Kai Del Rio (also known as Kai Honasan-Del Rio) has finally announced her long-awaited return to the world of music.

The former vocalist and keyboardist of Autotelic officially shared the news of her signing to independent music label Underdog Music and management company Locked Down Entertainment yesterday (August 12, 2024) via a heartfelt letter posted to her social media accounts. Check out what she had to say below:

“For the past couple of years, l’ve been wondering and waiting when the right time to sing again would be.
When everything would come into place. When it felt ready.

Marami-rami na rin akong utang na kwento.
Pero gusto ko, sa kanta niyo sana maririnig.
[I already owe you a lot of stories, but I want you to hear them through song.]

The past few years of my life have been centered around freedom and fearlessness. While not ideal, starting my career from scratch is the bravest decision I’ve ever made. Palagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko (I always told myself), “Do the brave thing first, mamaya ka na matakot (be afraid later).” Because if there’s anything history has taught us, fortune favors the bold.

I was always going to come back to making music.
But first, I had to live a life worth writing about.
The songs and stories are ready and you will hear them everywhere very soon.

Para sa mga hindi natatakot tumayong mag-isa (This is for those who aren’t afraid to stand alone).”

In an exclusive statement to Billboard Philippines, the renowned musician shared, “This is my first solo release since 2014, so it’s a long time coming. It’s vulnerable and very raw which makes me nervous but it’s when you’re right at the edge about taking that leap that is the most exciting part. If anything, I just hope when anyone listens, it makes them feel brave.”

Del Rio first came into prominence in the Philippine music scene with the release of her acclaimed debut album, In Your Face & Other Songs About Other Faces, and has gone on to become a popular figure in the independent music scene for her impressive live performances. In 2014, she joined the pop-rock band Autotelic as the group’s co-vocalist and keyboardist — and eventually departed in 2022, reintroducing herself as solo artist Kai Del Rio via a confessional YouTube vlog.

As we anticipate the release of Kai Del Rio’s new music, listen to her 2014 debut In Your Face & Other Songs About Other Faces below: