The Bicol-born artist explores anger and vulnerability in alt-rock anthem
Filipino singer-songwriter dwta is back in the spotlight with her new single, “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” published under Sony Music Entertainment, following the commercial success of her collaboration with SB19’s Justin, “Sampung Mga Daliri.”
“Nasusunog,” which deviates significantly from her usual folk-pop style, is an anthem that skillfully combines alt-rock music with personal introspection. The song, which was written by Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta) at the Sony x Monostereo Groove songwriting session earlier this year alongside Tiana Kocher, Ashley Mehta, and Martin Estrada, pulsates with frantic rhythms, seething rage, and explosive, in-your-face arrangements. Though her voice is still rooted in sincerity, this is her Jagged Little Pill phase.
The Bicol-born artist describes “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” as an exploration of what she calls a graceful wrath, the act of expressing anger in a way that remains vulnerable and composed. “It’s not screaming or exploding; it’s just simply burning, quietly and beautifully.”
The song’s conceptual genesis came from a simple but loaded childhood phrase, “Liar, liar, pants on fire,” which also serves as the song’s alternative title. What began as a playful idiom quickly revealed deeper implications. “We realized it could symbolize how deceit burns through trust,” she adds. “It became the foundation for a song about reclaiming power and releasing long-suppressed emotions.”
Recorded with Martin Estrada at the helm of production and Brian Lotho as co-producer, “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” retains essential elements of dwta’s sound—percussion, acoustic textures, and ornamental strings—while venturing into darker, brooding sonic terrain. The electric guitar work, in particular, lends an edge that mirrors the song’s emotional weight.
Citing Lizzy McAlpine’s “Erase Me” as a reference point, dwta embraced a moodier palette and created a track that speaks not only to her personal journey, but also to shared experiences of betrayal and resilience, especially among women.
“It wasn’t just about me, though. It was like a collective emotion from all of us in the room,” the Santigwar artist shares. “We talked about people who lie, manipulate, and make you feel small, and how we were all done with that. So the song became this emotional release, like a shared fire we all needed to let out.”
dwta continues to develop into one of the most dependable singer-songwriters of her generation with “Nasusunog (Pants On Fire),” a woman who isn’t scared to face her worries head-on with grace and candor. The new song reveals a new side to her artistic journey while reaffirming her dedication to conveying truthful stories.
“Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)” by dwta is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment.
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