You’ve probably jammed to the TikTok-viral song “NVMD”; now, get ready to celebrate the rising local female R&B icon behind these hits—Denise Julia!

by Marian Luisa Palo
Photos from Denise Julia and Chart Data PH
November 23, 2023

With tunes that evoke the spirit of 90s and early-2000s R&B, and a hint of modern pop, 21-year-old singer-songwriter Denise Julia is making her mark in the music industry, both locally and internationally.

Denise Julia delivers everything with ‘Sweet Nothings.’

Denise Julia recently released her new single “B.A.D.” featuring P-Lo, following her breakthrough with “NVMD,” and it has once again gone viral, with everyone participating in dance challenges to the catchy baddie anthem. The music video features Filipino Drag Superstar Marina Summers and other local dancers.

“B.A.D.” is the lead track from her latest debut album “Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1),” and this debut is performing well on the charts with Top 10 rankings across different streaming platforms.

A few weeks after the album’s release, she served looks and vocals in her music video for “Lackin’,” which has everyone begging and manifesting until the song becomes a substitute for the air they breathe.

“Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1)” will undoubtedly take you on a ride of emotions with six songs, two of which feature Jason Dhakal and HILLARI, ranging from upbeat tunes that make you vibe and channel your confidence to slow ones that will have you laying down and missing an ex—truly right up Gen Z's alley.

Following the album release on November 17, she was hailed for the first time as the most streamed female OPM artist on Spotify Philippines. Currently, she has more than three million monthly listeners on Spotify—and counting.

Denise Julia is our “Patron Saint of Situationships.”

Denise Julia has long been writing songs, mostly for those who can relate to and have experienced failed relationships and talking stages, even before her latest music, as seen in what “NVMD” was known for. She has a soothing voice that makes you want to go back to a non-existent ex.

Because of her brand, her fans have coined her the title “Patron Saint of Situationships.” She knows it and is unapologetically owning up to it! But beyond these dilemma-heavy themes, she doesn't forget to add a touch of women empowerment to her craft.

HERstory from TikTok Sensation to Self-made R&B Icon.

Way before “NVMD” hit social media like a wave, she was already famous for her covers on TikTok, which she continues to post, singing various OPM and international songs in her unique style that can leave you in awe. Social media really gave her a push to be a singing sensation, and it has transcended beyond screens.

Nearly two years fresh into the music scene, people cannot help but compare her to renowned female pop and R&B artists like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, SZA, and Ariana Grande, but she’s been expressive since day one about them being the inspirations for her artistry. She even begins her “B.A.D.” music video with a skit of a little girl, who appears to be a younger Denise Julia, glued to Beyoncé’s live performance on the television, truly showing and paying homage to her musical roots.

Denise Julia, in addition to her vocal and songwriting prowess, is also praised as a Filipino beauty who flaunts and takes pride in her being morena, and it is undeniably refreshing to have that representation, considering how wide her following is and how significant this is in the entertainment industry.

With that much talent and strength in her womanhood at only in her early 20s, Denise Julia is not only a no-skip female Filipino icon cultivating our music culture while penetrating the bigger scene; she also serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to be like her too.

Who knows? Maybe she’ll soon be the R&B diva little girls watch on screen in the future, just like she did. And we are seated for it.