When Filipino Soul Meets Japanese Beats
What happens when a Filipino indie pop/soul artist teams up with a Japanese electronic producer? You get SETSUNA — a fresh, genre-bending EP that captures the fleeting beauty of life’s moments while making you want to move to the beat.
Released by Muri in collaboration with Shigge, this 4-track record blends pop, soul, and intricate dance production, offering a unique soundscape that’s both emotional and electrifying. The title “SETSUNA” comes from the Japanese word for “instant,” perfectly capturing the project’s theme: impermanence in a fast-paced world.
A Sonic Journey Through Fleeting Moments
Created remotely between Manila, Tokyo, and London, the EP merges cultural influences and styles in a seamless, hypnotic way:
Afternoon – Starts breezy and chill, then suddenly shifts into an adrenaline-pumping drum n’ bass groove.
Bad News – Infectious grooves and pulsing beats that feel freeing and vibrant.
Midnight Calls – An after-hours anthem with late-night energy and smooth sophistication.
Sayaw – A bilingual dance floor delight mixing English and Filipino lyrics, soulful melodies, and heavy bass.
The result? A record that’s as unpredictable as life itself — playful yet profound.
Behind the Collaboration
Muri admits the project wasn’t always smooth sailing. Working across different countries and styles meant navigating unfamiliar creative territory.
“The first song we did together felt uncomfortable at first because it was out of our comfort zone,” Muri shares. “But in the end, that uncertainty made it exciting. We didn’t know how it would turn out, but we both loved what we created.”
This willingness to experiment is exactly what gives SETSUNA its charm — it’s fearless, boundary-pushing, and alive with personality.
Why It Matters to OPM Fans
Filipino listeners will love how “Sayaw” injects Pinoy flavor into a global collaboration, proving OPM can hold its own on the world stage. In an era where artists can collaborate across continents without leaving their home studios, SETSUNA is a prime example of music’s power to transcend borders.
If you’re craving music that makes you dance while also making you reflect, add SETSUNA to your playlist. Whether you’re chilling at home or out for the night, Muri and Shigge’s cross-cultural beats will keep you hitting replay.
