We all knew where we were when R&B it girl Denise Julia shared the inspiration behind her song “Sugar n’ Spice.” Her songwriting never disappoints, and it’s all thanks to her “lover girl” era that gave color to her lyrics. What we initially thought was an unassuming love letter to a future partner that fueled our delusions and manifestations turned out to be way more.
Following the success of her debut EP “Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1),” which includes lead singles “B.A.D” and “Lackin’,” Denise Julia took to social media to share her creative process for the mini album. One of these anecdotes was the context behind the EP’s third single “Sugar n’ Spice.” Little did fans know, that tidbit of information was enough to make every sapphic on the Internet fall to their knees.
Yes, Denise Julia is for the sapphics and “Sugar n’ Spice” is the gift that keeps on giving. After the swoon-worthy reveal, “Sugar n’ Spice” became the third most streamed song on her EP and the newest addition to WLW playlists (because even certified baddies deserve love, right?). The instant fan favorite also got a music video on Feb. 3, produced by an all-female team of creatives and talents—one of them being director and patron saint of Pinoy sapphic media Samantha Lee.
The “Sugar n’ Spice” music video exudes the radiance and ease of a woman’s love in its truest form. For those who can’t get enough of Denise Julia’s songwriting chops “for that one pretty masc,” here are four OPM love songs written especially for the sapphics that all sit at the same lunch table.
“Varsity Crush” by Pixie Labrador
Anyone who studied in an all-girls school remembers their silly teenage crush on their batch’s star athlete. We’d assist them in their after-school training. We’d lose our voice cheering in all their games. And if we’re lucky enough, we’d even score a picture with them at the school’s annual sports fest. New York City-based Filipino artist Pixie Labrador’s “Varsity Crush” captures that exact feeling—the endearing innocence of a timid high school girl admiring her sporty, charismatic crush from afar amid a sea of other fans competing for her MVP’s attention. It’s a nostalgia trip that we eat up every single time.
“We’re Gonna Die Anyway” by Rene and Marian Carmel
“Let’s hold hands on the train—they’re going to stare, anyway.” If “Sugar n’ Spice” depicts ideal WLW relationships, then “We’re Gonna Die Anyway” dreams of the spaces for them to flourish. In 2022, indie musician Rene poured her heartfelt musings into the track with Singapore-based singer-songwriter Marian Carmel. They’ve proudly called it “a song by gays, for gays,” hoping for a world where sapphics and the queer community as a whole can love freely. No bigotry, no discrimination, no judging eyes. Just an endless haven of liberation and acceptance where we no longer have to hide, play pretend, or abide by society’s ancient ideals of love and relationships.
READ: This sapphic fast food ad is making us yearn before Pride month
“Lou” by No Lore
“Lou” is for the chronic overthinkers. For the reassurance cravers and lover girls who spend restless nights wondering if they’ll ever be worth the risk. “Lou” is a Scots word for “love,” but for alt-pop sibling duo No Lore, Lou is a softie at heart who masks her love with fear, too terrified of being perceived to fight for the woman she loves. The song’s eight-minute music video tugs at your heartstrings, complete with tears, conflict, and the distressing act of asking your partner what “forever” even means to them. But there’s beauty in how No Lore reminds us that we’ve chosen to love despite the uncertainty. Some compelling pieces of sapphic media overwhelm us with angst (in the best way), and “Lou” is no exception. We cling to these art forms like lifelines regardless, and sooner or later, we’ll identify as Lou, too.
READ: ‘Sleep With Me’ is the interabled sapphic love story we needed
“I Want Her to Know” by Band ni Cat
On this episode of endless sapphic yearning, we peek into the soul-crushing slow burn of your first WLW crush. Queer quintet Band ni Cat revels in unsaid feelings and concealed confessions with “I Want Her to Know,” a song that transports you to the club where you and her first crossed paths over red solo cups and rave music. The blaring tunes simmer down, everyone in the room is partying in slow motion, and suddenly, your eyes are on no one else but her. It’s a song you can revisit over and over about a lovestruck novelty you can only feel once. And when you’re fresh out of ideas on shooting your shot with the stunner at the party you might not ever see again, perhaps a simple “Hey, do you listen to Band ni Cat?” would be the perfect icebreaker.
Photo from Marian Carmel on Instagram
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