Philip La Rosa confronts L.A. illusions on the luminous “Glitter & Gold”
With “Glitter & Gold,” Philip La Rosa adds another gem to what has already been an astonishingly prolific year. Marking his ninth release of 2025, the Perth-based artist continues to push deeper into introspective alt-pop and this time around, he’s turned his gaze toward the “mirage” that is the entirety of Los Angeles. The song ends up being this moody, cinematic listen that unpacks ambition, burnout, and the complicated pursuit of an overwhelming city.
La Rosa has always had a knack for emotion in his music, but “Glitter & Gold” feels especially raw, shaped by a trip he took to the city. His lyricism is honest, vulnerable, and quite direct. There’s a particular relatability to this track for anyone who has lived in L.A. (us, currently). It’s supposed to be this land of ambition and opportunity, but once you get there, you realize the dog eat dog world it actually is.
With the production handled by Nic Rollo in Perth, the song is a masterclass in atmosphere. It’s lush and enveloping without ever becoming overbearing. A thiiiick bass line anchors the track, while airy synths and subtle electronic textures shimmer like city lights. La Rosa’s attention to detail in the recording process is unmistakable and it really feels like a match made in heaven between the two.
We have to talk about the vocals though! La Rosa delivers one of his strongest performances yet, with a tone that moves effortlessly from restrained introspection to soaring emotional release. His voice glides over the production with both grace, carrying a warmth that cuts through the track’s colder tones. The way the song picks up pace in its latter half, building into a brighter, more vibrant swell, mirrors the emotion of it all.
For us, the song feels tailor-made for late-night drives, sad-pop playlists, or any moment when you’re sitting with the weight of your own dreams. It’s catchy without feeling manufactured, atmospheric without losing structure, and incredibly modern.
There’s no glamorization here, no empty metaphors. It’s just a talented artist wrestling with the truth of his own journey and turning that honesty into something beautiful. On the song, Philip proves once again that his craft is only getting sharper. If this is release number nine of the year, we can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
So please, don’t waste another moment not listening to this song. You can enjoy it, follow along, and of course stay tuned for the latest by clicking those important links below. Enjoy!
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