With the release of their bold and emotionally charged EP Headlines, BGYO steps confidently into a new era An era defined by creative risks, personal storytelling, and an evolving sound that blends Y2K nostalgia with modern pop and R&B. As the Filipino group continues to capture global attention with their electrifying performances and heartfelt music, the five members open up to HypnoticAsia about their growth, inspirations, and the deeper connections they hope to build through their latest work. In this candid conversation, BGYO reflects on their journey so far. Also, the lessons that shaped them and the future they’re determined to create together.
Dive in and get to know more about BGYO and their newest EP ‘Headlines’.
Interview with BGYO
Please introduce yourself to the readers of HypnoticAsia.
- Mabuhay! We are BGYO! We’re a Filipino pop group consisting of five members.
“Dance With Me” beautifully captures a fleeting yet powerful connection between two people. Can you share what inspired this song emotionally or personally, and what message you hope listeners take away from it?
- Nate – Personally, I see ‘Dance With Me’ as a song about the desire to connect with someone on a deeper level. I hope our listeners hear it and feel inspired to take that step, not just on the dance floor, but in real life, to deepen their connection with the person or people they love.
- Gelo – We want listeners to feel the warmth and excitement of falling in love, even just for a moment, and be reminded how powerful that feeling can be. Electrifying and tension!
The Headlines EP leans into a more mature and Y2K-inspired sound. How did you approach balancing nostalgia with modern production to make the project feel both fresh and timeless?
- Mikki– When we were making the song during the music camp with the songwriters and producers, we wanted to try something that we’ve never done before. We focused more on upbeat Y2K RNB type of sound because we felt like it is perfect for BGYO’s next sound. From the sound, music video, and the choreography we wanted it to be nostalgic but also add a modern twist for it to sound different and connect with different generations.
Each track in Headlines explores different shades of love and vulnerability. Was there a particular moment during the recording process that made you feel like you were entering a new era creatively as a group?
- Gelo – There was a moment during recording when I realized how much we’ve grown, not just in skill but in how we express emotions through our sound. It felt like a new era for us, and we’re still improving every day, finding new ways to show love and emotion while keeping that BGYO identity.
You’ve mentioned that Headlines represents a bolder side of BGYO. What risks or creative experiments did you take with this EP that fans might notice compared to your earlier releases?
- Gelo – We took more creative risks this time by being deeply involved in the whole process, from shaping ideas, sounds, and pegs to giving our opinions on what works and what doesn’t. We also stayed closely connected with the producers, writers, label, management, and the BGYO team, and some of us even wrote parts for the songs. We’re also meticulous when it comes to styling our look, choreography, concept development, and even our music and performance videos. We want everything to feel cohesive, yet bold. It made the EP feel more personal!
BGYO has been steadily expanding globally — performing at international festivals and earning recognition from outlets like the Recording Academy and Teen Vogue. How do you hope Headlines helps connect you with new audiences around the world?
- Akira – With Headlines, we want to show more of who BGYO is, not just as Filipino artists, but as performers who can stand on any stage in the world. We hope that through these new songs and sounds, we can connect with more people and their emotions whether by resonating with what they feel or inspiring them in different ways. We also hope our songs open doors for more people to discover OPM and witness how global Filipino talent can be.
How has your journey as BGYO changed from your debut until now?
- JL – I think our journey as BGYO has changed a lot because of all the experiences we’ve had over the past four years. I can say we’ve really grown, both as individuals and as artists.
- Gelo – Our journey has changed a lot from debut until now. We’ve grown not just as performers but as people. We’ve learned to trust each other more, understand our sound better, and keep improving every day while staying true to who BGYO is.
What’s one moment in your career so far that you’ll never forget?
- JL – One of the moments I’ll never forget in our career is the Bonfire event during our 3rd anniversary as BGYO. We held an intimate concert for our ACEs, and that’s when we truly got to know them, not just as fans, but as family. That day, we felt completely free, simply showing each other who we really are.
- Akira – One moment in our career that I will never forget is our first ever solo concert. Seeing our ACES vibe with us, having fun with us and just being in the moment with us is such an amazing view and we feel so blessed to have them on our journey.
Who inspires you most in the music industry and why?
- JL – For me, tito Gary Valenciano is super inspiring. His dedication to his work is amazing, and he’s really humble too. You’d never think he’s one of the biggest artists in the Philippines.
- Gelo – As a group, I think we’re really inspired by BTS. They’ve shown how passion, teamwork, and authenticity can connect with people all over the world. Their journey motivates us to keep improving and to stay true to our message through our music.
Is there a particular BGYO song that holds a special place in your heart? Why?
- Akira – It will be ‘Panahon’ from our 2nd album “Be Us”. The song talks about giving time and everything will align. It really holds a special place in my heart because I know that God always has a perfect timing for everything.
- JL – For me it’s ‘The Light’, it’s our debut single and where everything began. The message of the song still sticks with us even until now.
- Nate – ‘Aloe Vera’ holds a special place in my heart because the song is about soothing people’s hearts with the right type of love. That’s what a lot of people don’t realize they need but when they finally find out, things get brighter and better.
- Mikki- ‘Trash’ is very special to me because it represents us very well. It’s a song that started a new era for all of us. I felt the magic when we were in the studio with all the writers and producers. From the lyrics to the production, it was something magical and different from our past releases.
- Gelo – ‘The Light’ will always be special to me because it’s our debut song. It’s about finding the light in the darkness and being a light for each other. We’ve been through a lot as a group and as individuals, and that song reminds us of our strength and growth. It also takes me back to where it all started.
What’s a concept or genre you’d like to explore in the future?
- Gelo – Personally, I’d love to explore sounds similar to my favorite artists like Christian Kuria or Wizkid, or something smooth, soulful, and a bit more on the sexy R&B side.
- Nate – I would love to explore doing songs like Justin Timberlake, Tobii, 2Hollis, and Tame Impala. R&B, Pop, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, and the music i want to make most is the music that gets you dancing in the CLUB!
- Mikki– like our song “ andito lang” and “heartstrings”i wanna explore more pop rock songs for BGYO. I feel like it’s a really fun genre for BGYO to perform on stage.
If each of you could describe your co-members in one word, what would it be?
- Akira – For Nate it will be bunso “youngest” because he is the most energetic. Mikki, mysterious because at first he looks silent but once you talk to him he’s as fun as the rest of us. For JL, nonchalant because every time he talks his face and tone is the same but all of the words he’s saying are funny. For Gelo, laughter, because if he has a joke we couldn’t understand him and all we hear is his laugh.
- Nate – JL, Joker, he’s quick at making jokes. Gelo, Laugher, I am able to laugh at anything with him. Mikki, Chill, he’s relaxed but focused on the task at hand. Aki, Sunshine, he has energy and good vibes usually.
- Gelo – Akira is our sunshine acting siren, JL is our joker host and soulful singer, Mikki is like a cool black cat, Nate is our baby brother dance machine for life.
- Mikki – Gelo is the loud one, JL is the funny one, Akira is the corny one, and Nate is the energetic one.
- JL – Nate has a lot of energy and he loves to learn Filipino slangs and jokes
How do you support each other during tough times?
- Nate – During tough times we share laughs, we spend time, and we push through the stress through our tiring moments together. Our presence for each other means a lot too.
- Mikki – I agree with Nate, since we’re always together we always try to make everything feel light. When we’re tired or going through something, we usually joke around and just laugh about simple things that aren’t even that funny.
What message do you want to leave your fans with through your music?
- Gelo – We want our listeners to feel seen and inspired through our music. We want them actually to feel every kind of emotion through our music. from love and growth to chasing dreams. No matter what style or genre we explore, we always make sure they can still hear and feel that distinct BGYO sound.
- Mikki – We want them to feel like they’re with us when they’re listening to our songs. No matter what topic the song is about, we want them to be able to relate and enjoy good music.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your pre-debut selves?
- Nate – Looking back, I would tell our pre-debut selves to focus, don’t stress, but do the absolute best you can. everything will be amazing and you will reach the places you want to reach.
- Gelo – Trust the process, stay grounded, and believe that every challenge will shape you into who you’re meant to be.
- Mikki – Always be hungry to learn from others and believe in yourself.
Where do you see BGYO five years from now?
- JL – I see BGYO five years from now conquering the world stage doing world tours, creating more hit songs, and inspiring even more people thru our music.
- Gelo – Five years from now, I see BGYO reaching more people around the world while still carrying our Filipino identity and sound with pride. We stay true to ourselves and our craft. And still aiming for excellence with the people we love.
- Mikki – In five years, I see BGYO as artists who made a big impact in our country and hopefully outside the Philippines too.
“Dance With Me” Official Music Video
Check out their EP ‘Headlines’
Photo Credit: BGYO
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