Regina Song | Photography by Dom Cruz

Following the success of “Fangirl: The Tour,” which concluded in Manila last January, 20-year-old Singaporean singer-songwriter Regina Song is set to return to the Philippines for the Wanderland Festival 2025 on March 22 and 2023, 2025. And the Filo Sleepyheads will “Fangirl” all over again, for sure! Regina is part of the Day 1 lineup alongside Daniel Caesar, Chet Faker, Dayglow, Mayonnaise, Sinosikat?, Toneejay, 92914, Waiian, and Alyson.

With a growing fanbase and a promising career ahead, Regina is proving that her music is here to stay—in everyone’s playlists, hit charts, hearts, subconscious, and yes, even TikTok videos! 

Her journey to the status of a rising global artist is nothing short of inspiring. Regina was deeply influenced by her family who loved music. She eventually developed a keen appreciation for both American and Chinese pop. Her early exposure to classical piano, participation in the Chinese Orchestra, and involvement in a Pop Jazz band in school helped shape her artistry.

Her parents also played a crucial role in her journey, supporting her passion from the start. “My parents are my biggest cheerleaders," Regina shared in an interview with Metro.Style. "I chat a lot with my mom. She grounds me a lot and keeps me in check. My dad is optimistic and helps me a lot with the online side of things.”

At a young age, Regina has already carved a distinct presence (often laced in pink!) in the music industry as she marries her love for pop music and heartfelt storytelling. As of this writing, she has a growing fanbase, with 1.9M monthly listeners on Spotify.

Of Breakthroughs and Side Quests

Regina's journey took a serendipitous turn in 2021 with the release of her debut single, "LUCAS." According to her, the song was inspired by an encounter with a stranger on a train in Singapore. It expressed her regret over not approaching him when she had the chance. 

What began as a simple songwriting project soon gained traction. This fueled her decision to pursue music seriously. “It was just a little side quest for myself, but I ended up falling in love with being an artist,” she revealed.

Regina’s career has skyrocketed and she’s just getting started. In 2023, she signed with PARKA, a Singapore-based production house and record label, and began releasing singles consistently since. Her biggest breakthrough came with the release of her debut album FANGIRL on June 14, 2024. The album and her hit “The Cutest Pair” solidified her place in the music scene.

Of Melody and Authenticity

This Blackpink-loving singer’s approach to songwriting is deeply personal. "It’s different every time. I usually write the melody and lyrics together, but sometimes it’s the melody first, and sometimes it’s lyrics and concept first," she explained. She also draws inspiration from personal experiences to random everyday moments. 

Her musical inspirations include Taylor Swift, Jay Chou, Olivia Rodrigo, and BTS, all of whom have shaped her storytelling style. She is also eager to collaborate with artists she deeply admires. And her dream collaboration is with her best friend Rhyu, a fellow singer-songwriter from Singapore.

Regina's process of creating a masterpiece is unpredictable yet deeply personal. She describes her creative ritual as a mix of doing nothing and feeling deeply. “My ritual is to space out and do nothing, or be super sad about something,” she shared. “Song ideas usually pop up when I’m doing the most random thing ever.” This organic approach allows her music to remain honest and heartfelt. 

When it comes to balancing vulnerability in her lyrics while maintaining personal privacy (take, for example, the song “Heartache Frenzy”), Regina admitted that the line is blurry. “I think I like to live in the moment [and] not post about the person I’m dating or talking to. But it all reveals itself anyway with the songs I write.” For her, music acts as a diary, revealing pieces of her story through melodies and lyrics rather than direct public disclosures.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part of making music for her is seeing how it connects with listeners. She said, “Seeing the fans and performing [the song] while they sing it back, [and] knowing that I have impacted someone’s life means the world to me. It’s what keeps me going.” 

From TikTok virality to sold-out shows, Regina thrives on the energy of her audience, proving that music is not just an art form but a shared experience. This also explains why most, if not all, of her fans can relate to her music and easily make her songs the anthem of their (love) lives.

Of Viral Hits and Staying Grounded

Regina acknowledges the challenges of being a young artist despite experiencing sold-out shows and worldwide recognition. With this, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and taking it one day at a time—from dealing with self-doubt to maintaining consistency. "Getting people who believe in you and believe in your vision. [Getting] funds. Not having enough experience. Self-doubt. Failing. Staying consistent. The list of challenges goes on, but the challenges are what make us stronger," she said.

When asked about handling the pressure of following up viral hits like “Highschool Boy” and “The Cutest Pair”, she remains unfazed. "I’m not too concerned, actually. I know that no matter what I put out, it’s going to be what I want to share with the world,” Regina shared. “Whether or not it becomes a viral hit, or whether it’s enjoyed by a few people, I would be more than content. I’d rather just put out what really resonates with me than focus on making the next big hit."

Photography by Dom Cruz

Makeup by Chuchie Ledesma

Hairstyling by Kim Echavia, assisted by Jill Tan