((( O ))) Celebrates Boundless Feminine Spirit in Ethereal New Album '(((4)))'
Filipino-American multidisciplinary artist and activist ((( O ))) shares the next installment of her story of connecting with her spirituality and feminine energy with her newest album ((( 4 ))). ((( O ))) invites listeners to embark on a sonic odyssey, where enchanting melodies and introspective lyrics intertwine to create a profound emotional experience. The music represents an exploration of the depths of human existence, navigating the complexities of life, love and spirituality.
Intentionally unpronounceable, ((( O ))) represents an all-seeing eye, the big bang, birth, rebirth, a ripple in an otherwise still body of crystal clear water. As she embraces all of these different sounds, she reminds us of both the light and dark aspects of our existence and finding sanctuary within ourselves. Across the album, which was intuitively concocted in a series of jam sessions, we hear the sheer playfulness on “BLACK CAT (IN MY FAST STAR),” the ethereal, meditative “TRAVELIN’” and more.
“Exploring the realms of ritual, birth, and death – themes that resonate with the core of my being,” ((( O ))) says. “So much about embarking on self-discovery, higher selves, past lives, earthly stewardship, motherhood, and attempting to express the magnitude of carrying all of it within the universe of my human experience while trying not to forget to have fun. Album ((( 4 ))) is a transformative story that holds a special place in my heart.”
The project includes the highly acclaimed track “TRAVELIN’” that’s booming in its gentle meditative nature; as ((( O )))’s voice floats above a trepidatious gate of the percussion, it’s almost as if you’re getting sucked up into the whirlwind of her energy as it ebbs and flows throughout.
((( 4 ))) includes the hit single “DON’T DIE” that takes listeners into an indie-tronica hyperdrive, crossing the hurried electro stylings of Grimes. Quickly cut synths and kick-drums sit atop long, hypnotic, free-flowing vocals.
“‘DON’T DIE’ is a song of celebration, ((( O ))) says. “Celebrating the unbreakable spirit that connects us. Our inner strength and resilience lies within everyone in the face of challenges, that we can find the strength to persevere and triumph together.
Yet, she always comes back to earth. ((( O )))'s efforts to preserve and connect with the planet is engrained with her music-making. For a period of time she lived in a solar-powered treehouse in the Philippines, in an eco-village, where she lived and worked to preserve the land in its natural state. She runs a sustainability charity and native seed store in the Philippines, called the Living Library, makes jewelry and clothes with all natural materials and dye under the name of The Sundrop Garden.
((( O ))) resonates with those who yearn for music that transcends boundaries, expands consciousness, and speaks to the depths of the soul. It's her transformative journey, where music becomes a conduit for self-exploration, connection and awakening.
[UNPUBLISHED]: Thank you for sitting down and talking to Unpublished Magazine. Our readers would love to get to know you and your music more. For any readers who aren’t familiar, what does the ((( O ))) symbol mean for you and how do you incorporate that symbolism into your work?
[((( O )))]: Thanks for having me. My answer to this question depends on how I feel at the time you ask me. When I see the ((( O ))) symbol now, I just briefly think of how it looks like a vagina and how I am proud for choosing and persevering through with this artist name. There are deep reasons for why I chose this symbol though. When people make their comments about the symbol, I learn more about where they are in life more than what they think they are saying about my art. It’s like a mirror effect.
[UNPUBLISHED]: The ((( O ))) symbol is obviously a huge reflection of feminine energy. How important is it for you to capture feminine issues and topics in your songwriting?
[((( O )))]: My understanding of the symbol in relation to feminine energy is constantly evolving. How I feel about that now after experiencing being someone’s long-term feminine partner, being a mother, and shifts in sexuality might be an overwhelming topic to brush up on in a few sentences, but surely will naturally show up in my music in the very near future!
[UNPUBLISHED]: Your latest single “SANCTUARY” is really ethereal and touches on feminine energy. What is the inspiration behind the single?
[((( O )))]: “SANCTUARY” is about the inner seasons and cycles in women revolving around periods, which I only found out a week before “SANCTUARY” was released. The visual though is about the main character making a ritual testing out her harmony connection and seeing glimpses of her journey ahead.
[UNPUBLISHED]: You also released “DON’T DIE.” What is the inspiration behind the single?
[((( O )))]: It’s about being open and having more fun living life together than in isolation.
[UNPUBLISHED]: How does it feel to be putting such vulnerable and intimate work out into the world?
[((( O )))]: Overwhelming, but freeing at the same time.
[UNPUBLISHED]: Alongside the releases of “DON’T DIE” and “SANCTUARY,” you announced your fourth album ((( 4 ))). What can listeners expect from this new era of music?
[((( O )))]: More fun and live shows.
[UNPUBLISHED]: What is your favorite song off ((( 4 ))) and why do you love this song? Is there a specific lyric or message that you gravitate towards the most?
[((( O )))]: Too many favorites.. “DON’T DIE” and “SANCTUARY” really allow me to let go and be weird. In “DON’T DIE,” my favorite lyric is ‘come along let’s live what’s left.’
[UNPUBLISHED]: What have been some memorable or favorite moments of yours while creating ((( 4 )))?
[((( O )))]: Renting a studio for a dance album listening party in LA with a few of the dancers and artists I met that month of January. It closed off my memorable trip there before I left for the airport.
[UNPUBLISHED]: What messages, emotions or story do you hope listeners can take away from the album?
[((( O )))]: The highs and lows of life and the ins and outs of spirituality.
[UNPUBLISHED]: Have you experimented more or taken any creative risks either lyrically or sonically with ((( 4 ))) since your last release ((( 3 ))) and how so?
[((( O )))]: Both of them are pretty risky. ((( 4 ))) is just produced at better quality and shows more of my personality, with an accompanied visual journey – something I’ve never done before and shows much more of myself this time.
[UNPUBLISHED]: How are you feeling in this current era of your career and what does the rest of the year look like for you that you would love to share with Unpublished?
[((( O )))]: I just want to have fun after what feels like a decade of taking things so seriously. I want to meet new people and collaborate more.
