We sat down with HILLARI, the rising star, during her recent trip to the Philippines for an exclusive sneak peek into her upcoming collaboration set to release on October 20. Despite her fast-paced journey, this Norwegian-Filipino artist remains grounded and grateful. “I feel extremely thankful, humbled, and honored that God has blessed me with this opportunity. It truly is a dream come true, and I’m living my dream,” says HILLARI.
HILLARI, born in Oslo and having spent a part of her childhood in Bacolod, is an 18-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist who is quickly making an impact in the R&B and Soul scene. She fully committed to her musical career in late 2021 and has since played 16 concerts in Norway and Canada. Working with esteemed producers and songwriters such as Sonic Major, Yakob, Ari Pensmith, and Camper, she won the prestigious NRK P3 award “Årets Urørt” (Rookie of the Year) with her debut single “Hopeful.” The talented artist released her debut EP “How Is Your Soul?” in July 2023, which included the hit track “Loyal,” ranking #10 on the Spotify Viral 50 chart in the Philippines.
Collaborating with fellow emerging star Jolianne, HILLARI is set to captivate audiences with a reimagined version of their song “Loyal” on October 20. Additionally, don’t miss HILLARI’s second acoustic night at 8 p.m. this Saturday, October 21, at Almusal Cafe in The Pop Up, Katipunan.
In an exclusive interview, we had the opportunity to sit down with HILLARI during her trip to the Philippines. The following conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Could you share with us how your collaboration with Jolianne came about? “Our teams introduced us to each other, and during our call, we instantly connected and vibed. It was as simple as ‘I like you and your music. Let’s do a remix, let’s collaborate.’ I genuinely love her sound, and it seemed like the feeling was mutual. The whole process felt organic and natural,” explains HILLARI.
Diving into the song “Loyal,” it’s refreshing to see a track that focuses on working on the relationship rather than heartbreak. Can you tell us about the creative process behind this song? “I was jamming by myself in my bedroom in Oslo when the idea for ‘Loyal’ struck me. I don’t typically plan what I want to write about, but this song came together in under an hour. It felt genuine, quick, and right,” HILLARI shares.
HILLARI elaborates on the inspiration behind the song: “I was inspired by the relationships in today’s world. I wanted to capture the trust issues we often face with each other. But what I wanted to convey is that just because doubt presents itself, we have the choice to trust each other, even when it’s difficult.”
When asked if the song was based on personal experience, HILLARI reveals, “I haven’t personally experienced this kind of relationship, but I see it happening around me so often that I became inspired by it. It felt like I was living through it. ‘Loyal’ is relatable, not just in a romantic context but also in friendships. Everyone can connect to it.”
We inquire about the significance of her music’s success in the Philippines and what it means to her. HILLARI responds, “It is a tremendous honor, and I feel incredibly humbled. In Norway, R&B and Soul aren’t as widely appreciated. So, when I see how my music resonates with people, especially Filipinos, it touches my heart. It is particularly meaningful because the Philippines is my home country.”
As an artist who began her full-time music career just a year and a half ago, HILLARI reflects on her journey. “Everything has been happening so quickly, exceeding my expectations. I’m still amazed at where I am today, but it’s the result of hard work from me and my team. I am truly grateful and honored that God has blessed me in this way. It is a dream come true,” HILLARI expresses.
When the conversation turns to overwhelm, HILLARI admits, “Yes, I do get overwhelmed at times. It’s a universal experience, something everyone can relate to, not just artists.” To stay grounded, HILLARI shares, “Journaling really helps me. It allows me to spend time alone, reflect on my thoughts, feelings, and soul. It’s a moment of self-care and rejuvenation.”
In closing, we ask HILLARI about her musical influences and favorite Filipino artists. She reveals, “Growing up, I heard a lot of Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, and Black Eyed Peas. They were always playing in our house and during karaoke sessions. But as I grew older, I fell in love with R&B and Soul. Currently, my biggest influences are Daniel Ceasar, Cleo Sol, D’Angelo, and more. They create timeless music that speaks to the soul, and that’s the kind of music I aspire to make.”
When it comes to Filipino artists, HILLARI expresses her admiration for KZ Tandingan as “amazing” with great style and a beautiful voice. She also admires Moira, whose soft voice is mesmerizing, and juan karlos.
HILLARI’s journey in the music industry has been a whirlwind, and she recognizes the blessings she has received. With her talent, passion, and grounded nature, this rising star is undoubtedly on the path to success.
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