The Philippines’ indie-pop darling, Clara Benin, is making an optimistic return with her latest EP, really got me thinking. This ep album marks a significant milestone in her career as her first cohesive body of work dedicated entirely to the hopeful side of love. Moving away from her signature themes of heartbreak and existential longing, Benin met with the media to discuss this creative evolution and her highly anticipated, sold-out concert scheduled for May 2026.

This new direction was a personal challenge for the songwriter, who believes that the more personal a song is, the more it resonates with her audience. By embracing a fun and positive perspective, Benin has crafted a collection of songs that feel like a warm invitation into her private world.

The production of the EP was a definitive showcase of organic sound, co-produced by long-time collaborators Francis “The Ringmaster” Lorenzo and Nick Lazaro. While Benin had worked with both producers separately on previous projects like I Rose Up Lately and Fragments, this was the first time the three joined forces. The creative goal was to keep the EP purely organic, strictly avoiding electric instruments. To make a “vocal and guitar” record sound dynamic, the team took an experimental approach; The Ringmaster even sampled the sounds of leaves and pots from outside his home for percussion. Combined with intricate vocal harmonies, the result is a sonic experience that feels as though Benin is performing in the same room as the listener.

The tracklist serves as a narrative journey through different facets of affection. It opens with “Hmmm,” a short instrumental that sets a gentle mood, followed by the lead single “The One To Blame,” which captures the feeling of finding someone who makes life feel softer. A standout moment is “Tahanan,” a Tagalog track that explores the profound depth of finding a “home” in another person—a sentiment Benin felt could only be properly expressed in Filipino language and more meaningful than in English language. Her fourth track “Cinnamon Coffee” – A companion to “Tahanan,” echoing the warmth of coming home to a loved one. While her current favorite, “Wings,” focuses on a transformative love that inspires personal growth and self-improvement.The song “You Around” celebrates the simple, profound joy of someone being genuinely happy just to spend time with you.

Clara shared a touching reflection on her journey with her fans. She recalled an encounter with a young couple who approached her to share how much her song “Parallel Universe” meant to them back when they were both heartbroken. Clara noted that she has witnessed this beautiful cycle many times: fans who once found solace in her “heartbreak anthems” while they were single or hurting are now returning to her shows—only this time, they are attending as happy couples. She finds it incredibly sweet and rewarding to see her music transition from a source of comfort in sadness to a part of her fans’ new, shared chapters of love.

To commemorate the release of the EP, Clara Benin: really got me thinking – A Live Show is set to take over Teatrino Promenade on May 16, 2026. The evening will feature a special performance by indie-folk band The Ridleys, promising a night of pure, organic music. While regular tickets for the intimate launch are already sold out, fans who have already secured their seats still have a chance to enhance their experience. Current ticketholders can purchase add-on upgrades for exclusive access to the artist’s soundcheck and a meet-and-greet session via the official Ticketmelon https://www.ticketmelon.com/minsan-studio/reallygotmethinkingaliveshowbyclarabeninsoundcheck

Stream Clara Benin’s ‘really got me thinking’, out now in all major music streaming platforms, under Sony Music Philippines