Lulu Malaya takes the leap on debut single, "Time To Fly"

With her debut single Time To Fly, Lulu Malaya arrives with the kind of confidence that usually takes artists years to earn. Released on December 19th, 2025, the track feels like a mission statement disguised as a celebration, blending pop immediacy, hip-hop bounce, and the emotional sweep of musical theatre into something that feels joyful, purposeful, and unmistakably her own. It’s the sound of someone choosing momentum over hesitation, and enjoying every second of the fall upward.

The song’s energy is unmistakable from the start, built on a playful, groove-driven beat, the production keeps things light on its feet while leaving room for Malaya’s vocals to shine. There’s a natural theatricality to her delivery, but it never tips into melodrama. Instead, she channels stage born expressiveness into a pop framework, giving the track a sense of motion and uplift that feels tailor-made for headphones, car speakers, and crowded rooms alike. It’s super vibey, unapologetically fun, and anchored by sharp lyricism that balances self-reflection with exhilaration.

Lyrically, the single tells a story years in the making. The words had lived quietly on the page until a spark arrived through a renewed love of musical theatre, ignited by recent cultural moments that reminded audiences why the stage still matters. Rather than waiting for permission or the elusive “right time,” Malaya reframed the narrative: close your eyes, trust your instincts, and jump.

Her journey to this moment adds emotional gravity to the song’s optimism. Born and raised in the Philippines, shaped by chapters in New York, and now rooted in Los Angeles, Malaya has lived a performer’s life across continents. Adopting “Malaya,” the Tagalog word for “free,” as her name is more than symbolism; it’s a declaration. The track reflects that ethos, embracing freedom not as an abstract ideal but as an active choice made again and again.

The collaboration behind the scenes elevates the song without overshadowing its heart. Connecting through a Los Angeles space known for live pianists and show-tune devotion, Malaya found creative partners who understood how to translate theatrical passion into modern pop language. Recorded over the summer in a home studio, the result feels intimate rather than overbuilt, polished yet personal. For the fans of Wicked and “Defying Gravity”, we think you’re going to love this.

The influences are there, pop, hip-hop, and theatre, but the song never feels like a collage. Lulu Malaya doesn’t just introduce herself with this debut, she invites listeners into a world where ambition is joyful. Go ahead and crank it up, give it a spin, and of course stay tuned for more from an artist on the rise!

Listen to “Time To Fly”

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