Jewel Owusu ignites new era of alt-pop

Jewel Owusu ignites new era of alt-pop | Daily Tribune

In a world that often demands you pick a single identity, Jewel Owusu has found her rhythm in the in-between.

The Filipino-Ghanaian artist and producer — born in Hong Kong, raised in New Zealand and now based in Melbourne — is creating a sound that defies borders and binaries. Her music exists in constant motion, flowing between genres, cultures, and emotions — much like her own journey through the spaces that shaped her.

Sonic identity born between worlds

“Growing up, I always felt like I was living in the space in between — between sounds, between cultures, and between versions of myself,” Jewel reflects.

Her musical DNA fuses the warmth of R&B and indie pop, the pulse of electronic and dance, and the experimentation of alternative rock. The result is a sound both lush and kinetic — grounded in emotion but elevated by fearless production choices.

That fearless quality has carried her across continents and stages — from SXSW Sydney and Music Matters Singapore to regional tours and sold-out headline shows. Recognized as one of the most promising new voices in alternative pop, Jewel has been featured by Rolling Stone, Complex, MTV, Colors Studio and Triple J, where she also won the Unearthed Collaboration Competition.

But for Jewel, acclaim is just a backdrop. The real story is how she’s carving a space for authenticity — one that embraces contradiction and celebrates vulnerability as strength.

‘Spark’: A confession, liberation

Her latest single, “spark,” released globally on all major platforms, captures that very spirit. It’s a shimmering, synth-soaked anthem that reframes fleeting attraction as something deeper — a yearning not for someone new, but for a renewed connection with oneself.

“The song explores how easily a craving for aliveness can be mistaken for the thrill of someone new,” Jewel explains. “But deep down, it’s really about wanting to feel more connected to yourself again — to feel sexy and confident.”

Part confession, part liberation, “spark” invites listeners to dance through self-discovery. It’s a track that gleams on the surface but burns with introspection underneath — a duality that defines Jewel’s artistry.

“It’s a bit of a breather amidst my more introspective songs — a moment for listeners to let loose and just have fun on the dance floor,” she adds. “But if there’s a deeper message, it’s this: don’t mistake the craving for excitement in life for the need to find someone new. Kill the spark for that random person and find your spark for life.”

Behind the studio glow

“Spark” was born from an impromptu studio session with close collaborator Aria Wood, where spontaneity became the soul of the record.

“I wanted every chorus and drop to feel a little different each time,” Jewel recalls. “Before the second drop, we knew we wanted something wild — like a siren or a shout — so I recorded tons of whoosh sounds and experimented until we landed on this perfect scream. It just clicked.”

That same raw experimentation led to one of the track’s most memorable moments — the playful “whatever” before the final chorus drop. “It felt so unbothered and fun, which is exactly what the song needed,” she laughs. “It’s that carefree release we’re all chasing — even if it’s just for a few minutes.”

Spark that keeps burning

“Spark” serves as a taste of what’s to come from Jewel Owusu’s upcoming EP, set for release later this year. The project promises to continue her exploration of emotional duality — from introspection to empowerment, heartbreak to rebirth — all wrapped in her signature mix of futuristic pop and emotional honesty.

It follows last year’s single “Time Machine,” a soulful collaboration with Filipino singer-songwriter and producer ena, which showcased her ability to merge vulnerability with sonic sophistication.

If “Time Machine” was about nostalgia, then “spark” is about rediscovery — a reminder that even in the noise of modern life, the truest rhythm begins within.

Artist of the in-between

In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative pop, Jewel Owusu stands out not for fitting into a mold, but for breaking free of it. She is the sound of hybrid identity — of stories that stretch across continents and emotions that transcend language.

And with “spark,” she reminds us that sometimes, the fire we’ve been searching for was never in someone else — it’s been waiting inside us all along.

“Find your spark for life,” she says. “That’s where the music really begins.”