Shoti, a Filipino singer/producer, is making waves in Southeast Asia with his crossover single “LDR,” which is topping different streaming charts. The sped-up version of “LDR” alone has held its footing in major regional countries, peaking at No. 13, 49, 61, and 147 on Spotify Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, respectively.
The laid-back song suddenly went popular owing to its sped-up version, which spawned innumerable TikTok dance versions and offered a soundtrack to a new generation of listeners who are drawn in by the lyrics’ relatability.
With the song delivered in English and Cebuano lyrics, Shoti continues the tradition of asserting cultural and geographical identity to mainstream music, while remaining current and true to his vision as an artist. This prompted Sony Music Entertainment to sign him as one of their new artists on their esteemed roster, and eventually co-release what could be one of the biggest local pop/hip-hop songs in recent memory.
“The Sony Music Entertainment family treats me not like a business partner but as a member of the family,” shares the 16-year-old bedroom pop sensation. “They’ve been guiding me in terms of putting my music out there and reaching as many people as I could. If we have problems, they make sure to work on them ASAP.”
Shoti’s latest single, “LDR” is accompanied by a music video helmed by Anthony Hejie Suralta. Released yesterday on YouTube, the visuals showed the young artist and his friends in a happy, carefree state, giving out roses to random girls as a form of appreciation. Shoti reveals that the concept behind it was impromptu and casual, with his friends cherishing a cheerful moment together.
“I told our music director that I wanted something candid, just me and my friends laughing,” the Cebu-based artist adds. “It was super easy working with them because they are my family friends.”
In just one day after release, the music video for “LDR” debuted inside the top 20 of YouTube’s Trending For Music chart and is currently gaining traction at a rapid pace.
Shoti’s “LDR” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
