Coco Elise, an indie pop duo composed of Filipino-Australian musician Isaiah Quintana and creative partner Joshua Ellis, has dropped their new single, “Feel Like Rubber,” a smooth, jazzy track that explores the uncertainty of young love and the tug-of-war between commitment and freedom.
“At a certain point in your youth, you start weighing what you could achieve on your own—career, independence, personal growth—versus staying in a relationship that feels familiar and emotionally grounding,” shares Isaiah Quintana, who was born and raised in Manila before moving to Australia at age 14.
Co-produced by Calvin Bennett, the song is the result of nearly two years of creative development. Characterized by lush brass hooks and vintage-inspired harmonies, “Feel Like Rubber” exudes a laid-back, retro charm. Think of ‘70s soul and jazz, but this time, reimagined through the lo-fi intimacy of bedroom pop. Joshua Ellis cites Clairo’s Charm as a key influence for the track, particularly in its warm textures and nostalgic sensibility.
“I was listening to lots of Americana and a lot of Clairo and Kurt Vile,” Ellis explains. “I love how warm those songs make you feel. I wanted to do something similar that still felt like Coco Elise.”
Proud Filipino roots
While now based in Perth, Quintana has stayed connected to his Filipino heritage. On a recent visit to the Philippines, he spent time with family in Manila and reconnected with old friends and favorite haunts from his childhood.
He adds, “I was born in Manila and moved to Australia when I was 14. I try to visit as often as possible. I love going back to Manila, and it’s been awesome reconnecting with the place I grew up in. Tago Jazz in Cubao is an awesome spot I love going to, and I try to see as much live music, go thrifting, and practice my Tagalog when I’m back.”
More about Coco Elise
Drawing influence from jazz, dream pop, and lo-fi indie, Coco Elise has rapidly emerged as one of Australia’s most compelling new acts. They’ve received early support from Vice Australia, Rolling Stone Australia, and EARMILK, in addition to landing on multiple Spotify and Apple editorials.
In 2024, the duo opened for the UK’s Jazz Emu, made a standout appearance at Hyper Festival, and embarked on a national tour across Australia, culminating in a sold-out headline show in their hometown of Perth.
Their breakout track, “April’s Shoes,” released in early 2025, earned five Spotify editorials and was spotlighted on ABC’s Morning Breakfast show. The song also landed them on the cover of “Fresh Finds AU/NZ,” further cementing their status as artists to watch.
Following the release, Coco Elise continued to make waves onstage, opening for UK electronic icons Maribou State and sharing the bill with fellow rising Australian acts Playlunch and Little Guilt. Coco Elise’s “Feel Like Rubber” is out now on all digital music platforms via Gyrostream.
