LA Music Review | Art, stories and advice
Mesmerizing, relatable, and totally on fire!
Hi ANNUHBAE, welcome to LA Music Review! Tell us a little bit about you and your art/music.
Filipino singer-songwriter ANNUHBAE went from busking in the streets at 15 and doing online performances at 20 during the start of the pandemic, to making her own music at 23. Characterized by a strong Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and Pop influences, her music and artistry lends itself towards the lost and the hopelessly romantic through heavy upbeat tracks. With lyrics that indulge in the dangerous yet thrilling lenses of love, ANNUHBAE embarks on a journey towards establishing her identity one track at a time.
In November 2022, she collaborated with US-based artist CeetotheJay on “WRÜ.” The Tagalog-English track is an RNB/Soul take on one-sided and long-distance relationships. She comes back with another track this year with “Half of Me”, an EDM-Afrobeat track about one’s fear of commitment (or lack of it), yet still choosing to risk it all for love.
Her musicality and lyricism is largely influenced by EDM/House artists from her childhood (Skrillex, Afrojack, Chainsmokers), as well as famous EDM/Kpop music today (TAEYEON, ATEEZ, Ariana Grande, etc).
Congrats on the release! What was your inspiration when you were writing this project?
Released on August 18, 2023. “Half of Me” is an EDM-Afrobeat track that I centered on the idea of not wanting to commit to a partner completely, because of a person’s past—mistakes, experiences, and trauma that comes with it. Despite all the risks though, there is still a thrilling relationship that awaits, that’s why people still indulge in it, albeit half-heartedly. On the other hand, it also shows the other party choosing to commit fully to their partners, despite knowing the love they give will not be reciprocated fully.
Watch the official lyric video of “Half of Me” below:
What is your vision for this project? What lessons would you like to impart with your audience?
More than forwarding a lesson, I aim for “Half of Me” to be a song that people can relate to—somewhat of a “universal experience.” By identifying them with the situation, I hope it gives them a clearer mind on what they’re getting themselves into, and in turn, question whether it is really something that they either want or deserve.
For those who compensate for less, that they know there’s more to love than half-hearted efforts. Those who are scared to love wholeheartedly, may you find someone who won’t hesitate to give their 100%. You deserve a love that is safe and genuine. (Apart from having to heal them first, before pulling someone into their mess, of course).
Start streaming “Half of Me” here:
What is your favorite part of this body of work?
The lyric, “Only got half, half, half of me / But you’re giving all, all, all of you” is my favorite for two reasons: 1) the situational awareness, and 2) the situation itself. The person knows already that it’s an unfair relationship and that it won’t end well, yet they keep crossing the line. Also a situation doomed to fail is (naturally) thrilling, since there’s no definite expiration date.
Future releases? Upcoming events?
“Half of Me” is my first release of the year. A few collaborations with local indie artists are also in the works!
Connect with ANNUHBAE:
