During this pandemic, we've naturally faced more obstacles in life. We've been through so many ups and downs. But you know what's great about life? Despite all its challenges, you can get right back up and in some way or another, life will give you the rainbows that you deserve. You just have to keep on hoping for better days, just like how LA-based pop-folk singer and songwriter Alfa screams "Louder" as she conquers the world with positivity.

Her latest track "Louder" features a refreshing and dance-worthy vibe that is awash with stubborn optimism. "Louder" is Alfa's first release in more than a year since the Bisaya-English single "Alindahaw," which won her the world category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The inspiration for "Louder" came to her after having a quiet year to reflect at home. In the chorus, she sings: "If I'm staring down my demons, I'm staring at the answer. Baby, you are fearless - sing it out, Louder."

Alfa Garcia was born in Mindanao, Philippines to a family of music lovers. After relocating to the US, Alfa continued her musical journey in suburban New Jersey where she trained in classical piano and violin. As a preteen, she taught herself how to play the guitar and released her first demo at 15. Alfa, who is proud to be a part of the growing Asian-American music scene in the US, has been writing songs for 12 years and has since performed in larger stages in and out of the US. Now based in Los Angeles, she was recently on PBS' "Songs at the Center" which is a national show that showcases songwriters and she has also shared the stage with some of today's most notable musicians.

Alfa takes inspiration from the likes of HAIM, Maggie Rogers, the French singer-songwriter Camille, and her longtime hero Brandi Carlile whom she admires for her incredible voice, great empathy, and honesty — the same good things we find so irresistible about Alfa's music!

With the world coming out of a very dark, difficult time, Alfa hopes for this song to represent light and hope. "Embrace each moment with what I call "stubborn optimism." Keep the hope. It was a tough year, but we learned a lot about ourselves and each other, and our capacity to work together as humans, and I think ultimately we're gonna come out of this pandemic stronger." — Alfa when asked about what her message was to her listeners and fellow artists

Catch more of Alfa and her good vibes with "Louder" out now on all streaming platforms and make sure to watch out for more of her releases coming this year!

About The Author

Andrea Gocotano is an avid dancer who started writing for Beat this Philippines in August 2020. From the jump, she's been introduced to the music scene and has grown to discover a little of herself in every new assignment, and simultaneously learned to love the process of listening and writing.