We Speak Music
D’Lourdes Steps Out Loud with Genre-Smashing Debut Album ‘You Get It or You Don’t
If genre is a suggestion and identity is a spectrum, D’Lourdes is painting in every color. Their debut album You Get It or You Don’t arrives as a sonic collision course—part rock opera, part confessional mixtape, and entirely its own universe. At a moment when many pop debuts play it safe, D’Lourdes explodes out of the gate with a body of work that’s brash, aching, and defiantly queer.
The Filipino-American artist, who gained early fame via TikTok and their 2022 breakout EP, has created an album that actively resists being boxed in. From the emotionally charged rock ballad “One of the Boys” to the seductive push-pull of “Get Hurt,” the project channels the angst of Paramore, the soul of R&B, and the lyrical precision of a seasoned storyteller. And yet, none of it feels derivative—because it’s filtered through D’Lourdes’ singular voice.
Trained in classical theater and seasoned on Broadway stages, D’Lourdes brings a rare gravitas to their performances. Each track pulses with the kind of drama you’d expect from an actor, but the emotion is never feigned. Instead, it feels like each note is wrestled from personal truth. “This album is about freeing myself from the fear of being misunderstood,” they explain—and that vulnerability is what gives the music its edge.
Live shows are set to follow, with two major NYC appearances already announced: Arlene’s Grocery on July 20 and The Sultan Room on September 25. The small venue choice speaks volumes—this is music meant to be felt up close, face-to-face. Fans who’ve followed D’Lourdes’ rise on Spotify and TikTok are sure to find these performances transformative, the kind that leaves you changed on the walk home.
With a debut like You Get It or You Don’t, D’Lourdes isn’t just entering the alt-pop scene—they’re redrawing its boundaries. Bold, fluid, and fully realized, the album is more than a first impression. It’s a declaration of arrival.
We Speak Music
Edwina van Kuyk Shines In New Single ‘Here To Stay’
There is a sense of arrival woven into every moment of Edwina van Kuyk’s new single, “Here To Stay.” The Irish pop-soul artist has steadily built momentum with each release, but this latest offering feels like a defining statement—one that showcases both her artistic growth and her willingness to dream bigger. Rich with warmth, heart, and ambition, the track captures an artist stepping confidently into her next chapter.
At the centre of the song is an uplifting fusion of contemporary pop-soul and gospel-inspired grandeur. Produced by Cian O’Donoghue, the arrangement gradually unfolds into something expansive and deeply moving, allowing Edwina’s expressive vocals to shine. The addition of the choir from St. Kevin’s Community College in Clondalkin proves transformative, adding a sense of community and emotional scale that elevates the song beyond a traditional pop release.
What makes “Here To Stay” particularly compelling is its sincerity. The influence of gospel music is felt not only in the choir arrangements but in the spirit of the track itself. There is an uplifting quality running through the song that feels earned rather than manufactured, driven by genuine passion and conviction. Edwina’s vocal performance anchors every moment, balancing vulnerability with strength.
The collaboration with the St. Kevin’s choir also brings an inspiring local dimension to the release. Their voices add richness and texture, creating moments that feel celebratory without sacrificing intimacy. It’s a reminder that some of the most powerful musical moments come from collective expression rather than individual spotlight.
As Edwina’s profile continues to grow, “Here To Stay” stands as her most accomplished release yet. It is ambitious without losing its emotional core, polished without feeling distant, and uplifting without becoming predictable. Most importantly, it feels like the work of an artist who knows exactly where she is headed—and who has every intention of staying there.
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