Photo Courtesy of HIRAYA Records
In a music scene constantly searching for fresh voices and honest storytelling, emerges as an artist to watch. Signed under Hiraya Records, the singer-songwriter brings a blend of heartfelt lyricism and modern pop sensibility that reflects both vulnerability and quiet confidence.
With her growing discography and a clear passion for turning personal experiences into relatable melodies, Dree represents a new generation of artists who aren’t afraid to embrace authenticity. Her music captures moments of introspection, identity, and emotion — wrapped in catchy hooks and sincere storytelling.
In this written interview, we get to know Dree beyond the music — her creative process, inspirations, and the vision she holds as she continues to carve her own space in the local music landscape.
For readers who are discovering you for the first time, how would you describe yourself as an artist?
I’d describe myself as a bubbly, sentimental storyteller who turns her feelings into pop songs. My music feels very youthful– like pages from a high school diary, but with a little sparkle and cheekiness to it.
I love writing about love, longing, little confessions, and all the in-between emotions that feel so big when you’re living through them. As an artist, I just want to capture those moments honestly and wrap them in melodies you can sing along to—so when you hear my songs, it feels like we’ve felt the same thing at some point.
How did your journey into music begin?
I’ve always loved singing as a hobby when I was younger. Then, I was around my mid-teens when I developed an interest in creative writing.
In the pandemic, I started mixing the two together because (1) there wasn’t much else to do, and (2) I wanted to explore creative virtual gifts for loved ones! So then came the first few songs I wrote.
It was in 2022, when a friend, HRZON, reached out to me and asked if I wanted to work on a song together, when I wanted to start releasing music on streaming platforms. After ‘See The Stars Glow’ came out, I realized that I loved sharing my songs with other people, and so I decided I’d write and release more songs.
What inspired you to start writing your own songs?
I’ve always enjoyed art– I loved watching pop artists perform onstage, loved listening to music and singing along– but I found myself wanting to create my own that would represent ME more.
So when I found out I COULD make art– write stories, write songs, write melodies– it was like a lightbulb turned on in my head.
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing it for the first time?
Youthful! Most of my music sounds so high school.
Which artists or genres have influenced your music the most?
My songwriting is heavily inspired by Taylor Swift for the storytelling, and Sabrina Carpenter for the occasional cheekiness.
I love Pop and Indie Pop elements because they always make me wanna jump around, so I incorporate those into my songwriting as well!
Do you feel your personality shows through in your songs? How so?
Yes! Most of my songs have a bubbly feeling to it– and I like to think I’m quite a bubbly person haha. More than that, they also usually have an undertone— may it be a secret confession or a cheeky remark— and I think that mirrors how I think pretty big about hidden meanings.
Where do you usually draw inspiration from when writing music?
My own experiences and feelings! I often write when I’m overwhelmed by an emotion or a feeling– may it be a euphoric one or a reflective one. So my songs are often written when I’m yearning for something or someone; missing someone; feeling sad; complaining about something; or being sentimental about something.
Do your songs come from personal experiences, imagination, or a mix of both?
A mix of both! Most of my writing comes from personal experiences because I like to immortalize memories through song, but I love adding magic to these memories or scenarios by being imaginative and adding exaggerations at times.
What part of the songwriting process do you enjoy the most?
The best part is loving the song as I write it. When I get excited while working on a song, I just know I’m gonna love it and be satisfied with it in the end.
That excited feeling reminds me that this is something I love doing, an art I love making, a part of me I love sharing.
How has being a Filipina influenced your music or creative perspective?
Growing up, I had always loved singing, and my family was supportive about it, especially when it came to singing at family gatherings. I think this love for live music that I’d see at family gatherings and events kept me interested in it and helped me build some confidence.
Growing up with this culture helped me see music as a source of love, pride, and family– which is probably why I am so passionate about it.
What does it mean to you to be part of the growing Filipino indie music scene?
I’m a proud Bisaya from Leyte. To be part of the growing Filipino indie music scene, I feel like I’m giving my home province a voice somehow.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners get when they hear your music?
I hope they feel like they’re feelings/situations were put into a song. I hope my listeners feel seen, heard, and in those feelings they feel a sense of comfort.
13. Is there a song you’ve released that you feel best represents you as an artist?
‘girl so cool’!! The lyrics really encapsulate what kind of person I am when I’m in love, and I think that’s a pretty big part of me.
What can fans and new listeners look forward to next from you?
More music! I am looking at 2026 with stars in my eyes, so I hope you look forward to it!
If someone is listening to your music for the first time, which song would you recommend they start with?
‘Sticking Around’ would be a reeeeally good first time 🙂
Dive into the world of Dree — discover her inspirations, creative process, and new music! 🎶 Listen and follow her by clicking the link here
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