BGYO: Reborn and redefined with their 'Divine' sound

The summer heat just got even hotter with the release of BGYO’s self-titled EP, a vibrant collection of tracks showcasing the group’s evolution and newfound confidence. Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate deliver a dynamic sonic experience that explores the complexities of love and heartbreak while solidifying their unique pop sound.

The EP features four English tracks — Divine, Trash, Light My Fire, and Heartstrings — alongside a Filipino song, Andito Lang. This release marks a significant step forward for the group, with Divine serving as the standout track, capturing the essence of the EP with its infectious energy and visually stunning music video.

A global soundscape

BGYO’s latest offering reflects their ambition and willingness to collaborate with international talent. Divine, Trash, and Light My Fire were crafted with the help of global producers, including US-based musician Dante Bowden. Notably, Trash has already garnered over 1.8 million Spotify streams, highlighting BGYO’s growing international appeal.

The EP also emphasizes the strength of local collaborations. Christopher Lopez, aka Moophs, produced the powerful, live band-driven Heartstrings and the previously released Andito Lang, co-written by Mikki. With nearly 900,000 Spotify streams, Andito Lang has resonated deeply with listeners due to its heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes.

A shift in direction

BGYO’s journey has been defined by their willingness to experiment with different musical styles. From their early hits like The Light, He's Into Her, Best Time, Tumitigil Ang Mundo, and "When I'm with You," which leaned toward a classic boy band sound, they’ve now embraced a more diverse and contemporary approach.

During a media scrum, the group shared that the self-titled EP represents their discovery of a distinct identity and voice. "After four years of trying different things, we finally found where we fit and where we should be," Nate explained. "Making it self-titled is the perfect way to describe our EP. It’s like we’ve been reborn. After four years, we’re confident in saying that we have finally found our sound," added Mikki.

The tracks: A deep dive

• "Divine" – A summer anthem blending orchestral ballroom loops, disco beats, jangly guitars, and robotic vocoder elements, creating an ethereal and captivating sound.

• "Trash" – A passionate R&B-infused track with ‘90s pop, neo-soul, disco, and funk influences, produced by Grammy Award winner Lostboy and Grammy nominee Tele.

• "Light My Fire" – A club-ready track reminiscent of The Weeknd’s signature sound, perfect for summer nights.

• "Heartstrings" & "Andito Lang" – Produced by Moophs, these tracks showcase a live band sound inspired by Panic! at the Disco and Twenty One Pilots. Mikki revealed that Andito Lang was influenced by Machine Gun Kelly and Post Malone, while Heartstrings carries an angsty, youthful energy that resonates deeply.

A new era for BGYO

With this EP, BGYO reaffirms their ability to evolve and redefine their sound. Their self-titled release is a testament to their artistic growth and willingness to push boundaries. By seamlessly balancing international collaborations with their unique Filipino identity, they have created a compelling and diverse musical experience.

With Andito Lang, they strike the perfect balance between their global sound and P-pop roots. BGYO’s Divine era marks a significant milestone in their career, signaling a bright future for the ACES of P-Pop.