Tothapi hits universal nerve with jazzy pop single “Ulan”

 Bicol-based pop outfit Tothapi continues to make a name for themselves in the local music scene—thanks to their brand of heartfelt pop tunes that brim with crossover appeal. Their breakthrough hit “Celeste” has racked up more than 16 million streams on Spotify, fueled by the viral buzz on TikTok and a resounding co-sign from Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez.

Now basking in the glow of newfound popularity, the eight-piece band returns with their latest single, “Ulan,” a suave, jazz-laced tune that paints a vivid picture of a love that’s constantly shifting: hot and cold, much like the seasons.

Lyrically introspective and sonically lush, “Ulan” captures the experience of being entangled in a relationship marked by uncertainty and half-presence. It’s a modern love story told through someone caught in a loop of seasonal love, drawn back in only when it’s convenient for the other person. As the band describes it, it’s “falling in and out of love in the digital age,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with a generation navigating ghosting, mixed signals, and emotional limbo.

“In terms of the overall theme of the song, we made sure that chords and notes we used in the arrangement reflected an array of emotions such as sadness, grief, and desperation,” shares the band. “Just like the persona in the track, the chords and melodies are in a push-and-pull dynamic—never quite settled, always in motion.”

Penned during their senior high school days, “Ulan” comes from a place of earnestness and real-life experience. “It came from something deeply personal,” the band recalls. “But like most meaningful songs, it grew into something more universal, something that a lot of people could see themselves in.”

With their trademark blend of warm melodies and lyrical melancholy, Tothapi once again proves their ability to transform simplicity into something striking. Their sound is rooted in the honesty of their youth, their charm in the authenticity of their bond. Throughout the track, the group showcases not only musical chemistry but technical finesse.

“Every process of recording is a challenge to us, especially as a full band with different types of instruments, but our bond makes the work a bit easier,” they say in a collective statement. “We definitely tried to showcase that each of our band members can sing. In terms of the overall music production, we also did it in our home studio with the help of our very own producer, Beej. Every session we create becomes a memorable experience for us because we are not just a band; we have also formed a friendship that makes us treat each other like family.”

The story of “Ulan” continues with a music video set to drop soon. It stars Josh, better known online as “Golden Retriever Boy,” who recently went viral for his appearance on an online dating show and a cheeky TikTok video comparing his resemblance to Patrick Bernardino, ex-husband of TikTok personality Meiko Montefalco. Expect a playful visual companion to an emotionally loaded song.

Tothapi’s “Ulan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Stay tuned for the release of the official music video on Tothapi’s official YouTube channel.