This collaboration invites listeners to “let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures”
Rising
Filipino artists Young Cocoa and DEMI have teamed up on their
latest single, “Cheap Thrills,” a delightful track that captures the
lighthearted rush of young romance.
Released
today via Sony Music Entertainment, the smooth jam shines with its
captivating sense of ease and simplicity, going for subtlety instead of flashy
distractions. What started as a solo demo quickly evolved into a ‘joint’
earworm that invites listeners to let go, lean in, and find joy in life’s
simpler pleasures: no frills, just feels.
“I’ve always wondered how a track of mine would sound with a female artist,” shares Young Cocoa. “When JGreg and I finished the demo, we felt like the song was missing a big piece, and that’s when we thought of having DEMI on it. The goal of the collaboration really was to create a compelling sound through contrast, highlighting two distinct styles on this one track—one that DEMI wouldn’t normally be on given her sonic choices historically. We’re similar enough to be on the same wavelength but different enough to be distinct, and that’s how I knew we’d gel well on this.”
For DEMI, the pairing was proved to
be an unexpectedly successful match. “Honestly, I have no idea why they thought
I was the right fit for this demo,” the chart-topping newcomer laughs. “At
first I couldn’t hear myself on this kind of track, but with a little push, I
gave it a shot, and surprisingly, I loved how it turned out.”
Despite never sharing a studio
space, the two artists found their rhythm remotely. The collaborative process
took place online, which unlocked a new skill set for both artists, who each
have a different outlook for songwriting and creativity. “Because the
production was really playful, we had to get creative with flows and cadences,”
Young Cocoa says.
DEMI adds,” It definitely took time.
I needed to adjust and explore a bit before I could even send back my demo. A
brainstorming session with an artist friend actually helped unlock the
direction I wanted to take, and that really sparked my creativity for this one.”
Thematically, “Cheap Thrills” draws
on real, lived experiences. For Young Cocoa, it’s rooted in his easygoing
personality and dating memories from college. DEMI, on the other hand, echoes
the sentiment with her own lens: “I naturally give my all when I fall in love,
so writing this was a fun and honest way to express that side of me.”
Helmed by producer JGreg, the
soundscape leans toward Y2K R&B/hip-hop with a modern twist: breezy yet
rich in texture. “JGreg really brought the sauce,” Young Cocoa admits. “We were
aiming for that Neptunes/Tyler-esque sound with a blend of pop.” DEMI hears
another layer in the mix: “There’s definitely a Justin Timberlake vibe in the
harmonies. Unexpected but welcome!”
The release of the song also comes
with a music video that mirrors the song’s carefree spirit. Directed by Naki,
the playful concept sees the duo on a road trip that takes an unexpected turn
when their cars break down.
“We leaned into cinematography over
narrative,” says YC. “It’s more about mood and visual strength, with a lot of
stills and dynamic shots.
Young Cocoa and DEMI’s “Cheap Thrills” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video on Young Cocoa's official YouTube channel, set to premiere on July 31.
About Sony Music Entertainment
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