Y ARA
"When I was so honest to you, What am I gonna do,
When part of me is you?"
- Y Ara on Been You
In a world full of endless swipes, uncomfortable first dates and fleeting romantic conquests, it’s no surprise that any form of real human connection is put on a pedestal. With the ever-changing dynamics in how relationships are set in this modern age, having those genuine emotions becomes all the more crucial. The thing is, when we've moved past those emotional moments from back in the day, only for them to resurface unexpectedly, it's a whole painful nostalgia trip that’s just as heartbreaking. Davao-born, Taiwan based Y ARA captures that feeling and embodies it with her newest single “Been You” that was released just July 30th this year under Warner Music Philippines.
As a pop endeavor led by Gillian Aquino, Y ARA proves that reinventing your sound isn’t just about staying relevant - it's about inviting listeners into the artist's genuine journey and creating that connection through shared experiences.
Unlike Y ARA's early releases – like “Little Courage”, “Sincerely” and “Reversed Name” – which were mostly inspired by a mix of Indie Pop, Synthpop, Indie Rock, and Folk with warm tones, this new Indie Pop track hits us right in the feels. With some shoegaze elements, Y ARA’s pensive vocals, and brooding soundscapes to create that listening environment, it's a fresh twist from the earlier vibe.
The song starts off by giving us a picture of the past with a slow "Late night talks, empty streets. Glasses of drinks, we were wild. Little glances, crooked smiles. In my mind, you are mine". It then goes about the message of silent questions and unrequited feelings carrying so much weight.
Y ARA has been making waves, not just locally but also on an international scale. "Been You" is a testament to this success. In just the second week, the track amassed an impressive 100,000 streams. It also didn't just earn a coveted spot on Spotify’s Pinoy Indie Mix playlist - it landed as the cover!
But it's not just this single that's turning heads. Y ARA's rise in the industry is visibly rapid and impressive, especially with international recognition. She stormed into Taiwan's Viral 50 on Spotify and owns a staggering 4.9 million combined streams on the platform as well. With over 90,000+ monthly listeners, Y ARA's music continues to capture the hearts of fans from all around the world.
Y Ara’s honest lyricism makes “Been You” a comfort anthem for anyone experiencing the pain of nostalgia and separation anxiety. It’s just the kind of song that feels like a hug after a late night breakdown over remembering a failed relationship.
So, whether you're navigating through the rough terrains of a lost love, a situationship, an almost-sailed-ship or even just looking for a track to accompany your introspective nights eyes closed, Y ARA's “Been You” is yours.
Y Ara’s “Been You” was featured on Episode 70 of The Chosen Dozen for a second week in a row, listen and stream below!
