Music often finds its way into the lives of those who don’t expect it.
For Aira Mendiola, a rising artist from Leyte, music was always a hobby—something to fill the spaces in between, never a full-fledged career. Growing up, they loved playing instruments, but it was more of a personal escape than a professional pursuit.
However, everything changed in 2023 when Aira wrote Muse, a song that started as a mere spark of inspiration from a movie line. The song was unfinished and forgotten, just another idea left to gather dust. But life has a funny way of turning things around, and when Aira joined the band 2AM in 2023 and got invited to perform at UPTAC in 2024, the song resurfaced. What began as a half-baked idea became the key to unlocking Aira’s music career.
Struggles behind the spotlight
Being a local artist often comes with its challenges—limited resources, few opportunities, and a music industry that tends to focus on the mainstream. For Aira, the journey has been anything but easy.
But financial difficulties aren’t the only hurdle local artists face. One of the biggest obstacles is visibility. There are so many talented musicians creating incredible music, but without proper platforms or support, they can easily go unnoticed. Aira knows this struggle all too well. They've seen how much local talent gets overlooked, with only a few artists ever getting the chance to be heard. It’s a tough reality, but instead of giving up, Aira found motivation in it.
From local stage to streaming
Aira Mendiola’s performance of Muse at UPTAC marked a pivotal moment in their musical journey. The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming—not just applause, but a true connection with the music. When the audience started asking where they could stream the song, Aira knew it was time to release it. Within days, Muse was available on Spotify, and the response was extraordinary. What began as a local performance quickly resonated with a global audience, reaching listeners in over 139 countries, including Thailand.
The success didn’t stop there. Spotify took notice of Muse and featured it, which helped to propel Aira’s career to new heights. Soon after, Aira’s second song, My Unsent Love Letter, gained attention from both Spotify and MYX. What had begun as a passion project soon grew into a flourishing career, with Aira now reaching a broad audience over 100,000 listeners on Spotify and recognition from major industry figures.
A call for local talent to be heard
Aira’s journey is proof that every local artist deserves a chance to be seen and heard. Their success is a reminder that incredible talent exists not just in the mainstream but in small towns, in studios, and in the hearts of independent musicians.
“I want people to understand that local artists are out there, creating amazing music,” Aira shares. “Supporting us doesn’t just mean listening to our songs—it means acknowledging that we deserve a chance to grow and share our stories.”
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Aira is determined to continue growing as an artist and expand their reach. While local recognition has been a dream come true, Aira’s sights are now set on a global audience. With plans to release more music in the coming months pushing their creativity to new heights.
Looking ahead, Aira hopes to continue making music that resonates with people, but more importantly, they hope to be part of a movement that uplifts all local artists. The path hasn’t been easy, but Aira’s perseverance is a reminder that local talent should never be underestimated.
Aira’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the power of music to bring people together. And as they continue to rise, they’re not just carving out a space for themselves—they’re paving the way for every local artist who dares to dream.
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