Clara Benin Confronts The Lingering Presence Of Lost Love In New Single “muscle memory”
It is the Filipino singer-songwriter’s first solo single in over a year, following “hiding in the bathroom,” which was released on November 15, 2024.
Clara Benin: courtesy of @clarabeninmusic, photographed by
Clara Benin: courtesy of @clarabeninmusic, photographed by Joshua Elefan
Clara Benin is officially releasing her first single of 2026, entitled “muscle memory.”
First announced on January 22, 2026 (Thursday), the Filipino singer-songwriter released the brand new track on January 30, 2026 (Friday). In a press statement, the single is said to deal with “the lingering presence of lost love: how someone you try so hard to avoid continues to linger in your thoughts, habits, and little reflexes long after the heartbreak.”
“Like muscle memory, some people stay with you without you choosing to remember,” expounds Benin. “I liked the idea of muscle memory and started thinking about how it feels a lot like heartbreak — how your body and mind remember someone even when you’re trying to move on.”
In the same aforementioned press statement, it is revealed that the song was “conceived on a random night, with [Benin] sketching out a chorus on her guitar.” Months after this, the track was further developed during a songwriting session in Sydney, Australia that Benin had with producer-writer trio and brothers D.E.L, with them completing the song in four hours.
“muscle memory” is Clara Benin’s first solo single in over a year, following “hiding in the bathroom,” which was released on November 15, 2024. Notably, “hiding in the bathroom” is part of the deluxe edition of Benin’s sophomore album befriending my tears. Aside from this, Benin also teamed up with fellow singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas for a new rendition of the latter’s single “roses,” which they released last May 2, 2025.
Following “muscle memory,” Benin is also set to release another new song this February, entitled “the one to blame” – a song that is part of her upcoming EP that is expected to come out sometime later this year. “Most of the songs I’ve written live in heartbreak, longing, or existential spirals, but ‘the one to blame’is me finally writing about actually letting someone in,” shares Benin about the song. “It’s warm, cozy, a little dramatic, a little obsessive, and very self-aware.”
With this, Benin is set to debut “the one to blame” live during a Valentine’s Day show at Eastwood in Quezon City February 14, 2026 (Saturday). “Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I want to make it extra special and perform ‘the one to blame’ live for the very first time. I’m excited to share this love song with everyone.”
Listen to Clara Benin’s “muscle memory” below: