The Soundscape of Zelly Yu: An Exploration of Her Musical Style

Step into the captivating world of Zelly Yu, the talented singer-songwriter who seamlessly blends indie pop, country, electronic, pop, and blues into her unique musical tapestry.

With her latest single "Alien Girl" making waves, Zelly's soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics will transport you to another dimension. Embark on a sonic journey unlike any other with Zelly Yu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a musical family? Your (music) background?

I’m a 26-year-old, singer songwriter born and raised in the vibrant tapestry of the Philippines. A curious soul, and a creative individual that embraces the world's inherent goodness.

My upbringing, weaving through cities across Metro Manila, gave me an intriguing journey of finding my sense of belonging. Yet, within experiences, I discovered the beauty of adaptation and the diverse hues of belongingness.

My fondness for outdoor games resonates with my love for the spontaneity and adventure, while my passion for cooking weaves stories of creativity and warmth into every dish. My world is painted in all shades of blue, a color reflecting the depth and vastness of my spirit, mirroring the skies and oceans where i find my peace

My family loves music. We had a big karaoke business, and my mom was a singer in Japan in the 2000s. I practiced a lot singing songs by Celine Dion, Shania Twain, and other favorite karaoke tunes while growing up.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

What's incredibly captivating about music is that it has the power to speak directly to your soul. Sometimes, you stumble upon a certain song, and in its melody or lyrics, you find a profound connection. It's as if the music resonates with your innermost emotions, touching you in a way that's hard to explain. That's the magic of music — its ability to convey feelings, experiences, and stories, creating an intimate bond that transcends words.

Do you have a preferred genre?

I listen to different kinds of music based on how I feel each day. Sometimes it's lo-fi instrumental for a calming vibe, other times it's jazzy soul, rhythm and blues and there are days I'm into indie pop. It all depends on my mood at the moment.

Is there something behind the name of your new song, ‘Alien Girl’? Tell us a little about the song.

This song, Alien Girl, beautifully captures the themes of unrequited love, self-acceptance, and the struggle of coming out as a queer. The song touches on wanting to escape to a better place but feeling uncertain about being accepted.

It's about discovering who you are and hoping that love can make things better. The song is all about accepting yourself, finding the courage to be open about who you are, and understanding how important it is to love yourself, especially when things are tough.

A powerful message of embracing one's true self, the courage it takes to come out, and the importance of self-love in the face of adversity.

Do you have any other plans relating to this release? A video?

Yes! Me and my team are working on it, so stay tuned.

Do you create and release or do you plan each release? Any plans for an EP or album?

I would love to release a full Ep but for now I am working on releasing singles 'til EP is ready. Hopefully by 2024.

Are there any challenging aspects to writing and/or recording your music?

When it comes to writing, drawing inspiration from personal experiences is a powerful but sometimes challenging process. It's often difficult to articulate those raw emotions into a song's storyline, which is where having co-writers or collaborating musicians becomes essential—they can help fill in those gaps and bring different perspectives to the creation process.

Finding people who share similar values and understand your vision can be incredibly rewarding.

Recording becomes more accessible when the vision is clear, but as an independent artist, financial constraints often come into play. Managing every aspect of the process, including finding the right collaborators within budget, becomes crucial. This balancing act between creative expression and financial limitations is a constant challenge for independent artists like me.

Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply evolve in whatever direction it found?

My musical journey has largely evolved organically, taking its own path rather than following a deliberate, mapped-out direction. This approach has allowed for unexpected turns, diverse influences, and an openness to growth in various directions. While it might seem less structured, I believe this evolution can lead to greatness, fostering authenticity and exploration, hopefully culminating in a unique and fulfilling musical destination.

What is the best song you ever released and why?

It's a bit challenging to pick the best one since I've only released three songs, each with its own distinct journey. It's like they represent different elements—earth, water, fire, and wind. Each song carries its own unique essence and has contributed to the evolving story of my musical journey.

What song do fans seem to favor?

But for now i think fans are really listening to “Alien Girl” and “Wild Love”.

Do you, or would you like to, perform live?

Yes, I do enjoy performing live, although I often get a bit nervous because of all the attention on me when I'm on stage.

What song, any song, do you think would be fun to perform live?

When it comes to what song I'd find fun to perform live, I believe "Far from Home" would be the one. It holds a special place for me as it encapsulates the start of my journey as a female solo backpacker, and I'd love to share that personal story and who I am with the world through this song.

Share a funny moment or positive experience that has happened during your music career.

One of the most amusing and positive experiences in my music journey was when I formed a band within a single day. Two of the musicians, including myself, were strangers to each other. Miraculously, we managed to gather seven hours earlier to rehearse before the performance.

It was a creatively exhilarating experience to witness how music brought us all together. Sharing the stage with fellow musicians who hadn't yet experienced performing was a unique and joyful moment, showcasing the unifying power of music.

What’s more important to you, fame, or credibility?

For me, credibility holds more importance than fame. While fame might have its allure, credibility is the foundation that ensures a lasting and genuine connection with the audience. Striking a balance between both could indeed be significant, but credibility remains the priority as it establishes trust and authenticity in my journey as an artist.

If one artist were to perform at your party, who would get the call?

It’s definitely Taylor Swift!

Other than fame & fortune, is there something you hope to achieve through music?

Beyond seeking fame and fortune, my greatest aspiration in music is to be acknowledged as a great songwriter whose work inspires and touches people's lives. The power to evoke emotions and connect with others through my songwriting is the core achievement I aim for in my musical journey.

What is your favorite/best outlet to connect with your followers Instagram, Spotify, FB, Twitter, iTunes? How would you want them to follow?

I think its Instagram, Spotify, and FB tho my music is in all music platforms.