After six years in the music industry and a string of viral hits, Filipino singer-songwriter MRLD has finally released her highly anticipated debut album, ‘7th Sense’ under O/C Records.
The nine-track album, which dropped at midnight on March 7, showcases her artistic evolution and emotional depth, offering a diverse mix of genres that encapsulate her personal experiences.
MRLD, whose real name is Meriel de Jesus, is best known for her breakout track ‘An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You’, which also gained international traction with a Bahasa version. Now, she is taking her music to the next level with an album that she describes as a bold and heartfelt journey into her emotions.
According to MRLD, the album’s title represents emotions that go beyond the traditional five senses, with common sense being the sixth and 7th Sense capturing feelings that are difficult to articulate.
“These are feelings I can’t express in direct words,” she shared during her media conference. “It’s a mix of everything I’ve gone through—love, heartbreak, self-discovery.”
The album includes previously released singles ‘M.I.N.O.Y.’, ‘Sandali’, and ‘Lihim’—the latter featured in the 2024 Viva film, ‘Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang’. Meanwhile, the album’s lead single, ‘Hanggang Sa Magsawa’, serves as the emotional centerpiece of the record.
MRLD revealed that she initially planned to release a full-length English album but later changed her approach to better reflect her artistic growth.
“Before I made 7th Sense, I was planning to release a full English album, but it didn’t feel right yet. I wanted something that truly resonated with me,” she explained.
She described the process of selecting the final tracklist as both exciting and challenging, noting that her goal was to showcase her versatility.
“The album features different genres. I wanted people to see that I can explore various styles,” she said.
One of the most personal songs on the album is ‘Hanggang Sa Magsawa’, a deeply emotional track that MRLD wrote two years ago. The six-minute song, her longest yet, was recorded in one take—a testament to its raw and unfiltered emotion.
“This is the song that means the most to me. Even my parents and friends cried when they heard it,” she admitted.
MRLD also revealed that the song was inspired by a past experience in high school.
“I was in Grade 12. I had feelings for someone and gave them two chances, but in the end, I wasn’t the one they chose. It wasn’t serious, but it had a huge impact on me. Writing songs like this helps me heal,” she shared.
The release of 7th Sense marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MRLD. She is now gearing up for her first major concert at the SM North Edsa Skydome on April 27, where she will celebrate the launch of her debut album with fans.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, MRLD remains deeply connected to her craft, using music as a means of storytelling and self-expression.
“Writing songs is my way of coping. The meaning of my songs grows deeper as I get older. Music helps me heal, and I hope it does the same for my listeners,” she said.
Her album is now available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital platforms.
