Filipino-American indie pop artist Labit has officially released his debut album, SOL—a heartfelt coming-of-age record dedicated to his grandmother, Solita, whose wisdom and warmth shaped much of his story.
Photo: Erica Hernandez
Now streaming on all major platforms, SOL brings together 18 deeply personal tracks that explore family, identity, love, and growth. With honeyed vocals, analog textures, and poetic, diary-like writing, Labit crafts songs that feel intimate yet cinematic—like snapshots from a life still unfolding.
“SOL is me taking stock of who raised me, what shaped me, and how to move forward with grace. These songs are about finding clarity: in love, in family, and in myself,” Labit shares.
From its opening notes, the album moves through moments of nostalgia, self-discovery, and quiet reflection. In “MANGOES AND RICE,” Labit writes an intimate love letter to his Filipino-American upbringing—complete with a music video that highlights heritage and community. “CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE” (ft. Emily Rowed) leans into emotional honesty, while “PARALLEL” captures the simple joy of realizing love was right beside you all along. Its video, set in a family Buick like the one his Grandma Sol once drove, ties memory and music together in a gentle, familiar way.
Elsewhere, Labit shows his range with songs like “ALL MY PLANTS ARE DYING,” a witty reflection on the chaos of adulthood, and “BETTER,” a tender track about choosing the right person in uncertain times. The record closes with “SOL,” a moving tribute to his grandmother and the guiding presence she remains in his life.
Since debuting in 2019, Labit—born Stephen Ordoñez—has been quietly building a global audience drawn to his emotional honesty and soulful sound. His singles have landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, with Southeast Asian listeners making up a large share of his top audience.
With SOL, Labit invites listeners to reflect on their own. It’s an album about home, growth, and the people who help us become who we are.
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