Deep in the cultural mosaic of the UAE, WYWY, a Filipino dream pop duo, has been creating musical magic. Composed of X and Mckie Alvarez, this Filipino dream pop duo has been stirring souls and synthesizing soundscapes since 2015. With a new album on the horizon, “Whispers of Existence,” WYWY is set to unveil a narrative woven from their life’s quiet yet poignant moments.
“We met because we both loved music,” shares X with The Global Filipino Magazine, reflecting on the duo’s early days. Their shared passion soon evolved into a formidable partnership.
“In 2015, we decided to call ourselves WYWY, short for ‘Within You Without You’. It became our creative outlet amid the demands of family life, balancing day jobs, and raising three children.”
The upcoming album “Whispers of Existence” encapsulates years of personal growth and artistic exploration.
“The title represents the quiet yet significant moments that shape our lives,” explains Mckie.
The album, which took six years to materialize, features ten tracks each offering a unique insight into the duo’s lives and emotions.
Crafting the sound: A creative process
WYWY’s creative process is both spontaneous and meticulous. “Our process usually starts with free flow jamming, recording it on a mobile phone for later reference,” X describes.
This organic foundation paves the way for a collaborative development of beats, synths, lyrics, and melodies, ensuring each track resonates with their artistic vision.
The duo draws from a rich tapestry of musical influences. From the ethereal sounds of Cocteau Twins to the pioneering rock of Radiohead, each influence imbues WYWY’s music with depth and diversity. Their sound, a collage of their inspirations, maintains a unique identity that captivates listeners.
Memorable milestones
Their musical journey is dotted with unforgettable experiences.
“One standout memory was performing at the XP Music Futures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Mckie recalls.
Such milestones are not just performances but affirmations of their music’s reach and impact across diverse cultures.
A highlight of their latest project is their collaboration with Simon Scott of Slowdive.
“Working with Simon was like a dream come true!” X enthuses.
His expertise brought a surreal dimension to their sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience of the album.
“His mastery of sound… took our tracks to a whole new level,” adds Mckie.
Musical message and future aspirations
With “Whispers of Existence,” WYWY hopes to offer solace and companionship through their music.
“We hope our music can be your go-to when you’re feeling down and need some time to think,” says X.
Looking forward, the duo is eager to expand their artistic horizons, hoping to connect with more listeners worldwide through live performances and new collaborations.