An Indo-Filipino cross-border collaboration explores connection and loneliness in the digital age
Together, Filipino indie-folk sensation Peej and well-known Indian singer-songwriter and producer Dhruv Visvanath have released their poignant new single, “Pieces” which will be available everywhere on Friday, May 16, 2025.
The song, which was inspired by a chance encounter at Singapore’s All That Matters music convention in 2024, examines the basic human desire for connection in a world growing more and more isolated.
“At its core, Pieces is about drifting—emotionally and spiritually—and trying to find your way back to something or someone,” shares Dhruv Visvanath. “This past year, I’ve been pushing myself to write differently, explore new places, and seek deeper connections. When I met Peej in Singapore, we clicked instantly–we even swapped t-shirts! Pieces began as a quiet, introspective idea, like drifting alone at sea, longing for connection. The moment I created the demo, I knew Peej was the missing piece. He brought a rare sincerity to the song–and, of course, his stunning saxophone.”
Peej, whose emotional songwriting and saxophone work have made him a standout in the Filipino indie scene, echoed the enthusiasm.
“We met during one of our performance days and kept bumping into each other during the festival,” Peej recalls. “We gave each other high praises after each of our performances. It was obvious we had so many things in common, including our positive, friendly demeanor and our passion for music. So when Dhruv messaged me a few months later to collaborate, I jumped at the chance.”
Crafted entirely through remote collaboration, with Dhruv working from his bedroom studio in New Delhi and Peej from Manila, “Pieces” offers an intimate sonic experience, blending tender lyricism, atmospheric guitar work, and haunting saxophone lines. Produced and penned by Dhruv Visvanath, with songwriting credits from Peej, the eclectic pop track highlights acoustic textures with emotional clarity.
“When Dhruv sent me the first raw voice note, I was immediately excited. I could already imagine how it would come together since sad songs were right up my alley. The process of writing my parts was pretty effortless because the song already had such a strong foundation.”
Thematically, Pieces dives into modern-day loneliness and the persistent desire for connection. When Dhruv sent the first verse and chorus to Peej, the Filipino indie artist assumed that his musician-friend was going through a difficult time in life. Only later did Peej found out that the song was about Dhruv wanting to tear himself into pieces to reinvent himself. “When I wrote my parts, suddenly Pieces became a story about loneliness and the desire for connection after a lover has left. Although it wasn’t what Dhruv initially had in mind, we’re both extremely proud of what we created.”
The long-distance nature of their collaboration shaped the final sound in surprising ways.
“As two solo artists who find comfort in creating music alone, the distance gave us space to put in our individual voices and styles without judgment,” Peej notes. “It allowed us the freedom to deliver our parts in our own unique way.”
Above all, “Pieces” is a celebration of openness, honesty, and the kind of cross-border artistic connection. Peej muses, “Collaborating with artists you admire and respect can lead to a piece of art you didn’t know you were capable of creating.”
One thing is clear from the fact that Pieces is already available on popular digital platforms worldwide: this partnership is more than just music. It serves as a reminder that the urge for real connection endures despite the volatility of today’s society.
Listen to the song here.
Peej
- Instagram: @hey.peej
- Spotify: Listen Here
- YouTube:Watch Here
- TikTok: Follow Here
- Press Photos: Link
Dhruv Visvanath
- Instagram: @mrdhruvv
- Spotify: Listen Here
- YouTube: Watch Here
- Website: www.mrdhruv.com
- Press Photos: Link
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