Paolo Sandejas celebrates interconnectedness in debut album, the world is so small

 Filipino singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas releases his highly anticipated debut album, the world is so small—out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The 8-track release is a profound exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, reflecting the beauty in life’s emotional turbulence, particularly within the formative years of one’s 20s.

According to Sandejas, the world is so small isn’t just an album; it’s an anthology of moments that mirror the intricate web of human connections. From fleeting romances to enduring heartbreaks and the quiet hope that lingers through it all, Sandejas uses his music to explore how we are all bound by shared experiences.

“This album is divided into four thematic arcs, each representing a different phase of a relationship,” Sandejas explains. “The first two songs cover excitement of a honeymoon phase. The next two dive into mental health. The third set focuses on the challenges of long-distance relationships, and the final set covers the moving on stage and finding peace. Through these stories, the album paints a picture of interconnectedness—how no matter where we are in life, we are always tethered to one another.”

The record’s narrative follows a fictional young couple as they navigate the complexities of a romantic relationship, with Sandejas weaving bits and pieces of his own experiences into the songs. “It’s funny cause I can always say the songs are about the character’s experiences not mine,” shares the Sway act. “But I’d be lying in some ways because these songs are so closely based on my own life. That extra layer of ‘protection’ though helped me get even more vulnerable in the songs.”

The title track, in particular, conveys Sandejas’ vision of a classic coming-of-age love story, a cinematic moment where the couple parts ways, leaving the listener with a haunting sense of nostalgia. “When I was writing it, I imagined the final scene of a love story, and this song playing as the couple went their separate ways. That visual really influenced the sound. It’s definitely the most unique song on the album, and I’m so proud of it.”

Musically, the world is so small blends Sandejas’ raw, vulnerable lyricism with an eclectic mix of indie pop, alternative rock, and stripped-down ballads. The album’s sound evolves organically, drawing on various genres and sonic inspirations to form a timeless, cohesive experience.

“I didn’t consciously set out to create a particular mood when writing the album,” Sandejas shares. “Considering we had the unique challenge of creating this album remotely with me in LA and my co-producer Xergio Ramos back in Manila, I really think we did a great job! It’s always a joy working with him and I’m so glad he did this album with me.”

Check out the album track list:

1. your favorite song

2. sirens

3. moonlight

4. roses

5. just a song

6. manila to LA

7. all the time

8. the world is so small

To celebrate the release of Sandejas first full-length album, he will perform live in two special events in January 2025. The first, on January 10 at Nook Molito, features guest acts syd hartha, Leanne & Naara, and Jolianne. The second, on January 17 at 123 Block, will include performances by The Ridleys, Kenaniah, and SOS. Tickets are available for purchase at bit.ly/worldsosmalllaunch.