Opening New Doors: Paolo Sandejas On “Sirens,” His Debut Album, And Moving To The US
Ahead of moving to the US for his graduate studies, Paolo Sandejas talks to Billboard Philippines about his upcoming debut album, creating his single “sirens,” and more.

Paolo Sandejas: courtesy of Sony Music Philippines
Paolo Sandejas: courtesy of Sony Music Philippines
As the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.” In Paolo Sandejas‘ case, 2024 is opening up more than one for him as he steps into an exciting new chapter in his career.
Last July 12, Sandejas’ latest single “sirens” was released, marking both a stylistic shift in his songwriting, as well as his first release under Sony Music Philippines. With these significant changes, Sandejas is also gearing up for the release of his forthcoming debut album, as well as what is perhaps the biggest leap in his journey yet — moving to the United States to pursue his graduate studies.
However, this won’t mean the end of his musical undertakings. In fact, for Sandejas, this major life decision will ultimately serve to elevate these endeavors and shape other parts of himself in the process. And so, ahead of his last few Manila shows (for now), Billboard Philippines caught up with Paolo Sandejas to talk about bringing “sirens” to life, the connection between music and his graduate studies, his debut album, and more.
Billboard Philippines: Your latest single “sirens” has been described as a track that showcases a “more mature approach” to your musicality and songwriting. When compared to your previous releases, especially the songs in the BLOOM EP, how would you personally describe the difference between them and “sirens”?
Paolo Sandejas: When writing the BLOOM EP, I tried to keep most of the songs bright and playful. However, for “sirens” I allowed myself [to embrace] some vulnerable feelings and emotions I was feeling when writing the tracks. In doing so, I feel like the songs definitely don’t sound as bright as the BLOOM tracks, but they still have the same heart that I want people to remember my songs by.
I’m always trying to push forward towards honing and developing my sound, and the step towards “sirens” felt natural and I really enjoyed writing it.
Since “sirens” sees a stylistic shift in terms of how you approach your music, during the creation of the single, what would you say you discovered or learned in the process that has greatly contributed how you tackle your songwriting in the present?
I’ve definitely learned to let go of some of the expectations that I’ve put on myself. In the past I would tend to get caught up in the pursuit of genre or a target ‘vibe.’ By letting go of that constraint, I learned to just let myself create the music that I want to make and allow my ear and my instincts the freedom to lead the way. At the end of the day, my sound is a result of these instincts and the creative process has been so much more exciting.
The release of “sirens” marks your first release after signing with Sony Music Entertainment. Congratulations! How has it been working with them so far? Where do you see your music being taken as you continue to work with them moving forward?
Thank you so much! It’s definitely still very new to me, but working with them has been really great thus far! The move was something that felt right for me given the other big changes in my life, and I feel that this partnership is one that can help push my music and artistry to new heights.

Courtesy of Sony Music Philippines
You recently announced that you’re moving to the US to pursue graduate school. However, you also emphasized that this doesn’t mean you are saying goodbye to music. Since taking on graduate studies is no simple endeavor, can you elaborate for us how you plan to pursue music while doing so? What plans do you have in order to stay connected with your audience and listeners here?
It’ll definitely be challenging. However, I chose my degree to benefit both my job as an AI Engineer and my creative work as musician and songwriter. The course is a blend of music and computer science in a school at the heart of the LA creative scene and thus, allows me to develop all aspects of myself in the process. I’ve always known the hardest part of the move would be staying connected to my audience and listeners here and I think the key will definitely be my content and online presence. Thus, I’m excited to take my audience and my listeners with me on this journey.

Courtesy of Sony Music Philippines
Alongside the announcement, you also mentioned you’ll be holding your last few Manila shows before you leave next month. Tell us more about them, especially the final show this August 11. What can those who will be in attendance expect?
We definitely won’t be holding back these next shows, so expect a lot of fun as well as some songs that I haven’t played live in a long time. The despedida show especially is gonna be my longest set to date and people can expect to hear all of their faves, along [with] a sneak peak of the songs to come from the album.
Alongside the announcement, you also mentioned that, following “sirens,” you’ll be releasing 3 more singles and then eventually your forthcoming debut album. What are you most excited about regarding these releases? What can your listeners expect?
I’m really excited to show more of what this new album sounds like! I like to think of it as BLOOM 2.0 so I can’t wait for these next few singles to come. I’m most excited to play them live though!
Listen to Paolo Sandejas’ “sirens” below: