Clara Benin

Music Highlights

• Known for her soft, expressive vocals and mellow indie-folk and acoustic-pop sound.
• Recognized for intimate songwriting that explores vulnerability, self-acceptance, love, and personal growth.
• Built a following in the Philippine indie music scene through original songs and live performances.
• Expanded her musical style with her 2026 EP really got me thinking, exploring a more hopeful perspective on love.
   

Notable Songs

• Parallel Universe
• Wine
• Araw’t Gabi
• Tila
• Affable Dork
• Fallin’ (with December Avenue)
• Solomon (with Munimuni)
• Closer Than Before (with Lola Amour)
• Roses (with Paolo Sandejas)
• muscle memory
• the one to blame
• cinnamon coffee
   

Music and Performances

• Performed at notable music festivals, including Wanderland Music & Arts Festival in the Philippines, Music Matters in Singapore, Zandari Festa in South Korea, and SXSW Sydney in Australia.
• Known for intimate live performances that highlight her vocals, acoustic guitar, and storytelling.
• Collaborated with Filipino artists such as Lola Amour, One Click Straight, Munimuni, Johnoy Danao, and Paolo Sandejas.
• Participated in Coke Studio Philippines Season 3 in 2019, co-writing, co-arranging, and performing music for the platform.
• Contributed songs to film, television, and advertising projects, including the film RED and a GCash campaign.

Career Highlights

• Released her debut studio album, Human Eyes, in 2015.
• Released the EP Riverchild in 2015, followed by I Rose Up Slowly in 2019 and fragments in 2020.
• Released her second studio album, befriending my tears, in 2023, exploring themes of self-acceptance and emotional growth.
• Released the deluxe edition, befriending my tears (and then some), in 2024.
• Celebrated the 10th anniversaries of Human Eyes and Riverchild with special concerts in 2025.
• Released the six-track EP really got me thinking in 2026, featuring a more hopeful approach to love and relationships.
   

Life and Public Image

• Comes from a musical family; her father, Joey Benin, is a former bassist of the Filipino band Side A.
• Began experimenting with songwriting during her teenage years and developed her own musical identity through independent releases.
• Often described as the Philippines’ indie darling, with a quiet demeanor and a distinctive acoustic sound.
• Has spoken about staying true to her sound, trusting her instincts, and writing songs that help listeners feel understood.
• Continues to explore new musical directions while retaining the intimate, reflective qualities associated with her earlier work.
   

Fun Facts

• Her father, Joey Benin, is a former member of Side A and helped guide her during the recording of her debut album.
• Her debut album Human Eyes was released in 2015.
• Her son “Araw’t Gabi” was written and performed for the 2014 Cinemalaya film RED.
• She has performed internationally at festivals in Singapore, South Korea, and Australia.
• She considers herself a songwriter first and has described songwriting as a grounding and personal process.
• Her 2026 EP really got me thinking reflects a more optimistic side of her songwriting, particularly in its exploration of love.