Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert (pronounced “Robert”) is taking his music beyond the confines of his bedroom and onto international stages, bringing his introspective sound and bilingual storytelling to audiences across Southeast Asia.

Fresh from a Southeast Asian tour leg in Indonesia, the 21-year-old artist recently visited Manila and sat down with Manila Concert Scene for an intimate conversation about his debut full-length album, meet me in my head, his creative process, musical influences, and growing connection with international fans.

Born in the United States in 2005 and raised in Japan, Rol3ert has steadily established himself as one of indie-pop’s promising new voices under Exciter Records. Initially gaining attention through viral social media covers that accumulated millions of views, he eventually found his breakthrough with the single “sweet tear.” Now, with a 14-track debut album and his first international tour underway, the singer-songwriter is beginning an exciting new chapter in his musical journey.

A Warm Welcome to Manila

Despite arriving in Metro Manila just a day before his promotional activities, Rol3ert was quick to appreciate the city’s atmosphere and the warmth of its people.

“I thought it was super huge, in a way,” he shared, recalling his first impressions of the Philippines. “When I got to the airport and got out, the sky was really so huge and super spacious. And I love the people—everyone’s so nice.”

One of the highlights of his Manila visit was his appearance on the iconic Wish 107.5 Bus, a memorable milestone for international artists performing in the country.

“It was great,” he said. “There were some people waiting in front of the bus, and I got to take some pictures and greet them. But I was pretty nervous, though—because it’s the Wish Bus, it’s such a big deal!”

Finding His Voice Through Two Languages

At the center of meet me in my head is a 14-track collection that moves naturally between English and Japanese. For Rol3ert, switching languages is not simply a creative preference but an essential part of how he communicates emotions and tells stories through music.

“Whenever it’s easy to express in English, I write in English, and whenever it’s easy in Japanese, I write in Japanese,” he explained. “That’s how I decide which language to sing in. That’s why I can express my emotions or feelings 100%.”

He further described his bilingual approach as a “secret weapon,” allowing him to communicate feelings that might otherwise be difficult to capture in just one language.

“When you find something you can’t explain in English, you can use Japanese, right? That style of telling the story is probably like a secret weapon of my music,” he added.

Among the album’s tracks, “Boy” holds a particularly personal place for the singer. The song explores the contradictions of growing up, navigating the feeling of becoming more mature while constantly discovering how much there is still to learn.

“It’s about growing up—you feel like you’re kind of mature or you’ve improved, but at the same time, you face something that makes you feel like, ‘Oh, maybe I’m just a boy,’ or ‘I’m still immature.’ That happens all the time,” he shared.

He even drew inspiration from his experiences as a musician, recalling how frustrating it can be to practice a piano piece repeatedly only to make a mistake during an actual performance. These moments of vulnerability became part of the song’s emotional foundation.

Learning to Embrace His Authentic Self

The album title, meet me in my head, serves as an invitation into Rol3ert’s thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences. More than just a collection of songs, it represents his willingness to become more open about who he is.

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, his answer was simple: “Don’t hide yourself.”

“I used to hide myself a lot,” he reflected. “Through this album, I learned how to let my guard down. Even if it’s messy, chaotic, or kind of ugly, I learned how to express it 100%. Because that’s the best way to show my authentic self—the real self.”

That newfound openness is reflected throughout the record, where personal stories and unfiltered emotions become the foundation of his songwriting.

From Bedroom Sessions to International Stages

For an artist who initially built his music career creating content and recording songs at home, performing internationally marks a significant milestone.

Rol3ert admitted that connecting with audiences outside Japan was something he had always hoped to experience. His ongoing Southeast Asian tour has finally allowed him to turn that dream into reality, bringing his music closer to listeners who discovered him online.

“I was always making music at home all alone,” he shared. “That’s why this tour means a lot to me. When I come here, I feel connected with international fans, not only in Japan. That’s exactly what I wanted to do.”

Balancing his growing music career with college life also presents its own challenges, but the opportunity to perform and meet fans across different countries makes the experience even more meaningful.

Musical Influences and Dream Collaborations

Beyond his own music, Rol3ert continues to draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists and performers. Among his biggest musical influences are The Strokes, whom he hopes to collaborate with someday.

He also expressed interest in discovering more Filipino music, mentioning local indie favorites Chocolate Factory and singer-actress Belle Mariano as artists on his radar.

As someone who appreciates the energy of live performances, Rol3ert also looks forward to experiencing some of the world’s biggest concert productions firsthand. He named Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift among the artists he wants to watch, along with Oasis, particularly following the band’s reunion.

For his own live performances, one song he is especially excited to share with audiences is “Dreams.” Featuring just piano and vocals, the track offers a more intimate experience that allows him to connect closely with his listeners.

“Whenever I perform that song with piano and vocals, it feels more intimate, and I get to be close with my fans,” he said.

A Possible Return to Manila

With new singles already in the works and more live performances ahead, Rol3ert hinted that Filipino fans might have another opportunity to see him in the country, potentially through a full headlining show next year.

Before wrapping up the conversation, he shared a heartfelt message for his growing Philippine fanbase.

“Thank you so much for always listening to my music. I have some special upcoming songs and shows, so please stay tuned and check out my social media. Maybe I’ll see you guys next year again!”

From viral covers and bedroom recordings to a debut album and international performances, Rol3ert is proving that music can transcend language and borders. With meet me in my head, he invites listeners into his world, one honest story and melody at a time—and his Manila visit may just be the beginning of a deeper connection with Filipino fans.

Follow Rol3ert on his social media accounts and streaming platforms for updates on upcoming music and live performances.