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Regina Pimentel is an indie singer-songwriter based in Southern California. Her music tells introspective stories through soft, emotional lullabies influenced by artists such as King Krule, Elliott Smith, and Beabadoobee. Her sound often uses acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and dreamy synths, offering a more intimate and nostalgic atmosphere in her music. Regina's journey started over 10 years ago when she uploaded her first cover on Youtube at 14 years old. Since then, her Youtube covers have been recognized by artists such as Jhené Aiko, Clairo, and Conan Gray, alongside gaining a TikTok following of over 70k followers after posting original music. She placed in her first Spotify playlist "Fresh Finds Folk" with her song "June" that has over half a million streams on Spotify today. She is also known most for her "Nineteen" album song "Pictures in Your Phone" as well as "Stars Fall" from her latest EP "Sweet Dreams," both songs where her Beabadoobee and King Krule influence shine the most. Regina maintains her cherished hobby and continues songwriting, producing, and collaborating with other artists, instrumentalists, photographers whenever she finds the time. Though she is busy with her day job these days, she always finds a way back to recording music in her bedroom and takes her time with every project, whether it is an album, EP, or single. |
Sentimental, quiet, creative
Describe your sound:
My music offers a soft, melancholic feel through my instrument and production choices of warm synths and strings, acoustic guitar, vocal harmonies, and piano. Though rare in my discography, I love adding drums to my songs and producing the right beat and rhythm in Logic. My song "Lullaby" highlights one of my favorite experimental moments with drums. I often collaborate with other musician friends when I feel a song needs the extra magic touch, such as a beautiful pedal steel bend or a clean guitar riff. I love to think my songs feel like you are being taken back to a nostalgic memory that pulls at your heartstrings, whether you're reminiscing or ruminating.
Tell us about you early music memories and when you knew you wanted to pursue music:
My favorite memories as a kid are the road trips where my dad would play the same CDs as I'd watch the hills pass by on the freeway at dawn. Songs like "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia are forever etched in my brain and never fail to give me that yearning nostalgic feeling of wanting to be a kid again. I would say my parents are my first biggest influence when it comes to music as they encouraged my love for playing the piano and dancing ballet at 5 years old. I had an early love for singing through our frequent karaoke nights as every Filipino would be familiar with.
My love for music grew with me through my early days at school and I joined my first choir group at 11 years old. I remember always attempting to make bands with my friends when I became a huge fan of One Direction at that age. I knew since I was a child that music was going to be an important and huge part of my life. But I knew I wanted to seriously start making my own music around 14 years old, which was the start of my Youtube channel where I posted covers and began my songwriting journey.
How does your heritage impact your art?
Being the child of Asian-Immigrant parents, my art journey was always a complex and emotional rollercoaster. Growing up, I often had bad grades in school due to me wanting nothing but to work on my music, my youtube channel, and my instrument skills. My parents would, rightfully so, get upset with me for my grades and the conflicts would leave me feeling very confused about my future, further pushing my introspective motivation to write about my feelings.
As I grew older and through many life lessons learned however, I have been able to find a great balance between my adult life and my creativity. In many ways, my art has helped me grow closer with not only my upbringing and my family, but with myself. I think my heritage has impacted my art by influencing the themes I often write about: generational trauma, healing, self-reflection, and vulnerability.
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
I think I am most proud of the connections and friendships I have gained, whether it is a new friend who shares a love for writing music, or an artist that has influenced me that now follows me back on instagram. I also still remember where I was and what I was doing the day that Clairo commented under my cover of "Bags" and I haven't shut up about that since.
Your next music goal:
My next music goal is to make another full album and collaborate with as many of my creative friends as possible. I love taking my time with my art and in this age of AI "artists," I find it even more important to connect with my fellow creatives and make something from the heart every step of the way, no matter how long that takes. I have high hopes to work on more with my awesome little sister, whether it is album art or music videos.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
If I could collaborate with anyone, it would definitely be King Krule. He is so cool. The day I was introduced to his music was the day I changed the way I approached making music, lyrically, musically. "Borderline" was the first song I heard of his and I was hooked since. His music helped me through a lot of my angsty teenager days and his sound is just so insane. I could die happy if I ever collaborated with him.
A song that has shaped you:
"Coffee" by Beabadoobee will always be the first song that comes to mind when I think of an artist and song that has shaped me. I first heard the song when it came out on Soundcloud and I was 17 years old. Bea has inspired me for so many years as she is also a Filipina artist who makes music from soft romantic folk songs to emotional rock music. Growing up with her music helped me feel a lot more confident in the music I'd release. "Coffee" is a sweet reminder of how proud I am of my heritage and creative side.
3 songs you're listening to right now:
lyin by Loyle Carner
Runner by Alex G
Rock Bottom - Live by King Krule
Your community shout out:
Beabadoobee! (@radvxz). As mentioned, Bea has influenced my music journey ever since I discovered her in 2017. Seeing another Filipina being so successful in her music career is so special. It is that much more special knowing she is inspiring so many other young Filipina artists who are wanting to express themselves through music.
Anything else you'd like to share:
I have a new single titled "in love" that is out on Friday, August 28th! I am super excited as I collaborated with several creative mutuals including my little sister, Rochelle Pimentel, for the video and photo visuals. My friend, Jesse, who is a musician under the name Rosarrie, worked on the most beautiful animations for the video visuals. Another friend, Max who is also musician under the name MTB, worked on some graphics for my instagram promo posts. Seeing all of our work come together was so awesome and makes me so much more excited to post all the reels and photos.
Fun fact: According to my parents, I was named after a cat
