Lauv visits Manila and showcases his 'potential'

Manila recently got a front row seat to globally-celebrated music artist Lauv, just as the multi-platinum and certified chart-topping singer, songwriter, producer, and music instrumentalist released "Potential," his first single and music video for the year.

With over 14 billion global streams and more than 18 million monthly Spotify listeners, the incredibly talented artist has earned quite the reputation for being a master storyteller. That mastery was on full display in his latest visit to the Philippines, enchanting everyone with his immense talent combined with his unique charisma.

Music Geek was first on the scene to cover the whole thing and sat down with him for an exclusive interview.

You've been to Manila many times already. What stood out the most from your memories of Manila and how is it so far?

I think, honestly, the first time that I came here, I played some really crazy mall shows. It is actually hard to pick because also when I came here, I shot our music video for "Sad Forever" which is really a special moment. Every time I've been here has been so sick! So awesome!

How was the shoot at the Manila Cathedral which went viral on TikTok?

That was fun! That was like we woke up when we flew in. We got in like six in the morning and then we're like let's go straight to shoot some content. I went to the cathedral which was really cool! It's beautiful!

What is your creative and songwriting process?

My writing process is like very random like it just kind of happens out of nowhere. Usually, I feel like I'm just like living life and something more heavy. I spend too much time in the studio which I do a lot, otherwise, I don't really get good songs that way and usually the best songs happen when I was just flowing or living a life.

Is songwriting cathartic for you? Can you talk a little bit about this?

Very cathartic, yeah! For me, it's really hard to figure out what I am feeling. Like I feel like without songwriting, I am footed. I'm just like what is happening? I mean it.

What is "Potential" all about? What is the inspiration behind the song?

"Potential" is the first song off my next album. It is basically about realizing you have feelings for somebody that you think is a friend and you're like, okay, I was thought of us as friends but I feel like there might something more going on here for me. And I'm kind of dreaming of that potential with that person.

How does it differ from all the singles you've released, production-wise?

I would say it's got some of the similar vibes but has slightly guitar to me. It has a slight country-ish vibe, randomly. But I don't know, I like it!

What can your fans expect from your new album? Is "Potential" a preview on how your new album will sound like?

Yes and no. There is a lot of different sounds on the album. There are some sad songs. There are some dance-y songs. There's a lot of good vibes but overall I think it's definitely a peek into the direction near doing stuff where I'm going.

Your single "I Like Me Better" has been streamed over 1.7 billion times on Spotify alone. Overall, you have 14 billion streams and counting. What do you think made people resonate with the songs you've released?

I don't know! If I knew, I feel like I would just do it over and over again. I'd like to think just honest, heartfelt songs.

Looking at your streaming numbers, the Philippines is in your top two — how does it feel to have so many listeners from this side of the world?

It actually blows my mind because I never expected when I started making music that I would have fans. That I would live in LA and have fans all over in the Philippines. Anything like that, I totally never expected it so I feel very honored and I love coming here and all over Asia. I have so much fun! I'm very lucky!

What is music to you?

Music is way too much. I do too much music. I love it. It is my everything, sadly and gratefully.

Having collaborated with so many artists (Twice, Lay Zhang, etc.), do you still have dream collaborations?

I would love to collaborate with Chris Martin from Coldplay and also with Taylor Swift. There's a lot of people.

What is your message to your fans in the Philippines?

Just thank you above all for supporting me for so long. For supporting me during those hard times in my life. For showing me what it's like to be loved. I really appreciate you and I love you back very much. I can't wait to keep coming here so I won't be done doing it.