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Zelly Yu Brings ‘Wild Love’ For the Summer

The singer/songwriter’s debut single ‘Wild Love’ is an ode to travel.

When the pandemic hit, avid traveler Zelly Yu got stranded in Indonesia. She spent a lot of her time on Sumba Island. As a spontaneous person, she hated how the pandemic affected her plans. But she soon saw the silver lining in the pause, which led to her writing “Wild Love.”

In an exclusive interview, Freebie MNL asked her about the song. It dropped on Spotify during a release party towards the end of March.

“Zelly came from ‘Hazel’. My best friend started calling me that,” she explained when asked about her stage name. “I started using it when I was figuring out my IG username back in the day.”

Her musical style

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Zelly Yu performs at the release party for “Wild Love.” | Image: Jhomardy Photography

A risk-taker who likes making the world her home, music has been in her heart since childhood. Her influences include ABBA, Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, and Taylor Swift. 

“I started singing when I was eight. When I heard ‘Fifteen’ and ‘Love Story,’ I became a Swiftie. She inspired me to start writing songs.”

READ: Which Re-recorded Album Will Taylor Swift Release Next?

2016 added a new flavor to her music thanks to travel. Everywhere she went, she discovered new music and sounds. 

“I traveled throughout Southeast Asia with my ukulele and wrote a song called ‘Far From Home.’ I played it for crowds in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.”

As romantic as her experience sounds, her road hasn’t been easy.

“My musical journey has been a hell of a ride, a total rollercoaster. But it led me to authenticity, my own voice, finding myself on the road.”

When Zelly realized she needed the pause “and Mother Earth needed to heal,” she slowed down and took it all in. That’s what led to her writing new songs about her feelings. Thus, “Wild Love.”

She says “Wild Love” is about finding one’s calling and purpose. “Loving yourself and someone who gives you the inspiration to be whoever you want to be.”

The release party for “Wild Love”

Held at After Hours bar in Quezon City, the release party was set a few hours before the single’s midnight drop. Attended by Zelly’s inner circle, others did poetry readings and played music before she went on.

“I’m very proud of who I am today,” Zelly said. “I’m getting to share my soul piece of art with the world. I’m able to build fruitful connections with others.”

She did a few other songs with her guitar and harmonica before capping the night with a live rendition of ‘Wild Love.’

Stream “Wild Love” on Apple Music and Spotify.

Featured Image Daniella Sison

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