In this edition of City Writer PH’s Singer-Songwriter Series, we feature Leean, an emerging independent artist whose music blends folk, pop, and rock with heartfelt storytelling. Inspired by artists such as Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and some of OPM’s most respected songwriters, Leean continues to carve out a sound that is both personal and authentic.
Join us as he shares the inspirations behind his music, the challenges of being an independent artist, and the journey that continues to shape his artistry.
Thank you for joining us, Leean! Could you introduce yourself to our readers and share how your musical journey began?
I’m Leean Basaen, a singer-songwriter, recording artist, and performer based in Manila. I create a soulful blend of folk-pop and balladry, driven by raw lyricism and cinematic storytelling. Through my music, I explore the journeys of life, human connection, and self-rediscovery.
My musical journey started early—back in second grade, I was already hooked on singing. I’d sing along to absolutely anything playing on the radio, whether it was pop, upbeat tracks, ballads, or R&B.
By sixth grade, my father introduced me to his classical guitar and taught me proper finger-style plucking, with Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” being one of the first songs he showed me. From there, I became obsessed with learning chords, buying every guitar songbook I could find in bookstores.
Then in second-year high school, I took a massive leap. I was an extremely shy, quiet kid, but my passion for music pushed me to enter a battle of the acoustic bands as a guitarist and backing vocalist. Stepping onto that stage helped me conquer my shyness, and in that instant, I knew deep down that I was meant to be a performer.
I never stopped performing after that. That passion carried straight through high school and into college. During my freshman year of college, I began writing my own original songs, recording them simply on my phone, and uploading them on SoundCloud.
What first inspired you to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter?
My initial spark came from discovering acoustic singer-songwriters like Jason Mraz through his Yes! Album, even though I was already familiar with hits like “The Remedy” and “I’m Yours.” And Ed Sheeran through his Plus and Multiply albums. Watching them command a stage with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and their own words was completely fascinating to me. There was something so raw, intimate, and powerful about how they could create an entire world of sound and emotion on their own. Seeing how much story and feeling could be delivered through just a guitar and a voice inspired me to pick up a pen, start writing my own personal experiences, and chase that same incredible connection through music.
Your music is known for its heartfelt storytelling. Where do you usually draw inspiration when writing your songs?
Being naturally shy and introverted, I’ve always found it difficult to express my deepest thoughts and emotions through spoken words alone. But at the end of the day, no matter how quiet I am on the outside, I still have stories inside me that need to be told. Songwriting became my safe haven and my voice.
Much of my inspiration comes from the raw, vulnerable sides of human experience—navigating rejections, dealing with unreciprocated feelings, and processing the quiet ache that comes with those moments. Translating those personal heartbreaks into melodies helps me make sense of them. A lot of these deeply personal tracks haven’t been released to the world just yet, but they hold the core of why I write: to turn silent personal struggles into something honest and resonant that others might find comfort in.
How would you describe your musical style to someone listening to your music for the first time?
If it’s your first time listening, I’d describe my style as an evolving fusion rooted primarily in folk-pop-rock. To be completely honest, I’m still actively exploring and defining my sound because my influences are so vast. I listen to and draw inspiration from artists across generations, from the iconic eras of the ’60s all the way to modern music today.
A massive driver behind my current sound is Jason Mraz, whom I truly consider my music hero. I’m deeply inspired by his lyrical craft, his storytelling, and the way he seamlessly weaves energetic, groove-driven rhythms into acoustic folk songwriting. That’s the kind of atmosphere I aim to build: songs that feel intimate and story-focused.
Your recent releases have resonated with many listeners. Is there a song that holds the most personal meaning for you, and why?
The song that holds the deepest personal meaning for me is my third single, “Babalik Akong Muli.”
There’s actually a funny backstory to it.
Way back in 2017, my college classmate, Rem Angelo Calilung, asked me to write a melody for a coffee creamer brand’s songwriting contest with a track titled “Bagong Timpla.” I read his lyrics and composed the melody on the spot—which happens to be the exact melody you hear in “Babalik Akong Muli” today.
A few years later, in 2019, Rem completely rewrote the lyrics and retitled it. Fast forward to 2025: I really wanted to release the track, but I hesitated at first because I felt like it wasn’t my story to tell. But as I read through the lyrics again, a realization hit me: this wasn’t about a person—it was about my return to my first love, which has always been music.
On the surface, “Babalik Akong Muli” is an upbeat, sunny folk-pop song that sounds like a plea to win back a past love, repair a broken friendship, or mend strained family ties. It’s a mantra of accountability—acknowledging past mistakes and promising to return renewed, recovered, and healed. But beneath that narrative, it tells the deeply personal story of my own musical homecoming.
Back in my college days, I was intensely passionate about songwriting. But over time, I felt like no one was listening. I reached a point where I desperately sought validation for my craft, but received none. I started doubting everything, wondering if my writing style was off, if the vibe didn’t fit, or worse, if my voice just wasn’t good enough. Eventually, I decided to stop creating music to focus on a different path.
Rediscovering this song brought me back. It made me realize that this isn’t just a comeback; it’s a true homecoming. It’s written for anyone who ever had to set their passion aside and is finally ready to return—not out of a fleeting impulse or trend, but because it’s what they genuinely love and one of the core reasons life feels worth living.
I learned that you don’t need a crowd of thousands to keep going. Even if there is just a single person who believes in you, that is more than enough reason to keep creating.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process—from the initial idea to the finished track?
For me, it almost always starts with the melody. Whenever a line, a rhythm, or a chord progression pops into my head, I immediately get my phone and record a quick voice memo, just my acoustic guitar and some rough humming. At that initial stage, there are no lyrics or concrete concepts yet, just pure raw musical ideas.
When inspiration hits or a specific story takes shape in my mind, I go digging through those old voice notes. I start matching the emotion of the new concept with the recorded melodies, testing out which idea fits the natural rhythm and tone of what I want to say. Once I find that perfect match between melody and message, the true writing process begins.
When it comes to crafting the lyrics, my approach is heavily narrative-driven. I love taking a single specific moment or the events of a single day and expanding them into a complete narrative arc. I always aim for cinematic storytelling—focusing on sensory details, visual imagery, and emotional shifts so that when someone listens, they aren’t just hearing a track; they’re watching a story unfold in their mind from start to finish.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away after hearing your music?
Above all, I hope my music offers listeners a deep sense of connection—that reassuring feeling of “I’m not the only one who feels this way.” I want my songs to act as a gentle mirror for people’s own lived experiences, capturing everything from the quiet, heavy weight of longing to the simple, comforting warmth of everyday moments.
I’ve always envisioned my music feeling like coming home after a long, exhausting day, or sitting around a table with people who truly understand you without needing to explain yourself. Through acoustic melodies and honest lyricism, my goal is to create a grounding, safe sanctuary from all the outside noise. Ultimately, I hope it encourages listeners to slow down, take a breath, and notice the quiet beauty tucked inside life’s subtle details, whether that’s a shared meal, a familiar route home, or just the soft passage of time. If a song of mine can accompany someone through a tough season or make them feel a little less alone, then it’s done its job.
Who are some of the local and international artists that have influenced your sound and artistry?
Internationally, my biggest influences are Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Ed Sheeran. Their mastery of the acoustic guitar, rich storytelling, and ability to hold an audience’s entire attention have heavily shaped how I write and perform. I’m also deeply inspired by Michael Jackson—while I definitely don’t do any dancing on stage, his sense of rhythm, phrasing, and timeless groove have had a huge impact on how I structure melodies and keep a song moving forward.
On the local front, I draw inspiration from iconic OPM legends. Songwriters like Johnoy Danao and Ebe Dancel have taught me the beauty of raw, poetic storytelling and soulful acoustic arrangements. I also look up to Ogie Alcasid for his unforgettable melodic sensibility, along with classic bands like Side A and Cinderella for their timeless, heartwarming approach to love songs and arrangement styles. Blending these classic OPM textures with modern acoustic influences is really what helps define my sound today.
As an independent artist, what have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
As an independent artist, one of the biggest challenges is simply reaching the right audience—navigating the uncertainty of putting your music out there and wondering if there’s anyone on the other side who will truly connect with your sound, your genre, and your perspective. Alongside that comes the ongoing internal journey of finding my own distinct sonic identity and signature vibe, which can often feel like a trial-and-error process.
To be completely honest, overcoming these challenges isn’t something that happens overnight. I’m still actively in the thick of it. But I’ve learned to embrace that uncertainty rather than let it paralyze me. Instead of trying to force a pre-packaged sound or chase trends, I’m focusing on being consistently honest in my songwriting and putting the work out there step by step. I believe that if you keep creating authentically, the right listeners will eventually find their way to your music. Finding your voice isn’t a finish line you cross; it’s an evolving process, and I’m learning to enjoy the ride.
Looking back at your journey so far, what moment made you realize that music is truly your calling?
The defining moment happened back in second-year high school during a school-wide acoustic band competition. I was naturally a very introverted, quiet kid, but I joined a band for the contest as the acoustic guitarist and backing vocalist.
When we stepped onto that stage and started playing, something shifted inside me. I was so consumed by the passion for the music that all my usual self-consciousness and shyness completely evaporated. I felt entirely carefree and present in the moment. But the turning point came when the crowd erupted. Hearing the audience cheer, feeling the energy of our performance, and listening to them chant for us to play more songs was an unforgettable thrill. In that instant, experiencing how music could bridge the gap between my quiet inner world and a room full of people, I realized without a doubt that performing and creating music was truly my calling.
How has your music evolved since you first started releasing songs?
Although I’ve been writing original material since my college days, my official release journey only began in 2025 with my debut single, “Siguro.” Since stepping out into the digital streaming landscape, the evolution of my music has been driven by stepping out onto live stages.
Taking my songs to local open mics, performing as a front act for fan events, and connecting with fellow independent artists transformed my perspective. Performing live forced me to pay attention to how raw acoustic arrangements hold space in a room and how audiences respond to different lyrical moments. That hands-on experience has refined not only how I perform, but also how I approach writing, arranging, and producing new tracks. Releasing music and actively sharing it in live spaces opened doors that turned songwriting from a quiet, solitary hobby into an active dialogue with listeners.
Is there a particular performance or fan interaction that has stayed with you and inspired you to keep creating music?
There’s one interaction that genuinely stands out and continues to keep my fire burning. It happened at a birthday gig back when I had only released my debut single, “Siguro.”
A guy came up to me after the performance and mentioned that he had listened to the track on repeat—not just passively, but really paying attention to the intricate details. He started asking me all about the backstory and the underlying message behind the lyrics. What amazed me most was how closely he paid attention to the song structure. He specifically pointed out how the last two choruses evolved differently compared to the earlier ones and asked what inspired that arrangement choice.
Having someone not only stream my music, but deeply appreciate the thought and craft I put into writing it was incredibly validating. Knowing that there are listeners out there who truly listen that closely and care about the storytelling makes every late night of writing completely worth it. Moments like that remind me why I do this and inspire me to keep creating.
If you could collaborate with any Filipino or international artist, who would it be and why?
Internationally, my dream collaboration would without a doubt be with Jason Mraz. Having him as my music hero, it would be an incredible honor to sit down with him to swap songwriting processes, write a track together, and simply learn from his journey in navigating both the craft and long-term artistry. I’m deeply inspired by his ability to seamlessly blend acoustic storytelling with rich, groove-driven rhythms, and working together on a song would be a major full-circle moment for me.
Locally, I would love the chance to collaborate with Johnoy Danao and Janine Teñoso. Johnoy’s raw, poetic storytelling and timeless acoustic arrangements have been a massive inspiration, while Janine’s vocal warmth and emotional depth in her songwriting resonate so strongly with the kind of music I love to make. I feel like our singing styles and storytelling approaches would blend naturally together, and getting to share a microphone or write a duet with either of them would be an incredible learning experience.
What role does the Philippine music scene play in shaping your identity as an artist?
Growing up and creating within the Philippine music scene deeply shapes who I am as an artist, as OPM is inherently built on raw emotional honesty, rich storytelling, and a sense of warmth and community. Philippine music has a unique magic: it can take the most intimate, personal feelings, whether it’s quiet nostalgia, the sting of heartbreak, or the simple comfort of home, and turn them into anthems that people sing together, line for line.
Being immersed in this landscape constantly reminds me of what truly matters in music. It inspires me to keep my songwriting authentic, grounded, and deeply human. In the local scene, listeners don’t just consume music. They live with it, share it, and make it part of their own personal milestones. Knowing I’m part of that rich tradition pushes me to write with greater purpose, ensuring every song I release stays faithful to that classic OPM spirit of genuine emotional connection.
How do you stay creative during times when inspiration is difficult to find?
When inspiration feels hard to find, I’ve learned that I don’t always have to rely solely on my own life. I can draw creative energy from the stories around me. Observing other people’s journeys, conversations, or even public moments can spark a whole narrative in my mind.
A fun example of this is my debut single, “Siguro.” The initial spark actually came from watching Ryan Bang and Yeng Constantino talk about their story on It’s Showtime back in January 2022. Their story inspired me to write a song dedicated to the “what-ifs,” the “almosts,” and the quiet ache of a love that never quite had the chance to bloom. But to bring the track to life and make it truly resonate, I didn’t just tell their story. I wove in my own past experiences, personal regrets, and unspoken words.
By blending external inspiration with my own emotional truths, I can break through any creative wall. It reminds me that stories are everywhere, waiting to be told; sometimes you just have to listen closely to the world around you to find your next song.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months? Are there any new releases or projects you’re excited to share?
Listeners and fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months! First, I want to give a shoutout and congratulations to the Selda Community as we celebrate our 1st anniversary this July 2026. Being part of this incredible collective of singers, songwriters, and artists has been such a meaningful journey. We actively perform across various open mic events and cafe gigs around Metro Manila, which is where I love connecting directly with listeners. I encourage everyone to follow Selda Community on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on our upcoming gigs!
On the music release front, I’m thrilled to share that my 5th single, titled “Hapunan,” is scheduled for release this coming September 2026. The timing couldn’t be more special, as it aligns perfectly with National Family Week and the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga campaign. At its core, “Hapunan” is a tribute to the warmth of gathering around the dinner table with the people you love, whether that’s family or close friends. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down, cherish shared meals, and appreciate the simple, priceless moments of togetherness after a long day. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Outside of music, what hobbies or interests help you relax and recharge?
Outside of writing and performing, my ultimate way to relax and recharge is centered around coffee. I’m a huge coffee enthusiast, and I’ve developed a real passion for the craft behind it. For years now, I’ve been eyeing a proper espresso machine, though I keep holding back simply because I want to make sure I’ll commit to the routine!
I love exploring the nuances of different coffee bean varieties, roasting profiles, and various brewing methods—from pour-overs to cold brews. For me, brewing coffee isn’t just a daily caffeine fix; it’s a slow, deliberate ritual that allows me to step away from screen time or song drafting and just focus on the sensory details.
That passion naturally carries over into my travels as well. Whenever I visit a new town or city, my first goal is always to hunt down local, independent, non-mainstream coffee shops. Finding those hidden gems, experiencing their unique atmospheres, and tasting how local baristas roast and brew their beans is my favorite way to soak in the vibe of a new place and recharge my creative energy.
What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who are just beginning their journey?
My biggest piece of advice is to cultivate a deep sense of observation. Be sensitive to your surroundings and truly present when people open up to you about their lives, their heartbreaks, their joys, or their everyday struggles. As a songwriter, your greatest inspiration won’t always come from within your own personal world. Listening attentively turns you into a storyteller for others. Writing a song isn’t always about you. It’s often about giving voice to someone else’s quiet truth, translating their experience into something universal.
Beyond that, don’t wait for perfection before you start putting your music out into the world. Your early releases don’t need to sound like a finished masterpiece. They just need to be honest. Embrace the learning process, perform at local open mics, connect with fellow creators, and keep writing even when it feels like no one is listening. All it takes is finding one person who connects deeply with your message to make every bit of effort worth it. Keep observing, keep listening, and keep sharing your voice.
If you could describe your current chapter in life using only three words, what would they be and why?
The three words that best describe this chapter of my life are Passionate, Confused, and Hopeful.
Passionate, because music has been an undeniable core part of who I am ever since childhood. The drive to write, perform, and create original songs burns just as bright now as it ever did, if not brighter. It’s what keeps me waking up excited to pick up the guitar and turn real-life moments into melodies.
Confused, because navigating the reality of being an artist—especially balancing life, practicalities, and creative ambitions—can feel like walking through a fog. Like so many independent musicians out there, I often ponder the path ahead. The dream is to step fully into music not just as an outlet or side passion, but as a full-time livelihood. Wanting to bridge that gap between where I am now and where I want to be brings a lot of lingering questions about timing, direction, and how to make it all work sustainably.
Yet above all, I remain Hopeful. There’s a profound privilege in getting to pour your heart into something you truly love, and I hold onto the belief that every song released, every open mic, and every small step forward is building toward something meaningful. I’m hopeful that with persistence and patience, this passion will evolve from a cherished pursuit into my full-time calling.
Finally, do you have a message for your supporters and for the readers of City Writer PH who continue to discover and support your music?
To everyone who takes the time to stream my music, and to the readers of City Writer PH who are discovering my work, I want to send my deepest and most sincere gratitude. Knowing that my music finds a place in your everyday lives means more to me than words can fully express.
My greatest hope with every song I write is that it speaks directly to you, that every lyric, every line, and every quiet melody offers a space where you can pause, reflect, and feel truly understood. Thank you for listening, for connecting with these stories, and for allowing my music to accompany you on your own journeys. Your support is what keeps this heart beating and creating.
From heartfelt storytelling to melodies inspired by real-life experiences, his songs are waiting to be heard. Show your support by following his social media accounts and streaming his music through the links below.
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