Every artist has a story to tell, and for Kinessa, music has become the language through which she shares her emotions, experiences, and personal growth. With a passion for honest songwriting and heartfelt performances, she continues to carve out her own space in the independent music scene while connecting with listeners through authenticity and vulnerability.
In this edition of City Stories, we sit down with Kinessa to talk about her musical journey, the inspirations behind her songs, her creative process, the challenges she’s faced as an independent artist, and the dreams that continue to fuel her passion. Join us as we get to know the person behind the music and discover the story that makes Kinessa’s artistry truly her own.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us how your musical journey began?
Hi! I’m Kinessa, a songwriter from Cavite who loves to write songs about everything from my personal journey and faith to simple joys like my dog and other “random things” under the sun.
My serious musical journey only began last year, but music has always been part of my life. I grew up in a musically inclined household and have been part of our church’s praise and worship team since I was a kid. Those early experiences taught me how music connects people, which is something I carry with me as I write and perform even today.
What inspired you to pursue music and release your own original songs?
I released my debut single just last June 2025. A year before that, I never imagined I’d be releasing my own songs. Back in 2023, I started watching live OPM gigs and was content just being in the crowd, though I also occasionally posted covers on IG. But in 2024, I met passionate and supportive friends who believed in my music. I started performing at fan events of my favorite OPM artists, Clara Benin and Janine, and the warm reception from the audience gave me the courage to keep going. Little by little, those moments built my confidence until I finally took the leap to share my own songs with the world. I figured maybe the songs that I write could make a meaningful impact and touch people’s lives. I hope I’m doing that now.
Your music feels very personal. How do your life experiences influence your songwriting?
I currently have three songs out on streaming platforms, and Kahulugan is the one that truly came from a personal experience. I also have several unreleased tracks that tell stories of my own journey and capture my emotions, learning, and realizations, and I’m hoping to release them very soon. But not all my songs come directly from my life experiences. I’d say I’m a deep empath, so I often write from different perspectives, sometimes inspired by movies I watch, or even from the point of view of my dog (like my song ‘I hate 8 to 5’). I love exploring how emotions can be expressed creatively through different lenses, whether they’re mine or imagined.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
My earliest musical influences were Brooke Fraser, Ingrid Michaelson, and Jayesslee. I think their mellow acoustic style just naturally shows in the way I sing and even write today. Eventually, I discovered OPM singer‑songwriters with similar sensibilities like Reese Lansangan, Coeli, and Clara Benin. Through their music, I learned that storytelling and authenticity can also shine through gentle melodies, which is something that I’ve also embraced in my own sound.
How would you describe your music style to someone listening to Kinessa for the first time?
My music style is introspective and witty, which I express either through figurative lyrics or unexpected plot twists. I love weaving emotions and stories in ways that feel both personal and imaginative to let the listeners see different sides of me with every song.
Your debut single Kahulugan carries a meaningful message. What inspired you to write it?
I wrote Kahulugan while I was recovering from burnout. It’s a figurative song that uses the imagery of fire to represent passion and purpose. The first and second verses capture the feeling of that fire slowly burning out and the exhaustion and emptiness that come with it. The following verses, on the other hand, reflect my recovery and how I found my spark again and reignited my sense of purpose.
At its core, Kahulugan is about rediscovering meaning through my faith. The first pre‑chorus asks, “Puno’t dulo ng kahulugan ay sa’n natin matatagpuan?,” while the second pre‑chorus answers it: “Puno’t dulo ng kahulugan ay nasa ’ting Pinagmulan.” It’s a reminder that the source and chief end of life’s meaning is the Source of life Himself.
What was the creative process like for A Ba Ka Di, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
‘A Ba Ka Di’ is actually the most different song I’ve written so far. It’s a detour from my usual introspective style, though it captures the playful side of me that I rarely get to show in my other songs.
The “A Ba Ka Di tayo para sa isa’t isa” wordplay actually hit me out of nowhere while I was commuting on my way home. As the ideas started flowing in, I pulled out my phone to record voice memos (while riding a motorcycle!). I just thought it was witty and cute that I knew I had to finish it the second I got home. I finished writing the lyrics in just a few minutes.
For this one, I focused more on creative wordplay than on the depth of the message. Still, I think listeners can take away that some things in life are meant for us, while others simply aren’t. And that’s okay. May mga bagay na hindi talaga para sa atin, pero mayro’n din namang ‘tinalaga para sa atin.
How has your songwriting evolved between your first release and your latest single?
So far, I’ve released three songs, each completely different from one another. I think every release reveals a different side of me. Not necessarily an evolution from bad to better, but rather a showcase of the different songwriting styles that I can offer. One highlights my honest storytelling, another shows my quirky side, and another reflects how I creatively write from unique perspectives, like my dog’s point of view. Each song feels like a new way of expressing myself and exploring what my music can be.
What is your typical songwriting process? Do lyrics or melodies come first?
It’s often a mix. For some of my songs like ‘A Ba Ka Di’ and ‘I Hate 8 to 5’, the melodies and lyrics just randomly appear in my head together. Kahulugan, on the other hand, started with the lyrics.
Were there any challenges you faced while producing and releasing your music independently?
Since I don’t pressure myself too much with numbers or metrics, my main challenge as an independent artist is being a one‑woman team. I handle everything, from the conceptualization to creating my own cover art and promo materials, and managing distribution. For A Ba Ka Di, I even rented a self‑shoot studio to shoot my own promo content, which I also post-processed myself. I make my lyric videos and other visuals too. It can be exhausting, especially since I also have a full‑time job that I need to prioritize, but I genuinely enjoy the process. I always say, it tires my body, but it keeps my soul alive.
As an independent artist, what have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?
As an independent artist, I’ve learned not to compare my growth with others. It’s easy to fall into that trap, but I’ve come to embrace my own progress and be grateful for the steady support I receive from listeners. Every small milestone means a lot because there was a time I never imagined being where I am now. This journey has taught me that growth looks different for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.
How do you balance your creative career with your other professional pursuits?
Currently, music is something I pursue alongside my full-time career as a Planning Officer. I think what helps me manage both is learning how to decentralize my identity from my work life and compartmentalize different areas of my life. When I’m at work, I give it my absolute best. But on my days off, I make it a point to spend time to recharge and pour my energy into life-giving activities like writing songs.
What role does storytelling play in your music?
I honestly believe storytelling is my biggest asset. I may not be the most technically skilled vocalist or musician out there, but my strength lies in my ability to creatively weave my thoughts into melodic stories. I love building narratives that tie together seamlessly and, more often than not, come with a plot twist that leaves an impression on the listeners.
Is there a song you’ve written that holds a particularly special place in your heart? Why?
I have an unreleased song titled “Pampang,” about embracing transitions in life and stepping out of your comfort zone. Life taught me that we grieve even the beautiful transitions. Sometimes we doubt our own decisions, especially at first, when everything feels difficult and unfamiliar. But eventually, we realize it’s worth it. The pain makes sense because it’s part of growth.
I wrote the first and last parts in different years: the first half back when I was lost and in despair, and the last half after I had already learned that lesson. So, it really holds a special place in my heart.
How do you define success at this stage of your music career?
I believe being successful, in general, means having a full and meaningful life. For me, the true measure of success lies in genuine connection. If my music can help even just a few people find meaning, heal, make sense of their own journeys, and more importantly, bring them closer to God, then I’ve already succeeded.
Are there any artists, producers, or songwriters you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
I have a long list, but my ultimate dream collaboration is with Reese Lansangan. She was actually the first artist who inspired me to write about out-of-the-box topics. She used to have a YouTube series called “Dissecting the Lyrics” for her Arigato, Internet album, where she explained the meaning behind every line of her songs. That made me realize the magic of storytelling through songwriting.
I’d also love to collaborate with The Ridleys, who were my very first favorite band. Benny (the vocalist)’s songwriting is incomparable, and I really aspire to write lyrics that convey the same level of hope and profound meaning as theirs.
What can fans expect from you in terms of upcoming music or projects?
I am hoping to release my very first EP soon. It’s a collection of deeply personal songs rooted in my faith and personal journey. These are the most vulnerable pieces I’ve ever written yet, and putting them out there is truly a faith-stretching step. But I couldn’t be more excited to finally share them.
What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who want to share their own stories through music?
My advice is to never let fear stand in the way of your desire to express yourself through music. I know exactly how that feels. Many times I’ve also held back out of fear of how others might perceive me. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we always regret the things we didn’t do far more than the things we did.
The things we did but shouldn’t have done will eventually pass, but the things we didn’t do but should have done are already gone. So take the chance, pour your heart out writing that song, share it and have no regrets for the ‘what-ifs.’
If you could describe Kinessa as an artist in just three words, what would they be and why?
Empathetic, unique, and creative. I’d say I’m empathetic because I write from a place of deep emotion and understanding, whether it’s my own experiences or others’. I’m also unique because I love exploring different perspectives and styles in my songs. I’m creative because I enjoy turning ordinary feelings and stories into something listeners can connect with in unexpected ways.
Finally, do you have a message for your current supporters and for those who are just discovering your music through CityWriter PH?
If you’ve stumbled upon this feature and discovered my work through CityWriter PH, I believe it’s not by mere coincidence. I hope my music speaks to you in the exact ways you need it most. And to those who have journeyed with me from the very beginning, the ones who believed in me before anyone else, I am beyond grateful for all your support. I hope my music and my dedication inspire you to pursue your own dreams as well.
Stay connected with Kinessa and be part of her musical journey!
From heartfelt originals to exciting new releases, there’s so much more to discover. Show your support by following her on all her official platforms and don’t forget to stream her music on Spotify! 💚
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uOhWWyn8nLl7Yd0LoaqLK?si=Vd52abqcS0u8DkdjQnqwcg
📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kinessa_music
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinessachispa/
🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kinessa_music
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