Filipino duo WYWY represents community in UAE underground vinyl project

Filipino dream pop duo WYWY has been featured in Made in the Emirates – Volume 1, a vinyl album compilation celebrating the UAE’s underground music scene. Curated by Jayesh from Vinyl Souk, the album highlights the region’s rich cultural diversity and evolving musical innovation.

As the sole Filipino artists included in the project, WYWY, composed of X and Mckie Alvarez, expressed their pride in representing their community. Other notable artists featured in the compilation include Abri, Adiga, Amal Waqar, Boom.Diwan, Bull Funk Zoo, NOON, Noush Like Sploosh, and Shilpa Ananth. Together, they bring a mix of styles and cultural influences to this groundbreaking collection.

Formed in 2015, WYWY has established themselves as a unique voice in the UAE’s music scene, blending dream pop, shoegaze, and trip-hop elements. Their sound is inspired by renowned acts such as Cocteau Twins and Radiohead, with their debut album, Whispers of Existence, released in April 2024 after six years in the making. The album, which features mastering by Simon Scott of Slowdive, has been praised for its surreal and ethereal quality.

WYWY has performed at prominent events across the Middle East, including XP Music Futures in Saudi Arabia and The Fridge’s Concert Series in Dubai. Known for their immersive live performances enhanced by visual artistry, the duo continues to captivate audiences while juggling their music careers with family life and day jobs.