Pop Artist of the Year nomination and an Excellence Award at the Fraser Valley Music Awards 2021 by CIVL Radio 101.7 FM.
Name:
Argel MDR
Genre:
Electro-Pop, Singer-songwriter
Founded:
2020
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
EP: Reign
Latest Single:
Lose Myself Again
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Adele, Sam Smith, Beyonce, Motown Artists, One Republic, Coldplay
Favourite musician now:
Adele, Sam Smith, Beyonce, Motown Artists, One Republic, Coldplay, Charlotte Cardin
Guilty pleasure song:
Meaningless by Charlotte Cardin or Oh My God by Adele
Live show ritual:
Vocal exercises, lie down on the floor
Favourite local musician:
Kimmortal!
EP or LP?
EP
Early bird or night owl?
BOTH!
Road or studio?
Studio
Any shows or albums coming up?
I will be performing in Arts Club’s ELF: The Musical at Stanley Alliance Industrial Stage, from November 8, 2023, to December 31, 2023! I also just released my latest single, Lose Myself Again, which you can check through this link.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
MANY! But recently I have been going to Sushi Shun a lot!
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Marine Drive in White Rock or Mcbride Avenue in South Surrey, I just love to walk or run by the water. BC is such a beautiful place to live!
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Blackie Spit in South Surrey, Again, I just love being close to the water. For a more cheesy reason, I just feel more connected to my roots, as the Philippines is in the Pacific Ocean, and I feel somewhat connected to that ocean when I’m close to the water.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Surrey Fusion Festival! So many talented musicians and the food is always good!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
I usually go buy things online, but I love going to Long and Mcquade to rent stuff for gigs and other events I produce.
