1 week ago
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Amiel Sol, an indie alternative pop singer-songwriter, is making waves in the Philippine music scene as his latest single, "Sa Bawat Sandali," has climbed to the No. 1 spot on Spotify Philippines' Daily Top Songs chart.
With over 31 million streams, the song has also secured a spot among the Top 10 longest-running No. 1 hits on Spotify's Viral 50 Philippines chart. For an artist who started with small gigs and open mic nights, this achievement is both surreal and rewarding.
"I never dreamed of this because it felt so far-fetched for me. I've never been part of any chart before. Maybe the viral charts, yes, but having the No. 1 song is something I've never experienced. It feels amazing — I still can't fathom it even now. It feels like I'm dreaming. I want to remind myself to stay grateful. I don't want to get used to this," Sol shared in a media conference.
"Sa Bawat Sandali" captures a love that goes beyond the initial thrill of romance. He wanted to write about the kind of relationship that feels like home.
Singer-songwriter Amiel Sol. TMT PHOTO
"I wanted to write a song about the type of love that comes after the kilig stage. The kind where I don't have to think about what to say around that person — I can just be myself, and that person becomes my place of rest. When you're just starting, like when you're courting someone, you feel nervous because you don't know what to say. But after that, when you're truly comfortable with each other, you just want to see them because they make you feel at ease," he explained.
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The song's message is further amplified by its music video, starring Viva One's "Ang Mutya ng Section E" lead actors Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach. Their chemistry brought the song to life, helping the video trend at No. 3 on YouTube Music, gaining over 4 million views as of writing.
"I'm really thankful because when they asked me if I was okay with the series being part of the music video, I immediately said yes since the series was already a hit. It helped get the song out there. And I'm just so happy with how warmly the song has been received. People are saying the song fits so well that Andres and Ashtine became the real stars of the music video — so this was truly a pivotal moment for the song," Sol enthused.
Before fully pursuing music, Sol was a Mathematics graduate from the University of the Philippines. He initially juggled a day job with songwriting, but his passion eventually took over.
"Music has always been something I wanted to do. I've always told myself that traditional success isn't as important to me as long as I get to do what I love — which is to write songs and play them for people. So everything that's happening — all the chart-topping hits, the millions of listeners — are bonuses, and I'm really grateful for all of it. But it doesn't take away from the fact that I started this because I love doing it, and that's the reason I'll always come back to," Sol shared.
Now a leading act under Ivory Music, Sol's previous hits, "Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan" and "Di Na Akin," have also garnered millions of streams.
When asked how he wants to be known as an artist, he shared, "One of the best compliments I hear is when people say, 'I want to play this at my wedding.' That's one of the ultimate compliments for me — knowing that on one of the most important days of their lives, they want my song to be part of it."
