Words by Kelly Punzalan
I have an extensive list of foreign solo female artists that I’m very fond of–Ariana Grande, Ella Mai, and H.E.R. to name a few. It was a bit saddening that the most prominent OPM artists, especially in the indie scene, are mostly male apart from say, Reese Lansangan. Turns out I just wasn’t looking hard enough! There are plenty of talented ladies making a name for themselves, and here are some whose songs I have been playing nonstop since I discovered them.
5. ena mori
Photo from ena mori’s Facebook page
Ena Mori (stylized as ena mori) is a half-Pinay, half-Japanese indie pop artist. Mori has a funky, modern sound and her personal experiences are reflected in her heartfelt lyrics. She cites Lorde, Sigrid, Queen, and Prince as some of her musical influences. Relatively new to the scene, Mori has four singles out, with “Telephone” as her first release of 2019.
Song Recommendation: Got U Good
Stream her music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FW3vzEP2gQB3RQRNmR6ON
Follow her on social media: https://facebook.com/enamorimusic
4. Joslin
Photo from Joslin’s Facebook Page
Joslin is a part-time synth-pop singer-songwriter, part-time kolehiyana studying at UP Manila. Having become an official signed artist before she even finished school, it’s undeniable that this girl’s got talent. Joslin has released a ton of music in the last two years alone, all on Spotify, and she also has a YouTube vlog channel that you can check out.
Song Recommendations: Sayo; Carried Away
Stream her music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4g3Zay8Ajs9djD48KWN1tY
Follow her on social media: https://facebook.com/joslinicole
3. Kathleen Nicole
Photo from Kathleen Nicole’s Facebook Page
With a degree in Music Production in hand, Kathleen Nicole decided to turn her passion for music and songwriting into a career. The tracks from her first EP “Dear Diary,” will make you feel like a giddy lovesick schoolgirl again (yes, even if you’re a grown man).
Song Recommendation: This is Not a Love Song
Stream her music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Gu8YefWAVy0FW1x7S6rDS?si=zqUk1OwdRoCE9i9DdhBnOA
Follow her on social media: https://facebook.com/kqthleennicole
2. Mix Fenix
Photo from Mix Fenix’s Facebook page
This husky-voiced singer-songwriter released her very first album in 2014 and has been active in the local music industry since, not just with performing but also organizing events to showcase Filipino talent. Fenix doesn’t want to just make art; she wishes to protect and promote local art and music as well. She recently released a new EP entitled “SUNSET” that you should definitely check out if you’re into alternative pop/rock.
Song Recommendation: Mind Games
Stream her music: https://www.mixfenix.com/music
Follow her on social media: https://facebook.com/mixfenixmusic
1. Coeli
Photo from Coeli’s Facebook Page
Coeli is a singer-songwriter and cellist who has been performing since 2015. Her bright folk-pop songs are reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s old sound (before she went full-on pop diva) and are great listens for sunny weekend mornings.
Song Recommendations: Here Today; Magkaibigan o Magka-ibigan
Stream her music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1UinZrIrCaV8JER0SrAaxO
Follow her on social media: https://facebook.com/coelimusic
Who is your favorite OPM artist? Tell us in the comments!
