Cover BP Valenzuela (Photo: Instagram)
BP Valenzuela (Photo: Instagram)
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While waiting for BP Valenzuela’s comeback, here are some of our favourite songs from the self-made singer
Filipino singer, songwriter and producer BP Valenzuela has been a big name in the indie music scene since she started. Her music career began when she was 18, a freshman student at the Ateneo de Manila University, taking up sociology and anthropology. She later transferred to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to pursue music and has continued to produce her own songs and (extended play) EPs while performing at gigs and music festivals. She is currently on hiatus, and hundreds of fans await her return.
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Building
Her debut single, released in 2013, Valenzuela, was inspired by EE Cummings’ My Love is Building A Building. The first 30 seconds of the song have her reciting the poem to springboard into a piece about yearning—smoothly transitioning into an ethereal melody. Building would then be re-released in her debut EP be/ep in 2014.
Bbgirl
Born through a collaboration between Valenzuela, August Wahh, and No Rome, Bbgirl finely meshes together electro-pop and RnB to tell a story about desire. Released in 2017 as a single, it immediately became a radio hit and remains to be Valenzuela’s most streamed song.
Steady
Widely considered by many to be their comfort song, Steady offers a relatable narrative about overthinking and stagnancy in a relationship. Its melancholic tone makes for a great listen in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn when everything around you is quiet. The song was apt to be the OST of the 2015 indie film Sleepless, starring Glaiza de Castro, TJ Trinidad and Dominic Roco, written by Jenilee Chuaunsu and directed by Prime Cruz.
Also see: Singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo on his music, creative process, and dreams
Pretty Car
We’ve all wanted something that leaves us breathless or a night that leaves us floored. Pretty Car is one of Valenzuela’s first songs and it perfectly describes the frustration of living a monotonous life—all behind the backdrop of an upbeat tune that gets you inspired to welcome change.
Instead (Hold You Down)
A song that communicates fear—whether it’s through uncertainty or losing someone dear to you—Instead (Hold You Down) wishes for a quiet mind. Valenzuela’s lyricism painfully illustrates what complete resignation looks like. To lose the desire to fix things and to agree to be broken is something that many of us have been through.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
