Singer-songwriter MRLD brings Filipino music to Indonesian stage (Photo: O/C Records)
Cover Singer-songwriter MRLD brings Filipino music to Indonesian stage (Photo: O/C Records)
Singer-songwriter MRLD brings Filipino music to Indonesian stage (Photo: O/C Records)

MRLD brings Filipino folk acoustics to the Connx Off The Weekend Festival—poised to captivate audiences with her Bisaya pop-inspired music

“It feels surreal,” says Filipino singer and songwriter MRLD. “My lifelong dream was simply to perform on a stage, but now I’m blessed with the opportunity to perform outside the Philippines.” 

Recognised as one of Indonesia’s premiere music gatherings, Off the Weekend (OTW) Festival 2024 will feature the 19-year-old artist from Cebu as the sole representative of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) in its lineup this May 4 at Lapangan Rampal, Malang, Java.

“While I do feel a lot of pressure, I’m mostly fuelled by excitement,” MRLD shares. “Being the only OPM act on the lineup and headlining is a tremendous leap for me.”

More from Tatler: Why this Philippine founder and creative is putting the spotlight on Visayan representation

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The 19-year-old artist is the only Filipino act to perform at the festival (Photo: O/C Records)
Above The 19-year-old artist is the only Filipino act to perform at the festival (Photo: O/C Records)
The 19-year-old artist is the only Filipino act to perform at the festival (Photo: O/C Records)

The singer will share the stage with Singaporean act Sezairi and prominent Indonesian artists Vierratale, Nadin Amizah, Happy Asmara, Shaggydog, and Rumah Sakit.

Having been with O/C Records for three years under the mentorship of Kean Cipriano and Chynna Ortaleza, MRLD currently holds the top spot among female artists, with the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify, boasting nearly 4.4 million. 

Read more: The Odd Corner: Kean Cipriano on why backing up the ‘odd creatures’ matters in today’s OPM industry

Above The official music video of ‘An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You’ by MRLD

Her popularity extends beyond borders, with Indonesia alone contributing over 2 million streams monthly to her repertoire. Much of this acclaim stems from her hit track An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You, which has amassed over 140.5 million streams overall.

Other fan favourites are Ligaya, now with over 105 million streams, and Ikaw Pa Rin, with 73 million streams. Her latest single, Lihim, released on February 23, is catching up with 3 million streams.

Tatler Asia
“An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You” by MRLD is a hit in Indonesia (Photo: O/C Records)
Above “An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You” by MRLD is a hit in Indonesia (Photo: O/C Records)
“An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You” by MRLD is a hit in Indonesia (Photo: O/C Records)

“I’m eager to showcase who MRLD is. I have one song that’s particularly popular in Indonesia, and I can’t wait to perform it live. I hope to demonstrate more of my artistic essence and leave a lasting impression,” she says.

Tickets for the Off the Weekend Festival 2024 are available via www.connx.id.

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Angela Nicole Guiral
Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.