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Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin explores the “inner weather of love” in really got me thinking —her latest EP under Sony Music Entertainment . Pivoting towards delicate soundscapes and lush arrangements, the 6-track release embraces a quieter form of introspection: the sonic treatment, pared down and intimate, leaning towards newfound openness in both sound and storytelling.   “I’ve learned to sit with simplicity and to trust that not every space needs to be filled, that silence and restraint can carry just as much meaning as sound,” Benin explains. “Because of that, I allowed the words and melodies to breathe more, and I think it creates a more intimate listening experience, like you’re just sitting in the moment with me.” Benin adds that it’s her first time writing a record entirely dedicated to love from a more optimistic perspective. “Having an EP that’s entirely made up of love songs is something new for me. It feels like a different kind of openness and a big part of...

After staging a two-night concert honoring the tenth anniversary of her well-received records, Human Eyes and Riverchild , Clara Benin marks the start of 2026 with the release of her new single, ‘ muscle memory ,’ out today via Sony Music Entertainment . Eschewing the pressures of virality in favor of pure, authentic storytelling, “muscle memory” packs a punch in its quiet moments and restraint. The song deals with the lingering presence of lost love: how someone you try so hard to avoid continues to linger in your thoughts, habits, and little reflexes long after the heartbreak. As Benin sums it up, “Like muscle memory, some people stay with you without you choosing to remember.”  She adds, “I liked the idea of muscle memory and started thinking about how it feels a lot like heartbreak — how your body and mind remember someone even when you’re trying to move on.” According to Clara Benin, the song was conceived on a random night, with her sketching out a chorus on her guitar. Mon...

Clara Benin will be releasing her sophomore album, befriending my tears (and then some) , on vinyl for the first time this August 17, 2025, in partnership with independent vinyl retailer Backspacer Records . First released digitally in August 2023 under OFFMUTE (a pan-regional label under Sony Music Entertainment), befriending my tears received widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant songwriting and intimate production. The release marked a significant milestone in Benin’s artistic evolution, highlighting her growth not only as a vocalist and songwriter but also as a producer and creative collaborator. The album explores themes of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and emotional healing through minimalist yet immersive arrangements. With contributions from Gabba Santiago , Sam and Tim Marquez of One Click Straight , and Francis Lorenzo , the album presents a sonic palette that balances ethereal textures with Benin’s trademark subtlety and sincerity. “This album holds some of my...

  Born On A Rainy Night: Celebrating 10 Years of  Human Eyes  and  Riverchild  is a two-night concert happening on  October 3 and 4, 2025 , at the  Manila Metropolitan Theater . Presented by  minsan studio , the special show reimagines Clara’s early work with a 30-piece orchestra, under the musical direction and arrangement of  Ria Villena-Osorio . Drawing from her 2015 debut album  Human Eyes  and EP  Riverchild , the performance offers a fresh, cinematic take on the music that helped define Clara’s voice in the Philippine indie music scene. “Human Eyes and Riverchild both came out in 2015, which was ten years ago now, and that honestly feels surreal to say out loud,” Clara shares. “To celebrate, I’m working on a special concert with minsan studio where I’ll be performing songs from those records, but reimagined with an orchestra. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing, and getting to do it for this show makes it even mor...

  Acclaimed singer-songwriter Clara Benin , prolific post-rock artist GABBA , and seasoned musician Kakoy Legaspi will be joining Johnoy Danao’s highly anticipated first solo concert Liwayway at Dapithapon , happening on March 14 to 15, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) in Manila.  Photo credit: JL Javier Location credits: UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Both Benin and GABBA are announced to perform on the first day of the concert, while Kakoy Legaspi will reunite with Danao on day 2.  “All guests are handpicked by Johnoy Danao ,” minsan studio head Jason Conanan reveals. “Each of them has played a crucial part in his music journey, both as collaborators and real-life friends.” Marking a milestone in his 25-year-career as part of bluesy folk band Bridge and an accomplished singer-songwriter, the two-day concert celebrates his work and career in a live setting, complete with an intricate setup and a 15-piece orchestra conducted ...

  Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin has dropped the deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album, befriending my tears , now available worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment . The expanded version, titled befriending my tears (and then some) , adds ten new tracks, including two fresh originals, five remixes, two live recordings, and a fan-favorite early demo, offering a deeper dive into Benin’s introspective musical journey. Reflecting on the process, Benin shares, “This deluxe version gave me the opportunity to explore the more nuanced aspects of music production—whether it’s about satisfying my curiosity with different sonic textures, reworking instrumental arrangements, or experimenting with vocal harmonies. I wanted to create something immersive, something that resonates both on record and in a live setting.” In addition to revisiting the themes of vulnerability and self-discovery explored in the original album, the deluxe edition features two brand-new tracks that c...